I'll admit that I'm not a rice snob. For years, I made it on the stove top by simmering water and rice for 15 minutes. It was an easy way to cook it, but the rice was mushy.
We were content with our mushy rice mostly because we didn't know any better and partly because I didn't have a rice cooker. Most people who have a rice cooker love it, but I don't have a big kitchen. I just can't do one function appliances unless I use it all the time.
I got an Instant Pot a few years ago, and I love it. The first time I tried rice, I knew it was a game changer. Now it's the only way I make rice.
Learn how to cook perfect Instant Pot rice for your dinners.
How to Cook Perfect Instant Pot Rice
I have the Instant Pot Duo 6 quart model. The 6 quart is a great size for a family of 5.
Long Grain Rice Versus Instant Rice
I always use long grain rice. I tried switching to brown rice a few years ago. For the most part, my family rolls with my healthier for your food changes, but they resisted the brown rice.
It does have a different texture and taste, and they were having none of it.
Brown rice has the most nutrition, then long grain white rice, then instant white rice. I very, very rarely using instant rice. My mom gave me a few pouches, so I used them, but I'd rather have long grain white rice.
I think it tastes better, too.
I do like the convenience of instant rice, but not to sacrifice taste.
Instant Pot rice isn't quick, but I can start it and forget it for half an hour. Depending on what I'm making, I'll even make it mid day and put it in the fridge to use for dinner.
If you're using it for dinner, plan on at least half an hour for your rice. The wait is worth it. I promise.
This recipe for how to cool Instant Pot rice uses long grain white rice.
Water to Rice Ratio
The Instant Pot website suggests using rice and water in a 1:1 ratio. That's what I do, too.
It is important to wash your rice. If you don't, the ratio of water could be off.
Some people use 1 1/4 cups water to 1 cup rice for small batches. I still use 1 cup of water for 1 cup of rice.
The reason that you don't need to add more water is that the Instant Pot is sealed, so you don't lose water in the form of steam.
Time
Instant Pot suggests 4 minutes at high pressure. I use the rice function, which is 12 minutes at low pressure.
Both work, but the rice function works best I think. If you're in a hurry, you can save 8 minutes with high pressure though.
Rinsing Rice
I was grown and living independently for 15 years before I knew that you had to rinse rice. Why did I not know this important step?
Rice has a starch on the surface. If you don't rinse it off, your cooked rice can be gummy or clump. Rinsing it also helps it absorb more water.
Look how cloudy that water is from the first rinse!
Rice falls through my colander, so I usually put the rice in a pan, cover with water, and drain carefully. Repeat until the water runs mostly clear. Then I use a small fine strainer to scoop out the rice and add it to my Instant Pot.
Storing Cooked Rice
Your Instant Pot rice will last up to a week in the fridge. I normally make rice in one day and put leftovers in the fridge for the week.
Since I work from home, I almost always make rice in the morning so it's one less thing to do in the evening.
You can also freeze leftover rice. I freeze 2 cups in a container because that's about what I use for a dinner.
Learn what foods can be frozen to save time and money in the kitchen.
Your this perfect Instant Pot rice to make an easy rice pudding recipe with cooked rice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the rice well.
Step 2
Add damp rice to the Instant Pot. Add water.
Step 3
Place the lid on and lock in place. Make sure the vent is sealed. Press the rice button and let it come to pressure. This takes about 10 minutes. It will then cook for 12 minutes.
Step 4
When the time is up, let it naturally release for 10 minutes. Carefully release the pressure and open the lid.
Serve immediately or refrigerate up to a week.
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Yield: 4
Instant Pot Rice
prep time: 5 Mcook time: 32 Mtotal time: 37 M
How to cook the perfect rice in your Instant Pot.
ingredients:
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
instructions:
How to cook Instant Pot Rice
- Rinse the rice well.
- Add damp rice to the Instant Pot. Add water.
- Place the lid on and lock in place. Make sure the vent is sealed. Press the rice button and let it come to pressure. This takes about 10 minutes. It will then cook for 12 minutes.
- When the time is up, let it naturally release for 10 minutes. Carefully release the pressure and open the lid.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate up to a week.
Calories
102.70
102.70
Fat (grams)
0.22
0.22
Sat. Fat (grams)
0.06
0.06
Carbs (grams)
22.25
22.25
Fiber (grams)
0.32
0.32
Net carbs
21.94
21.94
Sugar (grams)
0.04
0.04
Protein (grams)
2.13
2.13
Sodium (milligrams)
38.57
38.57
Cholesterol (grams)
0.00
0.00
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