Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe

Preparing basmati rice in the Instant Pot is so satisfying and straightforward, especially after a long day. I love that with just a few minutes of pressure cooking, the rice turns out fluffy and perfect every time, giving me a comforting base for countless meals.

I adore the way an Instant Pot makes cooking basmati rice nearly effortless and so very fast. The long, fragrant grains that are the hallmark of basmati seem to cook perfectly without any watchful eye.

And while there’s nothing wrong with cooking basmati rice in the traditional way, using a method akin to that of a pressure cooker seems especially suited to these guys.

Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe Ingredients

• Basmati Rice: Long-grain rice, aromatic, low-glycemic index, source of carbohydrates.
• Water: Essential for cooking, hydrates rice, helps achieve fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor, optional for sodium-conscious diets.
• Olive Oil/Butter: Adds richness, optional fat, can enhance mouthfeel.

Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup of basmati rice
• 1 1/4 cups of water
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil or unsalted butter (optional)

How to Make this Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe

1. Wash 1 cup of basmati rice in cold water until the water running from it is clear. This step is essential to get rid of extra starch.

2. Pour the rinsed rice into the Instant Pot.

3. Add 1 1/4 cups of water.

4. Incorporate salt, if you are using it, into the flavor spectrum. Use a half teaspoon.

5. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil or add unsalted butter, if desired, to enhance the taste and texture.

6. Gently stir to mix the components together.

7. Make sure the Instant Pot lid is secured, and the valve is set to sealing.

8. Choose the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting, and then set the timer for 4 minutes at a high-pressure level.

9. After the cooking time is up, let the pressure come down on its own for 10 minutes. If there is any pressure left after that, you will need to release it manually and very carefully.

10. Open the lid, take a fork to the rice, and serve it with the warmth of a summer day.

Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Measuring cup
2. Colander or fine mesh sieve
3. Instant Pot
4. Teaspoon
5. Tablespoon
6. Fork

FAQ

• Can I use brown basmati rice instead?Indeed, you may use brown basmati rice, but the cooking time will need to be altered. The pressure cooking time should be increased to 22-25 minutes and the water amount raised to 1 1/2 cups.
• What is the ideal water-to-rice ratio for cooking basmati rice in an Instant Pot?To achieve perfectly cooked basmati rice, the best liquid-to-rice ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1 1/4 cups of water.
• How can I enhance the flavor of the rice?1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter enhance the taste. You can also add spices like cumin or cardamom.
• Can I cook more than 1 cup of rice in the Instant Pot?It is permissible to double or even triple the recipe while keeping the same rice-to-water ratio as used in the original recipe for the best results.
• How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot?Wash the rice well before cooking to wash away the leftover starch, and think about putting in a tablespoon of oil or butter.
• Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?It is recommended to rinse the rice to remove excess starch so that it does not become sticky.
• Can I use vegetable broth instead of water?Indeed, replacing water with vegetable broth will infuse the rice with additional taste.

Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use jasmine rice or long-grain white rice instead of basmati rice.
Replace water with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a flavor boost.
Substitute low-sodium alternatives for salt or avoid it altogether, if you prefer.
Substitute olive oil or unsalted butter with coconut oil or ghee.

Pro Tips

1. Soak the Rice: For even fluffier rice, soak the washed basmati rice in water for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps the grains expand and become softer.