Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe – Easy Fluffy Rice in 24 Minutes

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe – Easy Fluffy Rice In 24 Minutes

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this Instant Pot brown rice recipe with you. Honestly, it’s a total game-changer. For years, I avoided making brown rice because it always felt like such a hassle – constantly checking the water level, hoping it wouldn’t stick… But the Instant Pot? It takes all the guesswork out and delivers perfectly fluffy rice every time. This is my go-to method now, and I know it will become yours too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real, life’s busy! This recipe is quick, easy, and requires minimal effort. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or whenever you need a healthy and delicious side dish. Plus, the Instant Pot keeps your kitchen cool – no more hovering over a boiling pot on the stove! You’ll get perfectly cooked, slightly nutty brown rice in just 24 minutes (plus pressure build-up and release, of course!).

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

• 2 cups brown rice (about 300g)
• 2.5 cups water (600ml)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil (10ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (2.5g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! These little details can make a big difference.

Brown Rice Varieties

There are a few different types of brown rice you can use. Long-grain brown rice is the most common and works beautifully in this recipe. Short-grain brown rice will be a bit stickier, which some people prefer. I’ve also experimented with medium-grain, and it’s lovely too!

Olive Oil Choices & Substitutions

I love using olive oil for a subtle flavor, but you can easily substitute it with any neutral oil like avocado oil, coconut oil, or even ghee for a richer taste. About 10ml is perfect – just enough to prevent sticking.

The Importance of the Water Ratio

The 2:2.5 rice-to-water ratio is key for perfectly cooked brown rice. Too much water, and you’ll end up with mushy rice. Too little, and it’ll be undercooked. Trust me on this one!

Ingredients for Flavor Variations

Want to jazz things up? Here are a few ideas:

• A bay leaf
• A pinch of turmeric for color and health benefits
• A clove of garlic, minced
• A small piece of ginger, grated

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, give your brown rice a good rinse under cold running water. This helps remove excess starch and results in fluffier rice. Drain it well.
2. Now, transfer the rinsed rice to your Instant Pot.
3. Add the water, olive oil, and salt to the pot. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
4. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to ‘sealing’.
5. Press the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ button and set the timer for 24 minutes on high pressure.
6. Once the cooking time is up, don’t rush to open the lid! Allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) for about 10-15 minutes.
7. After the pressure has released, carefully open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. And that’s it!

Expert Tips

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

• Don’t skip the rinsing step! It really does make a difference.
• A little oil goes a long way in preventing sticking.
• Fluffing the rice with a fork separates the grains and makes it even more delicious.

Achieving Perfectly Fluffy Rice Every Time

The secret to fluffy rice? Natural pressure release! It allows the rice to finish cooking gently and absorb any remaining moisture.

Troubleshooting: What If The Rice Is Too Wet?

If your rice is a little too wet, simply remove the lid and let it sit for a few minutes on the ‘Keep Warm’ setting. The excess moisture will evaporate.

Understanding Natural Pressure Release

Natural Pressure Release (NPR) means letting the pressure release on its own, without manually releasing it. This takes time, but it results in better texture.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan!
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: Yes, this recipe is 100% gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment – Infused Rice: My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of garam masala and a cardamom pod to the cooking water for a fragrant, spiced rice. It’s amazing!
• Festival Adaptations – Rice for Pongal/Khichdi: This perfectly cooked brown rice is a fantastic base for traditional South Indian dishes like Pongal or a healthy Khichdi.

Serving Suggestions

Brown rice is incredibly versatile! Serve it with:

• Your favorite dal (lentil stew)
• Vegetable curries
• Grilled chicken or fish
• A simple yogurt-based raita

Storage Instructions

Leftover brown rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it with a splash of water to restore some moisture.

FAQs

What is the best rice-to-water ratio for brown rice in an Instant Pot?

The magic ratio is 2 cups of brown rice to 2.5 cups of water.

Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?

Absolutely! Avocado oil, coconut oil, or ghee all work well.

How do I know if my Instant Pot is sealing correctly?

The Instant Pot will beep and the float valve will pop up when it’s properly sealed.

What if I don’t have time for a natural pressure release?

You can do a quick release, but be careful of the steam! Natural pressure release is always recommended for the best texture.

Can I cook brown rice from frozen in the Instant Pot?

I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve read that you can! You’ll need to increase the cooking time and water slightly.