Instant Pot Rice Recipe | Perfect White Rice in 4 Minutes!

This quick and easy Instant Pot rice turns out light and fluffy every time! Perfect for an easy side dish or freezing for future meals.

I’ve fallen in love with my Instant Pot and use it ALL THE TIME for recipe staples like Instant Pot Beans and Instant Pot Chicken Stock and even Instant Pot Oatmeal.

And as much as I like Instant Pot Brown Rice – that’s ready in 22 minutes, and it turns out perfect every single time – sometimes I want white rice instead.

After a few Instant Pot rice experiments, I’ve figured out exactly how to cook rice in an Instant Pot!

INSTANT POT WHITE RICE

I tried several different methods while seeking out the PERFECT Instant Pot white rice recipe, and I think I’ve found it! My method for pressure cooker white rice is:

And the best part (in my opinion) is that this Instant Pot rice requires less than 1 minute of hands-on time and is ready in under 10 minutes, from start to finish!

INSTANT POT RICE RECIPE INGREDIENTS

You don’t need much to make this Instant Pot rice recipe:

• White rice. I use jasmine rice or Basmati rice. Long-grain white rice is good too.
• Water
• Salt (optional)

We really like the flavor of jasmine rice, but this method works for any type of white rice. If you want to make brown rice, I recommend following my recipe for Instant Pot Brown Rice instead.

The salt is optional, and I normally don’t add it to better control the flavor of my dish, but it’s there in case you like it! Rice is one of those ingredients I make multiple batches at once and freeze for future meals, so I typically wait to add salt and other seasonings until I’m ready to make a meal.

Psst! If you’re going to add salt, I highly recommend Ava Jane’s Kitchen. You may think all salt is created equal, but unfortunately, 90% of the salt produced around the world contains microplastics (gross, right?). Ava Jane’s Kitchen is an exception. Their salt is 100% microplastic-free, and it’s SO GOOD! Plus, you can get a free 8oz. bag of sea salt (just pay shipping and handling!)

INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO COOK RICE IN INSTANT POT

So how do you cook rice in an Instant Pot?

Step 1. Measure rice, water, and salt (if using) into the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and turn the pressure valve to closed.

Step 2. Pressure cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. I do not use the rice button on my pressure cooker, but if you set your pre-set to 4 minutes cook time, you can make your button pressing time even quicker!

Step 3. When the timer goes off, release the pressure quickly and fluff the rice with a fork.

Serve your Instant Pot jasmine rice as is for an easy side dish or dress it up with a pinch of salt or some fresh herbs. Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. I like to freeze my Instant Pot rice in 2-cup portions in a freezer bag, so they lie flat in the freezer.

RATIO OF WATER TO RICE IN INSTANT POT

For white rice, the rice-to-water ratio in the Instant Pot is 1:1. This means that you need equal parts rice and water.

Want to make two cups of rice? Add two cups of water.

Three cups of rice? Add three cups of water.

And so on…

You would use the same ratio if you sub chicken or vegetable broth for the water. That simple swap can take your rice to a whole new level of flavor!!

HOW MANY CUPS OF RICE CAN YOU COOK IN AN INSTANT POT?

I have this 8-quart Instant Pot and I’ve made six cups of rice without any issue. If you have a smaller Instant Pot, you might not want to make as much.

Technically, as long as you don’t fill the Instant Pot higher than the max fill line, you’re okay. HOWEVER, when you fill it that high, you’re less able to use the quick pressure release and must use the natural release instead (otherwise you’ll end up with a big mess inside and outside the Instant Pot).

Food continues to cook during natural pressure release, which could lead to gummy and sticky rice.

So, I recommend filling your Instant Pot no higher than halfway to the max fill line when you’re making this Instant Pot white rice recipe. That way you can use the quick pressure release and end up with perfectly cooked Instant Pot rice!

That said, if you have a 6-quart Instant Pot or larger, you’ll want to cook at least 2 cups of rice at a time to avoid scorching and burning on the bottom of the pot. Larger Instant Pots are meant to cook more food at a time, and that way you’ll have plenty to feed your family or save for later!

WHAT TO SERVE WITH INSTANT POT WHITE RICE

This Instant Pot cooked rice is so versatile because it goes great with so many different recipes!

INSTANT POT RICE FAQS

MY FAVORITE INSTANT POT RICE RECIPES