Instant Pot Rice

Perfect Instant Pot Rice

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Instant pot rice – a true revolutionary solution to one of the most tricky and elusive foods to cook.  When it comes to perfecting a food with a reputation for an inconsistent success rate, a streamlined process is needed that takes the varying elements out of the equation and that’s where the instant pot pressure cooker comes in.  Rice is one of those seemingly simple but tricky and elusive, and is somehow hard to cook perfectly on the stovetop every time.  Many variables can change the outcome drastically from the type of stove top(gas or electric), the pan, too little water, too much water and the type of rice.  It seems so simple but there is much room for error in the tiniest detail.   Instant pot rice is perfect 100% of the time, no room for error. 

The million dollar question is what is the rice to water ratio ?  The ratio between rice and water are different when using the instant pot or pressure cooker versus on the stove top.  The answer for rice in instant pot – is a 1:1 ratio where as the stove top method requires more water.

Im assuming you are an owner of your very own instant pot and in that case you probably see the “rice” button on the front of the machine.  You can certainly use this setting and achieve perfect rice but there is one detail and discrepancy you must know if you are going to use the rice setting.   The  discrepancy is between natural pressure release and forced manual pressure release.  This refers to what you do when the machine has completed the pressure cook – the beeping indicates the time is up.  At that point, you can press the “vent” valve button on the top and the steam will violently shoot out the vent until all the pressure is gone.  If you use the rice button, this is the method you will want to use when the machine is done cooking the rice – also known as forced manual release.  The other method is cooking the rice on “high pressure” for less time – three minutes – and then allowing natural pressure release to occur by waiting 10-15 minutes for the machine to naturally diffuse pressure without forcing it. This release of pressure happens passively through the natural cool down process of the instant pot.   Both methods are outlined further below in the instructions and notes.

In this recipe, I show how to cook perfect rice in the instant pot and how to make it delicious with a simple and authentic Mexican preparation and recipe.  Don’t hesitate to pull out the pressure cooker and try instant pot rice today! 

How to make rice that tastes amazing : Toasting the rice is a MUST

-One of the most important steps to enhancing the flavor of rice.  This step is often over looked or skipped but it is a simple step that adds a ton of earthiness, flavor and allows for a perfect texture.  Toasting the rice in oil and onions brings out a nutty and layered taste as the rice starts to absorb oil and the juices of sautéed onions.  The toasting helps the rice to have a nice texture and helps prevent it from getting mushy or soggy.  

Ingredients:

1.5 cups of white rice, basmati or jasmine 

1.5 cups of water

2 tbsp of vegetable oil

1/2 medium/large white onion

2 bay leaves

1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions for instant pot rice :

1. Add the olive oil to the instant pot.
2. Set the instant pot to the sauté setting and “normal” heat setting and allow pan to heat up. The oil will become fragrant when the oil is getting hot.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until they become translucent.
4. When the onions are cooked until translucent, add the white rice and toast the rice for a few minutes, stirring so that the rice doesn’t burn.
5. After toasting the rice for a few minutes (don’t skip the toasting step!) add the bay leaves, water and salt.
6. Place the cover and turn to seal. Make sure that the top is on properly, the machine will make a chime noise to indicate proper closure. 
7. Set the instant pot to “pressure cook” on the “high” setting for 3 minutes.  The pressure cooker won’t start the 3 minute count down until the internal temperature and pressure has fully built up.  Once the machine is ready it will automatically switch from “On” to a countdown. 
8. When the machine beeps indicating it has finished pressure cooking allow for natural release about 10-15 minutes.  You can check to see if the pressure has naturally dissipated by tapping the steam release button and gaging how much pressure is left.

Alternative cooking:

There is a “Rice” button on the instant pot and this can be used if you choose to manually release the steam immediately when the machine goes off.  To manually release the steam press the vent release button on the top.  Be sure to keep your face and hands away from the steam path as to not burn yourself.

* Rice to water ratio : 1:1

Notes:

 The instant pot rice ratio to water is different then cooking in a regular pot on the stove top. For perfect rice – the ratio for pressure cooker rice and water is always 1:1 ratio. So no matter what amount of rice you choose to make use the exact same amount of water.  For instance 1 cup of rice commands 1 cup of water.  This 1:1 ratio is specific to pressure cooking and the instant pot. 

Pressure cooker white rice types: Basmati was used in the recipe that is captured in the photographs but it also works for jasmine rice. 

This rice can be used for a fried rice recipe – it works the best when the rice is a day or more old and has been refrigerated.  This allows the rice to dry out slightly which lends to getting crispy as it is fried.

FAQ:

-What if the rice is hard or crunchy?

There is not enough water, check the measurements again and make sure you are using a measuring cup that is designed for “wet” ingredients.

-What if the rice comes out to soft and mushy?

Likely you have added too much water, make sure to add only as much water as the exact amount of rice(1:1 ratio).

-Can I added spices to this to make a instant pot spanish rice ?

Yes, you can add spices when you are toasting the rice.  Adding spices at this point will help to “toast” the spices and bring for fragrant and boldness as the oils are heated up and have a chance to absorb into the rice in a a more proximal way. 

-What do you recommend to make this into Mexican rice instant pot method ?

To make instant pot cilantro lime rice – add the cilantro and lime at the end and give it a few stirs. The heat will warm and wilt the cilantro and the lime will be able to stay bright and still come through.  If you add them in the beginning and they go through the entire cooking process you will lose the flavor of both and they will not come through in the finish. 

-How would you alter this recipe to make instant pot coconut rice ?

Add the coconut along with the rice at the same time and treat it the same.

-Can I use this recipe to make a sushi rice instant pot recipe?

No, sushi rice is a little different from a white rice like jasmine and basmati and requires a slight different in the amount of time cooked.  Also, this recipe is geared toward an authentic style of Mexican rice preparation.

How to cook rice in the instant pot recap?

There are two ways: Use the “rice” button and then don’t allow for natural pressure release but instead release pressure immediately when machine turns off by pushing the vent button on top.

OR

Cook on “high pressure”, set for three minutes and when the machine goes off, let natural release happen (wait 10-15 minutes) then open.  No manual pushing of vent button on top.

I hope you do try these buffalo cauliflower wings and throughly enjoy it as much as we have!

Thanks for checking out this instant pot rice recipe.  If you liked this one you may love some of my other favorite recipes such as caldo de pollo arroz (with rice!), birria ramen or zucchini bread for dessert.

This is a great recipe to try if you’re a fan of making white rice for a side to any meal or fried rice recipes. Please rate or comment below and if you made any additions or alterations and want to let me in on your ideas on this recipes, I would love to hear about it!  If you would like to share or pin on Pinterest I am always thankful.  Check out my food journey on Pinterest at Molé in the Wall.

Related recipes:

Brown rice instant pot 

Instant pot brown rice

Jasmine rice instant pot

Basmati rice instant pot

Basmati rice in instant pot

Rice in an instant pot

Pressure cooker brown rice

Pressure cooker white rice