How to Cook Rice in an Instant Pot – Effortless Cooking

In almost every part of the world, rice is a commonly-used nutritious dish. You can cook rice in various styles and with an artistic touch, from white to brown and from boiled to the biryani. Water to rice ratio and cooking pot to be used plays an essential role in cooking rice. There’s a difference between cooking rice in an ordinary pot or skillet and an instant pot. The instant pot has its qualities of heating and pressure. Even though It is much easier to cook rice in an instant pot, but if you don’t know how to cook it properly you can lose the quality of the cooked rice. In this post, you will learn how to cook rice in an instant pot.

Things to Remember When Cooking Rice in a Pot :

Although instant pots have auto-function that makes cooking rice easier, we can’t leave all the jobs to the pot. It is also important to know how to prepare the rice before we click the ‘on’ button. To enjoy delicious and nutritious rice, here are points to remember :

1. Water and Rice Ratio :

• Measuring water is a crucial phase. The water to rice ratio is very vital in cooking rice.
• Plenty of water can make rice too soft and jellies, while less water can make rice hardened and not to eat.
• The standard is two to one ratio. This means that for every one cup of rice, you need two cups of water.
• The new crop of rice requires less water, and old rice needs much water as they get dry with time.
• This measurement may vary with different types of water.
• Brown rice needs more water, about two and a half cups for one cup of rice.
• Wild rice takes more water, about four cups for one cup of rice.
• Better you read the packaging about the quality of rice and water needed or consult any expert before adding water. 

2. Rinsing of rice before using the instant pot :

1. Although it is unnecessary as packed rice is well sorted and cleaned, before putting rice in an instant pot, rinse rice very thoroughly.  
2. Rinsing will remove any starch and extra dirt. Fill the pan with water till rice is covered with water.
3. You may stir using some spoon or by using your hand
4. After that, drain this cloudy water from the pan. Repeat as necessary.

3. Adding ingredients other than water (optional) :

• You may add a pinch of salt to add taste to the rice.
• Adding a tablespoon of oil or butter to soften the rice is optional. No need to worry if butter floats on the water, it will melt as rice cooks.
• It is also optional to add other spices like cumin or seeds for an extra flavor and aroma.

4. Using the instant pot to cook rice.

• Cover the instant pot with the lid and lock it. Modern instant pots have programming for different types of cooking.
• Select the type of rice to be cooked and turn on the instant pot.
• Cooking time also varies depending on the kind and quality of rice.
• White rice needs 5 minutes, while brown rice needs 10 minutes to boil. Wild rice is more time consuming and takes around 15 minutes to cook properly.
• When the required time ends, turn off the instant pot. Let it release the pressure naturally. Usually, you need around 10 minutes to get rid of the pressure naturally.
• Releasing the pressure typically results in fluffy rice, and there are fewer chances of burning or sticking rice on the bottom of the instant pan.
• Now open the weight valve and get rid of any remaining steam inside.
• Instead of turning it off, turn it to a warm setting. It will keep rice hot for later serving.

How to Cook These 2 Most Common Rice in an Instant Pot

1. Cooking jasmine rice in an instant pot.

You can cook rice with just water and rice, but you can add any other ingredients you want to get a rich flavor. Adding cumin seed adds additional character to rice. For a soft and flavored taste of rice, you can add oil or butter while cooking. The ingredients you will need to prepare this recipe are the following :

• Jasmine rice (2 cups)
• Water (2 cups)
• A half teaspoon of salt (optional)
• One teaspoon of butter or olive oil (optional)

Directions :

1. Firstly, put rinsed water in an instant pot. Then add the required water.
2. You may add a pinch of salt for taste. Adding a tablespoon of oil or butter to soften the rice. No need to worry if butter floats on the water
3. Adding other seeds for extra flavor and aroma is also optional.
4. Cover the instant pot with the lid and lock it. And then let the rice cook for about 5-10 minutes.
5. When the required time ends, turn off the instant pot. Let it release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes. After cooking, open the weight valve to get rid of any remaining steam inside.
6. Do not unplug but instead, let it remain in the warm setting to keep rice hot for later serving.
7. You can refrigerate the leftover rice for five days in an airtight jar. For longer storing, freeze the leftover in an airtight jar.
8. Jasmine rice is soft than instant pot basmati rice and has a floral aroma, enjoy smooth and flavored jasmine rice.

3. Cooking brown rice in an instant pot.

Brown rice is usually harder than basmati rice. So, you will need a longer time to cook brown rice. Measure brown rice, rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt, and put in the instant pot. For brown rice, you need more water than basmati rice. Pour two and a half cups of water inside the pan for every cup of rice. Adding salt, oil or butter, and other spices are optional.

Directions :

• Firstly, close the lid and lock the cover of the instant pot. 
• And then, select the instant pot rice auto option and press the cook button.
• The most instant pot has programming for cooking certain types of rice. Select the button accordingly.
• Brown rice will take about 15 minutes to cook. After 15 minutes, it will automatically stop heating.
• Let it release the pressure naturally. Usually, it takes 10 minutes to release the pressure naturally. Wait for 10 minutes and remove the weight valve to remove any pressure left inside.
• When you get to release all the pressure manually, then set the option to warm. The warm setting will keep heating the cooked rice slowly till you are ready for serving.
• Fluff the rice with any fork. Soft aromatic brown rice is prepared and ready to serve.  

Conclusion:

Rice cooking can be considered an art, and a newbie can ruin the quality of cooked rice. You can cook any rice in the instant pot, including white rice, brown rice, or wild rice. The cooking varies for every kind of rice. Keep in mind the time variation while cooking rice for your meal.

White rice is soft and aromatic and takes less time to cook in an instant pot. Brown rice is hard and takes a long time to prepare but very rich in taste. Usually, you use brown rice for pulao and biryani, and other traditional Asian rice dishes.

Wild rice is harder and takes a longer time to cook, about 15 minutes on average time. If you know how to cook rice in an instant pot, you can select the right amount of water for perfect cooking. Usually, one to two ratios are standard. For one cup of rice, you need two cups of water for the ideal dish. Brown and wild rice need more water than white rice.

For tips on how to pick a Japanese rice cooker, read from this post. You may also find reliable rice cookers and multi-cookers from this link. Remember to choose your desired rice and cook it properly. Enjoy healthy cooking!