Perfect Instant Pot Basmati Rice

How to make basmati rice in an Instant Pot in just 25 minutes of cooking time. This perfect Instant Pot basmati rice is fluffy, tender, and a fool-proof side dish for stews, curries, and more!

Making Perfect Instant Pot Basmati Rice Every Time

Since turning to my Instant Pot for all my grain cooking needs, the days of burnt, gloopy, or mushy basmati rice are long gone. Instead, this Instant Pot basmati rice achieves perfect results every single time in just 25 minutes! It’s fluffy, aromatic, with tender separate grains - perfect!

Even better, when cooking basmati rice in an Instant Pot, there’s no need to hover like stovetop methods. Instead, just set it and forget it (perfect time to make the rest of your meal). By the time the Instant Pot is done, the rice is perfect and ready to use for stir-fries, with curries, stews, and more!

Best of all, there’s nothing complicated about making pressure cooker basmati rice. Just rinse the rice, use the correct water to basmati rice ratio, and then allow your pressure cooker to prepare perfect basmati rice for you–no need for a rice cooker to take up extra kitchen counter space!

What Is Basmati Rice?

Basmati rice is long-grain rice with a nutty, aromatic flavor (more so than other white rice). In fact, the word ‘basmati’ actually means ‘fragrant’ or ‘full of aroma’ in Hindi.

There are two varieties, white and brown basmati rice, and are traditionally served alongside curries.

You might also enjoy these simple DIYs for Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, Instant Pot Mexican Rice, and Instant Pot Quinoa!

The Ingredients

You can make perfect basmati rice with just three ingredients (and an optional fourth).

• Basmati rice: This method is for white basmati rice. Check the FAQs for the brown basmati rice Instant Pot method.
• Water: For more flavor, you could use vegetable broth instead.
• Olive Oil: This will help prevent the rice grains from sticking together but is optional. Vegan butter would work in its place and add more flavor.
• Salt: To season the water well. Adjust the amount (or omit entirely) if using stock.

What Is The Basmati Rice to Water Ratio?

Like jasmine rice, I’ve found that the perfect basmati rice to water ratio is a simple 1:1 (i.e., one cup rice to one US cup water).

What Could I Add To The Instant Pot Basmati Rice?

If you aren’t a fan of plain rice, try out any of the below optional add-ins.

• Herbs: One of the easiest ways to infuse the pressure cooker basmati rice with additional flavor is by adding dried herbs. I.e., dill, oregano, parsley, saffron, bay leaves, etc.
• Garlic: Add sliced or minced garlic to the basmati rice in the Instant Pot while it cooks. Optionally sauté it first for a milder flavor.
• Vegan butter: Mix in some of your favorite vegan butter when fluffing up the rice.
• Coconut basmati rice: Use half vegetable stock or water and half canned, unsweetened coconut milk (I.e., Thai Kitchen, etc.).

You can also easily add some frozen and thawed peas, corn, or fresh kale. If you want to add spinach, add it right at the end, closing the lid for a few minutes to allow it to wilt naturally.

How to Cook Basmati Rice In An Instant Pot?

Follow just four simple steps when cooking basmati rice in an Instant Pot for perfect results every time.

• 1) First, rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.

Alternatively, place the rice in a large bowl and cover it with water. Rub the rice grains between your fingers to wash them well, drain the water, and repeat until the water is almost clear (usually 3-4 times). The ‘discarded’ water can be used to water plants to avoid waste.

• 2) Transfer the rinsed basmati rice to the Instant Pot with the water (or stock), olive oil, and salt. Stir and seal the lid.

• 3) Cook on MANUAL high pressure for five minutes, then 10 minutes of natural pressure release.

• Open the lid and fluff the basmati rice with a fork or soft silicone spatula (to avoid rice breakage). Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot basmati rice!

FAQs

Top Recipe Tips and Notes

• Don’t skip the rinsing step: This removes excess starch from the rice grains and stops them from becoming a stodgy, gloopy mess in the Instant Pot.
• A test run helps: Once you’ve found the correct method, it’ll remain consistent. However, your pressure cooker model, the brand of rice used, and the elevation of where you live may all affect the time and water ratio required. I recommend doing a test run and tweaking if needed.
• For more flavorful rice: Sauté the basmati rice in the instant pot with the oil until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. Then add the water (or stock) and cook as usual.
• For softer pressure cooker basmati rice: Use 1 ¼ cups of water to 1 cup of rice. If there is too much liquid left in the machine at the end, replace the lid and allow it to steam for a few minutes.
• When scaling the recipe up or down: There’s no need to adjust the cooking time.

How To Store Cooked Basmati Rice?

Fridge: Store any cooled leftover basmati rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Transfer it to the fridge within two hours of cooking it to avoid food safety issues.

Freezer: Allow it to cool and then store in portions in Ziplock/Stasher bags or airtight containers for up to 6 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before using/reheating.

Reheat: Use either the microwave or the stovetop to reheat the rice with a splash of liquid to allow it to steam and rehydrate once more.

More Vegan Side Dishes

• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash [Cubes + Halves]
• Crispy Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
• Air Fryer Hash Brown Patties
• Air Fryer Tater Tots
• Pan-Fried Garlic Tofu Triangles

If you try this Instant Pot basmati rice recipe, I’d love to know what you think in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

Photos by Alfonso Revilla