Make perfectly fluffy rice in your pressure cooker with this easy Instant Pot rice recipe! Using a simple 1:1 ratio, you will have perfect rice every time - whether you're making jasmine, basmati, or brown rice.
If you love this recipe, try my Instant Pot Venison Roast or Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breast next!
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Editor's Note: This post was originally published on March 27, 2021. I recently updated it on September 15, 2025, with more information and helpful tips, but the recipe remains the same.
I have been making this Instant Pot rice for over 8 years. It is quick, easy, and I don't need to worry about the rice burning. It makes the perfect side and pairs well with Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala!
And if you have leftovers, use them to make homemade Rice Pudding or Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry.
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Why I love this recipe
- Perfect texture: No more mushy or crunchy rice - just fluffy, tender grains -just as good as the rice made in a rice cooker.
- Set and forget: No stirring or watching is needed like you need to do if cooking on the stove.
- Works for any rice: From jasmine to brown rice, same easy method.
- Simple ratio: Just remember 1:1 rice to water (except wild rice).
Recipe Ingredients
All ingredients for this recipe are shown in the pic below and special notes are made in this bulleted list to assist you.
- Rice. Use any variety - jasmine rice, basmati rice, sushi rice, or brown rice- and all work perfectly. Any short-grain rice or long-grain rice will work.
- Water. Cold filtered water will give you the best flavor.
- Optional: Add a pinch of salt if desired.
See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and a full list of ingredients.
Perfect rice cook times
- White rice (jasmine/basmati): 5 minutes + natural release.
- Sushi rice: 5 minutes + natural release.
- Brown rice: 25 minutes + natural release.
- Wild rice: 30 minutes + natural release (needs an extra cup of water for every 2 cups of rice).
How to make Instant Pot rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Using a fine-mesh strainer, rinse 2 cups jasmine rice under cold running water until it runs clear. Note: For sushi rice, rinse longer until water is completely clear.
- Step 2: Add rinsed rice and 2 cups of cold filtered water to your Instant Pot insert. Stir well. Note: Using the 1:1 ratio - each cup of dry rice will give you 3 cups cooked.
- Step 3: Close the lid and set the valve to the "Sealing" position. Use the manual setting to cook the rice on high pressure, or use the rice button to pressure cook white/jasmine/basmati/sushi rice for 5 minutes, brown rice for 25 minutes, or wild rice for 30 minutes (use a 1.5:1 water ratio).
- Step 4: When cooking completes, allow natural pressure release - about 10 minutes. Do not do quick pressure release. Once the pin drops, open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
Note: For smaller 3-quart pots, don't exceed 2.5 cups of dry rice. For a 6-quart Instant Pot, max 4 cups. For an 8-quart, max 6 cups, as rice expands significantly during cooking.
Top tips
- Always rinse: This removes excess starch for fluffier rice.
- Natural release: Don't quick release - patience makes perfect rice.
- Don't overfill: Stay under ⅔ capacity as rice expands.
What to serve with perfect rice
I love to serve this rice with Instant Pot Black Beans, Smoked Pork Butt Burnt Ends, Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower, or this Chop Suey recipe.
It also goes perfectly with Boneless Skinless Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Boneless Pork Chops, Pellet Grill Smoked Whole Chicken, and Creamy Coconut Shrimp.
And don't forget Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon, Food Court Bourbon Chicken, Oven-Baked Cod Fillet In Shrimp Sauce, Oven-Baked Maple Soy Glazed Salmon, and Classic Meatloaf With Oats.
Storage and reheating
Store cooled rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months
To reheat, add two tablespoons of water or an ice cube. Warm in the microwave, stovetop, or air fryer until hot.
Recipe FAQs
Rice expands as it cooks, so never fill your Instant Pot more than two-thirds. On average, 1 cup of rice makes 3 cups of cooked rice. This means you can cook 2.5 cups in a 3-quart Instant Pot, 4 cups in a 6-quart, and 6 cups in an 8-quart pressure cooker. I usually cook 5 cups of rice in my 8-quart Instant Pot, which gives me perfect pressure-cooked rice every time.
Yes - rinsing removes excess starch for fluffier results.
Always use natural release for the perfect texture.
More Instant Pot recipes
Try these tested Instant Pot favorites:
- Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup - Better than Olive Garden
- Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes - Creamy side dish
- Two-Ingredient BBQ Chicken - Quick weeknight dinner
- Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna - Easy one-pot meal
- Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs - Perfect every time
- Instant Pot Chicken Legs - Quick and juicy
- Instant Pot Ham and Potato Soup - Creamy comfort food
- Easy Instant Pot Salmon Chowder - Rich and flavorful
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Printable Recipe
Instant Pot Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice any variety
- 2 cups cold water or chicken broth
- pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Rinse 2 cups of rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Add rinsed rice and 2 cups of cold water to the Instant Pot insert.
- Close the lid and set the valve to the "Sealing" position. Use the manual setting to cook the rice on high pressure, or use the rice button to pressure cook white/jasmine/basmati/sushi rice for 5 minutes, brown rice for 25 minutes, or wild rice for 30 minutes (use a 1.5:1 water ratio).
- Allow natural pressure release (10-20 minutes). When the pin drops, open the lid, fluff with a fork, and serve.
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Notes
- Don't exceed the max fill line - rice expands.
- Always rinse rice before cooking.
- Use natural release only - no quick-release.
- 1 cup dry rice yields 3 cups cooked.
- Keeps in fridge for 4 days, freezer for 3 months.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
Genevieve says
I love that you can make this recipe in the instant pot! Rice is my favorite side dish.
Jamie says
This is such a handy recipe to have on hand! It's so convenient making this in an instant pot and I love how fluffy it is!
Ramona says
I have never tried cooking my rice it in the Instant pot before. Definitely worth the try- it was so good! I am a convert now. Easy and cooked to perfection.
Jessica Formicola says
I love how quickly rice can be made in the Instant Pot! And this recipe comes out fluffy every single time!
Jill says
Seems simple enough, but you won't believe how much I need this sometimes! Thanks!