Instant Pot Rice - Love and Lemons (2024)

So long, rice cooker! This Instant Pot rice comes out perfectly every time. Fluffy and flavorful, it's delicious as a side dish, in grain bowls, and more.

I first tried this Instant Pot rice recipe last fall, and to be honest, I don’t think I’ve cooked rice any other way since. Nothing against the stovetop or the rice cooker, of course, but the convenience and reliable results of this Instant Pot rice recipe just can’t be beat. It’s super quick and easy, and the rice comes out tender, fluffy, and flavorful every time. If you have an Instant Pot, you have to try it!

How to Make Instant Pot Rice

This recipe couldn’t be simpler! To make it, you’ll need two ingredients:

1. White rice
2. Water

This recipe only works for white jasmine or basmati rice, as other kinds of rice, like brown or black rice, have different cooking times. I haven’t nailed down a pressure cooker method for cooking black rice yet, but if you have brown rice, you can find cooking instructions in this post!

Rinse the rice well and place it in the Instant Pot. Pour in the water and secure the Instant Pot’s lid.

Pressure cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, and then allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. When the float valve drops, remove the lid.

Fluff the rice with a fork, and enjoy!

Serve the rice right away, or allow it to cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Instant Pot Rice Recipe Tips

• Rinse the rice. Whether you’re cooking rice in the Instant Pot or on the stove, I always recommend rinsing it first. To do this, place it in a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl, and rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear in the bowl. This process washes away excess starches that can cause the rice to clump, giving it a lighter, fluffier texture once it’s cooked.
• Scale the recipe to your Instant Pot.I always cook 2 cups of rice at a time in my 6-quart Instant Pot. Because it’s on the larger side, just 1 cup tends to scorch on the bottom of the pot. But if you have a smaller, 3-quart Instant Pot, feel free to make just 1 cup of rice! You’ll use the same cook time and rice to water ratio.
• Not sure how to use your rice? We can help! I’m guessing that you’ll have no trouble coming up with ways to eat your rice, but if you do need some inspiration, we have tons of ideas! Toss it with olive oil or butter and salt for a simple side dish, or serve it alongside a curry or stir fry. Turn it into cilantro lime rice to make zesty stuffed peppers or Chipotle-style burrito bowls. Or leave it plain and add it to a DIY grain bowl with your favorite vegetables, a protein, and a tasty sauce. Find 15 of our favorite rice bowl recipes here!

More Favorite Pressure Cooker Recipes

If you love this Instant Pot rice recipe, try making one of these dishes in the Instant Pot next:

• Brown Rice
• Quinoa
• Steel-Cut Oats
• Lentil Soup
• Chili
• Mashed Potatoes
• Pinto Beans
• Black Beans