Instant Pot White Rice is an easy recipe to master and one you’ll use again and again.
This is a great, simple recipe and in today’s post I’m going to teach you how to make it and also give you tips on how to properly store it so you can cook it in bulk.
When it comes to Instant Pot recipes, making white rice is a great one for beginners and a staple for every Instant Pot owner. Serve it plain with your favorite Asian recipes like this Korean beef stew or add some vegetables for color and nutrients.
How to Make Instant Pot White Rice
For this recipe, we used Great Value Long Grain Enriched Rice. It’s super affordable and foolproof when it comes to making rice using a pressure cooker.
To Wash or Not To Wash Your Rice
Should you wash your rice before cooking your Instant Pot Rice?
The answer is “it depends.” In most cases it’s not necessary to wash your rice before you cook it.
When you rinse your rice, you are rinsing starch out, and this controls how sticky the rice will be. If you want nice, fluffy rice that doesn’t clump together, rinse it first.
Unwashed white rice is great when you want to make a sticky rice dish. For example:
- Soupy dishes
- Sushi
- Saucy dishes
Ingredients to Make Instant Pot White Rice
To make white rice using your Instant Pot you only need a few basic ingredients:
- White long-grain rice
- Water (in equal proportion to the amount of rice)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon per cup of rice)
- Cooking spray
Instructions for Making Instant Pot White Rice
First, spray the inner liner with cooking spray. This will help prevent your rice from sticking to the pot.
Next, add the rice, water and salt to your Instant Pot and secure the lid. For the rice and water, use a 1:1 ratio. For every cup of rice, add one cup of water. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt per cup of rice as well.
Turn the valve to โsealingโ then press the Manual or Pressure Cook button. Set the time for 4 minutes.
Once the cook time is done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then move the valve to “venting.”
When the pressure has fully released, your Instant Pot White Rice is ready to serve!
Can I add flavor to Instant Pot White Rice?
Absolutely! To add flavor to your rice, simply substitute your favorite broth for the water.
In addition to, or in place of, the salt, add your favorite herbs and spices. I like garlic powder and oregano. But you can also try lemon pepper, dill, or seasoned salt.
My kids often add sauce to their rice. A little splash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce after the rice is cooked can make a big difference in the flavor.
If you like flavored rice, you should try Instant Pot Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice.
Can I freeze and reheat cooked rice?
One great tip to help you save time in the kitchen is to freeze your cooked white rice to use for later. To freeze your Instant Pot rice, just measure your desired portion sizes into freezer-safe plastic bags or containers and seal tightly.
You can make a big batch of rice and store in one cup portions to add to your recipes later in the week. Add some leftover chicken and frozen vegetables for a quick and easy meal.
Properly stored rice can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To reheat frozen rice, simply place in a microwave-safe bowl, add 2 tablespoons of water or broth, and warm in the microwave.
Instant Pot White Rice Recipe
Prefer to print out the recipe? Here’s the recipe card with exact measurements and step-by-step instructions.
๐ Recipe
Instant Pot White Rice
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Ingredients
- 1 cup white long-grain rice
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Spray inner liner of Instant Pot with cooking spray.
- Add rice, water, and salt into the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid and turn the valve to โsealing.โ
- Press Manual or Pressure Cook and set time to 4 minutes.
- Natural release for 10 minutes, then do a โquick releaseโ to let the remaining pressure out.
- Your rice is ready to serve.
Rice was still hard, even after a longer natural release. Ended up putting a bit more water in pot and setting on pressure cook for one more minute. Then a bit soft, but better than crunchy.
hi Corrine
I have one of the earlier versions of the Instant Pot and it has a setting for cooking rice. What is the difference between putting it on Manuel as you describe, and using the rice setting?
I found this article that tells you the difference between all of the buttons on the Instant Pot, including the rice setting. https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/instant-pot-duo-and-smartcooker/
Corine what type of measuring cups do you use? A glass like Pyrex is usually for liquid and plastic or metals cups from a set is usually for dry. There is a difference in the amounts. One cup in a glass cup is more than the plactic or metal. Will you clear up?
Just checked mine, metal, plastic, glass and 3D printed. A cup, 8oz was a cup in all of them. AND the metric measurement was identical. I have no idea what you are really saying.
I am wondering if you the caloric numbers, serving size etc. Thank you
Hi Barb! Thanks for asking. I’ll add that to the recipe card.