Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe – White & Brown Rice Guide

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe – White & Brown Rice Guide

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, perfectly cooked rice can feel like a small victory in the kitchen. And honestly, with the Instant Pot, it is a total win! I first started making rice in the Instant Pot because, well, life got busy. Now, it’s my go-to method – fluffy, consistent results every single time. Today, I’m sharing my foolproof guide to Instant Pot basmati rice, covering both white and brown varieties. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot basmati rice recipe is a game-changer. It’s unbelievably easy, requires minimal effort, and delivers perfectly cooked rice without any fuss. No more burnt bottoms or sticky messes! Plus, it frees up your stovetop for other dishes. Seriously, once you try this, you’ll never go back to making rice any other way.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup white Basmati rice
• 1 cup water (for white rice)
• 1 cup brown Basmati rice
• 1.25 cups water (for brown rice)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk rice! Basmati rice is known for its long, slender grains and lovely aroma. There are a few different types you might find:

• Traditional Basmati: This is the classic, and what I usually use.
• Brown Basmati: A whole grain option, offering a nuttier flavor and more fiber. It takes a little longer to cook, but it’s worth it!
• Aged Basmati: Some people swear by aged basmati (usually 2+ years old) for even better texture. It’s said to be less sticky.

Now, about the water ratio. This is key. For white basmati, a 1:1 rice-to-water ratio works beautifully. For brown basmati, you’ll want to increase the water slightly to 1:1.25. Don’t worry, I’ll remind you in the instructions!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some rice!

1. First, give your basmati rice a good rinse under cold water. This helps remove excess starch and results in fluffier rice. Then, soak it in water for about 15-20 minutes. This isn’t strictly necessary, but I find it makes a difference.
2. Drain the soaked rice thoroughly.
3. Add the drained rice and the appropriate amount of water to your Instant Pot. Remember: 1 cup rice to 1 cup water for white, and 1 cup rice to 1.25 cups water for brown.
4. Secure the lid, making sure the vent is set to ‘Sealing.’
5. Now for the cooking! For white rice, select ‘Pressure Cook’ on Low for 4 minutes. For brown rice, choose ‘Pressure Cook’ on High for 22 minutes.
6. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This is called Natural Pressure Release (NPR). After 10 minutes, carefully manually release any remaining pressure.
7. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t peek! Resist the urge to open the lid during cooking or NPR. It can affect the final result.
• A little oil helps: Adding a tiny teaspoon of oil (like ghee or vegetable oil) to the water can help prevent sticking.
• Salt is your friend: A pinch of salt in the water enhances the flavor.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

• White Rice vs. Brown Rice: As we’ve covered, the main difference is cooking time and water ratio. Brown rice is a whole grain, so it takes longer and needs a bit more liquid.
• Adjusting Water Levels: If you prefer softer rice, add a tablespoon or two of extra water. For firmer rice, reduce the water slightly.
• Different Instant Pot Models: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your Instant Pot model. These times are based on a standard 6-quart Instant Pot.

(Naturally Vegan) This recipe is naturally vegan – yay!

(Naturally Gluten-Free) And it’s naturally gluten-free too, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

Basmati rice is incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• With a fragrant dal (lentil soup) – a classic Indian pairing!
• Alongside your favorite curry, like butter chicken or chana masala.
• As a base for a flavorful biryani.
• Simply with a dollop of yogurt and some roasted vegetables.

Storage Instructions

Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked rice for longer storage.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Q: What is the best rice-to-water ratio for basmati rice in an Instant Pot?
A: For white basmati, use a 1:1 ratio (1 cup rice to 1 cup water). For brown basmati, use a 1:1.25 ratio (1 cup rice to 1.25 cups water).

Q: Can I use aged basmati rice in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Aged basmati is fantastic and may result in even fluffier rice.

Q: How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot?
A: Rinsing the rice well, using a tiny bit of oil, and ensuring the correct water ratio can all help prevent sticking.

Q: What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? Can I cook basmati rice on the stovetop?
A: Yes, definitely! You can find plenty of stovetop basmati rice recipes online. It just requires a bit more attention.

Q: Can I add spices or herbs to the water for flavored rice?
A: Yes, please do! A bay leaf, a cinnamon stick, or a few cardamom pods can add a lovely aroma and flavor to your rice.