Perfect Instant Pot Steamed Rice
Easy Instant Pot Steamed Rice
Making rice on the stovetop can feel like guesswork. The Instant Pot takes all the stress out of it. When you measure your ingredients and press a button, you get perfectly steamed rice every time. No babysitting a pot. No wondering if it is overcooked or underdone.
We often serve steamed rice with mixed vegetables and orange chicken. It is an easy base for weeknight meals and a great way to stretch ingredients.
Why Use the Instant Pot for Steamed Rice
The Instant Pot cooks rice evenly and consistently. Once you learn the water ratios, you can make white or brown rice without worrying about burning or mushy texture. It is also helpful if you want to keep your kitchen appliances minimal since the Instant Pot does more than a rice cooker.
White Rice vs Brown Rice
Both work well in the Instant Pot. The difference is water.
- White rice uses a simple 1 to 1 ratio.
- Brown rice needs an extra 1/4 cup of water per cup of dry rice.
Brown rice takes longer to cook because the grain is denser, but the Instant Pot handles it without any trouble.
Adding Vegetables to Steamed Rice
You can add vegetables right into the pot. Rice doubles in volume when cooked, so one cup of dry rice becomes two cups of cooked rice. We add one cup of frozen mixed vegetables to one cup of dry rice and include an extra 1/4 cup of water to help with steaming.
This makes a simple side dish that pairs with chicken, beef, or stir fry.
Steamed Rice vs Boiled Rice
- Boiled rice is cooked in a larger amount of water, usually a 2 to 1 ratio. Steamed rice uses less water and cooks through steam pressure instead of full submersion.
- White rice uses a 1 to 1 ratio. Brown rice needs slightly more water.
- Steamed rice has a fluffier texture and holds its shape better.
 How Long Does Instant Pot Rice Take
One cup of rice takes 12 minutes on high pressure. You can use natural release or quick release. Both work fine. Natural release gives a slightly softer texture.
Can You Use a Rice Cooker Instead
You can. But if you are trying to keep your kitchen simple, the Instant Pot is a multipurpose appliance. It replaces several tools, including a rice cooker, slow cooker, and pressure cooker.
What Types of Rice Work in the Instant Pot
You can use almost any dried rice:
- White rice
- Brown rice
- Jasmine rice
- Basmati rice
- Short grain
- Medium grain
Always check the package for any special water instructions. Some varieties need a little more or less water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water do I use
White rice uses a 1 to 1 ratio. Brown rice needs an extra 1/4 cup of water per cup of dry rice.
Can I double the recipe
Yes. Keep the ratios the same. The cook time does not change.
Do I need to rinse the rice
Rinsing helps remove starch and keeps the rice fluffy. It is optional but recommended.
Can I use broth instead of water
Yes. Broth adds flavor. Use the same measurements.
Why is my rice sticky
Sticky rice usually means too much water or not rinsing the rice first.
Instant Pot Steamed Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup frozen vegetables (optional)
Instructions
- Add the rice and water into the Instant Pot.
- If you are using brown rice, you should add 1/4 cup additional water per 1 cup rice.
- Add the vegetables and veggies.
- Select the Rice option on your Instant Pot.
- If you don't have that option, select 12 minutes on high pressure.
- Allow the rice too cook and you can do natural or quick release.
- Serve and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Can I Just Use a Rice Cooker to Make Rice?
You can use a rice cooker to cook rice. But if your kitchen is limited in space, you may want to have appliances that are multipurpose to keep space free for other appliances.
What Kind of Rice Can You Use in the Instant Pot?
You can use white rice, brown rice, basmati rice, short grain rice, medium grain rice, jasmine rice. Really any dried rice can be used in the Instant Pot, just read the package for any special cooking instructions on the amount of water needed.
