Instant Pot Brown Rice (long grain or basmati) - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

The Recipe Rebel / Freezer Friendly

written by Ashley Fehr

4.92 from 25 votes

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 23 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

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Last updated on March 24, 2021

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A tried and true recipe for PERFECT Instant Pot Brown Rice, every time. Use long grain brown rice or brown basmati. Includes a variety of flavor options!

Instant Pot Brown Rice (long grain or basmati) - The Recipe Rebel (2)

Table of Contents

  • How to cook brown rice in the Instant Pot:
  • Can I cook brown basmati rice in the Instant Pot?
  • Variations on this Instant Pot Brown Rice:
  • What to serve with this Instant Pot Brown Rice:
  • How to store cooked rice:
  • Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe

I’ll admit, I’ve used my Instant Pot for plenty of things, but it’s only recently that I started using it to cook plain rice to go along with our meals.

Normally, I use it for the same things I would use my slow cooker for.

Like making large cuts of meat incredibly tender, like thisInstant Pot Pot Roastor theseEasy Instant Pot Ribs.

I also love it for making one pot meals, where I can brown meat, cook pasta, and make sauce with only one dirty pot, like in thisInstant Pot Swedish Meatballs and Noodles, or thisInstant Pot Chili Mac, or thisInstant Pot Spaghetti.

But now that I started making this Instant Pot Brown Rice, I’m not sure I can go back.

What a relief it is to have perfectly cooked rice, completely hands off when the rest of your dinner is ready, especially for those like me who seem to have a hard time getting stovetop rice just perfect.

I’ve tested this recipe with long grain brown rice, brown basmati rice, and brown Jasmine rice and we love them all!

Instant Pot Brown Rice (long grain or basmati) - The Recipe Rebel (3)

This perfectly cooked brown rice is joining my list of perfect base recipes, along with thisJuicy Instant Pot Chicken Breast andInstant Pot Potatoes— some of our family favorite go-to’s!

How to cook brown rice in the Instant Pot:

Here are a few tips I learned along the way to help you see success the first time!

  1. Choose your rice. This recipe is for long grain brown rice or brown basmati rice. It may not work well with other types of brown rice.
  2. Rinse your rice: on my journey to Brown Rice Perfection I learned the importance of rinsing your rice, regardless of how you are cooking it! Rinsing the rice removes any starch that may be on the surface of the kernels, that would make the rice gummy during the cook process. I like to pour my dry rinse into a large strainer, and run it under water for a minute or two, using my fingers to stir the rice around and be sure every kernel is rinsed.
  3. Choose your liquid: almost any liquid will do! Water is an obvious choice, but chicken or vegetable broth will add a significant amount more flavor. If you don’t have any, you can also add a spoonful of chicken bouillon.
  4. The rice to water ratio: I’ve tested this recipe until perfect and found that a 1:1 ratio works best for rice that is not too soft and stuck together. Because we are rinsing our rice thoroughly, it will have extra moisture going into the pot. This is why we reduce the amount slightly that we are adding (compared to what your package will probably tell you)

Can I cook brown basmati rice in the Instant Pot?

You can absolutely use this recipe for brown basmati rice.

I’ve tested both using this method, and I have found that the rice to liquid ratio and the cook time both remain the same, regardless which of the two types of rice you choose.

Instant Pot Brown Rice (long grain or basmati) - The Recipe Rebel (4)

Variations on this Instant Pot Brown Rice:

I’m a big believer in adding flavor during the cooking process instead of after, as long as you are using the rice for the same purpose. Here are a few add ins for you to choose from to take this pressure cooker brown rice to the next level!

  • At the very least, a chicken or vegetable broth for cooking liquid will add a nice amount of flavor, while remaining neutral enough that you can serve the rice with almost anything.
  • Experiment with the herbs and spices in your spice rack. Have a favorite flavor combination or herb blend? Add a teaspoon before cooking.
  • For a fried rice base, I like to add 1 tablespoon of reduced sodium soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of honey during the cook time. Because it’s a small amount, I don’t bother reducing the cooking liquid.
  • Add a teaspoon of taco or fajita seasoning for extra flavor in burrito bowls!
  • After cooking (I know, I’m breaking my rule with this one but this is the exception!), add a squeeze of lime juice and/or zest, along with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro for cilantro lime rice.

What to serve with this Instant Pot Brown Rice:

  • Sweet and Sour Crockpot Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
  • Baked Honey Lemon Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

How to store cooked rice:

You can store cooked rice in the refrigerator, in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Cooked rice is a great staple to add to your freezer as well, as it can last up to 6 months and no quality is lost by freezing it.

Instant Pot Brown Rice (long grain or basmati) - The Recipe Rebel (5)

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Instant Pot Brown Rice

written by Ashley Fehr

4.92 from 25 votes

A tried and true recipe for PERFECT Instant Pot Brown Rice, every time. Use long grain brown rice or brown basmati. Includes a variety of flavor options!

Instant Pot Brown Rice (long grain or basmati) - The Recipe Rebel (7)

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Review

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 23 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Course Side Dish

Servings 4 servings

Calories 171cal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long grain brown rice (or brown basmati or Jasmine)
  • 1 cup water or broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt *reduce if using broth

Instructions

  • Place dry rice in a large mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold water for a couple of minutes, stirring the rice while rinsing to ensure all grains are clean.

  • Place rinsed rice in a 6 quart Instant Pot (*double the recipe if making in an 8 quart), and add water or liquid of choice and salt.

  • Spread rice into an even layer on the bottom of the Instant Pot.

  • Put the lid on, turn the valve to sealing, and select Manual or Pressure Cook for 18 minutes (perfectly al dente rice, or 20-22 minutes for softer rice).

  • It will take 5-10 minutes to come to pressure and begin counting down. When the cook time is up, turn the Instant Pot off (hit cancel or unplug) and let sit until pressure has completely naturally released (the silver pin will drop and the valve will move easily).

  • Remove the lid and serve.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 171cal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 294mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

Keywords brown rice, instant pot brown rice, instant pot rice

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Instant Pot Brown Rice (long grain or basmati) - The Recipe Rebel (8)

Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

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Comments

  1. Edie says

    Perfect every time! My go to recipe!!!!!

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Edie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!

      Reply

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Instant Pot Brown Rice (long grain or basmati) - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

FAQs

Is brown basmati rice better than brown long-grain rice? ›

Whole grains help to reduce blood cholesterol levels. They also help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. Brown basmati rice has more fiber than the white version, and about 20% more than other types of brown rice.

What is the formula for brown rice in Instant Pot? ›

For every 1 cup of brown rice, add 1 1/4 cups water. That's the formula for brown rice in the Instant Pot.

Does basmati rice cook the same as long grain? ›

Amylose doesn't gelatinize on cooking, so long-grain rice like basmati and jasmine remain separate. Amylopectin can gelatinize easily and is found in sticky rice like Thai glutinous rice and short grain rice; these types of rice turn sticky on cooking.

Why is my Instant Pot basmati rice so sticky? ›

How do I fix Instant Pot rice that is too sticky?
  1. Add More Water: If the rice is already cooked and too sticky, add a bit more water or broth to the Instant Pot. ...
  2. Fluff with a Fork: After the rice is cooked, let it sit with the lid on for a few minutes, then fluff it with a fork.
Feb 26, 2024

Does brown rice need more water than basmati? ›

The key to success every time is to use the right amount of water to rice – for brown rice you'll need double the amount of water to rice. You should also give it enough time to absorb the water. Most packs of brown rice will say to boil for longer than white rice, so for around 30-35 mins.

Do I need to soak brown basmati rice before cooking? ›

Do you have to soak brown rice before cooking? Soaking is optional, but we recommend it! Soaking grains helps to remove some of the naturally-occurring phytic acid in the grain, which helps improve digestibility and speed cook time.

Why is my brown rice mushy in Instant Pot? ›

You most likely used too much water. 1:1 water to rice ratio is essential for all rice types. Use the exact same container to measure both rice and water. Some cups are standard American (236ml), others are metric (250ml) and the little plastic cup that comes with the Instant Pot is neither (160ml).

What if brown rice is not cooked in Instant Pot? ›

If your rice is wet but still undercooked you should transfer it to a pot on the stovetop and put it on low heat uncovered until all the water is evaporated. If there wasn't enough water go ahead and add about a ¼ of a cup and pressure cook it on high for another 3 minutes.

How much water do I use for 2 cups of brown rice in a rice cooker? ›

Let drain. Transfer rice to rice cooker. Add 2 cups water for every 1 cup brown rice. Cook 50 minutes or until rice is fluffy and tender.

Can I use basmati instead of long-grain rice? ›

Both jasmine and basmati rice are aromatic varieties that make a great alternative to plain long grain white rice. You'll find these rices commonly used in a variety of Middle Eastern and Indian dishes.

Which is healthier, long-grain rice or basmati? ›

Compared to other rice types, Basmati rice is proposed to be more healthier. It has fewer calories, a lower glycemic index, and more fiber. But remember, no one type of rice is the best. You need to eat a range of nutrient-rich foods for overall health.

Do you have to rinse basmati rice? ›

Rinse basmati rice very well before cooking.

Wash a few times (4 to 5) until the water runs clear. This will help remove starch from the surface of the grains. Starch is what makes cooked rice sticky and gummy, so for fluffy rice, it is important to remove the starch.

Why is my rice in Instant Pot too hard? ›

Why is the rice hard? If your Instant Pot rice is too hard or undercooked, you didn't cook it for long enough. Make sure you're using the right amount of cooking time followed by a natural pressure release.

Why is my instant pot rice chewy? ›

Different kinds of rice, however, take different amounts of time to cook under pressure. Wild rice and brown rice will require more time than white rice, for instance. Any variety can be cooked at either high or low pressure; it comes out a little fluffier at low pressure, and a little chewier at high pressure.

Is basmati healthier than long-grain rice? ›

Compared to other rice types, Basmati rice is proposed to be more healthier. It has fewer calories, a lower glycemic index, and more fiber. But remember, no one type of rice is the best. You need to eat a range of nutrient-rich foods for overall health.

Which brown rice is healthiest? ›

What's the top-rated brown rice brand in the US for healthy eating? I've found that Lundberg Family Farms is often rated highly for healthy eating. They focus on organic farming and offer a variety of brown rice options.

Which is better brown basmati or brown jasmine rice? ›

Nutrition-wise, both jasmine and basmati contain just trace amounts of fat and will give you a little protein boost, but basmati has a lower glycemic index (around 57-67 to jasmine's 68-80 range), meaning it raises blood sugar more slowly and creates a better effect of fullness.

Why is long grain brown rice good for you? ›

Brown rice is also rich in dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol, lower high blood pressure and support the good bacteria in your gut. Fiber also helps ward off constipation and promotes weight loss by helping you feel full longer.

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