This Instant Pot Basmati Rice is easier than making rice on the stove. This perfectly fluffy rice is a quick and easy side dish that’s great served with any dinner.
So many people have trouble making rice on the stovetop — it’s too mushy or the bottom burns. My solution? The instant pot! Skip the stovetop, skip the rice cooker, skip the microwave. THIS instant pot basmati rice is fool proof, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned.
What is basmati rice?
Basmati rice is a type of long-grain rice most often served in South Asian foods (although it’s great served with any cuisine). It’s loved for its slightly nutty flavor and firm texture which holds up deliciously next to curries and other liquid-y sauces.
Basmati rice also has a lower glycemic index than other varieties of white rice, meaning the energy it provides is released at a slower rate resulting in steadier, more balanced energy for you!
What is the difference between jasmine rice and basmati rice?
Both jasmine rice and basmati rice are varieties of long-grain rice. However, they do have a few key differences:
- Size. Basmati rice is long, thin, and slightly pointed on the ends while jasmine rice is thicker and more rounded.
- Texture. After being cooked, basmati rice is separate and dry while jasmine rice is sticker.
- Flavor. Both have a slightly nutty flavor but basmati rice is more savory in both taste and aroma while jasmine rice has a sweeter taste with a more floral aroma.
Ingredients
4 ingredients are all you need for your instant pot rice:
- Basmati Rice – no need to rinse! Typically, rinsing rice is encouraged, but we’re skipping it this time, because it changes the rice to water ratio and the results will be different.
- Cold Water – using cold instead of lukewarm water allows the pressure in the Instant Pot to build at the correct time, resulting in perfectly cooked rice.
- Butter – adds a rich, buttery flavor and helps your body absorb more of the nutrients.
- Salt – brings out the flavor of the rice. Not adding salt to rice is one of the biggest mistakes people make!
How to make
This instant pot basmati rice is so much easier than stovetop!
- Place rice, water, butter, and salt into your instant pot and stir to combine.
- Close and lock the lid then cook for 6 minutes.
- Allow the pot to do a natural release, remove the lid, and fluff the rice with a fork before serving!
How long to cook
Once the Instant Pot comes to pressure, rice cooks for 6 minutes at HIGH pressure. Keep in mind, it takes about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. Then we’re allowing a natural release, which will take an additional 10 minutes.
Total “cook time” is about 25 minutes, which is comparable if not slightly faster than cooking rice on the stove. Bonus: the Instant Pot is more consistent, because you’re not having to change the burner temperature on the stovetop.
What is the ratio of rice to water when cooking basmati rice?
The standard rice to water ratio is 1:1 and that stands true for this instant pot recipe. A 1:1 ratio will result in a more al denté texture which is often the preferred texture for basmati rice.
However, you can also do a 1.25:1 water to rice ratio which results in a softer, sticker rice. It’s really up to you depending on the texture you’re going for!
What to serve with basmati rice
Basmati rice is delicious on its own as a side dish or as a flavorful base for a main! Here are some recipes you can serve it with!
How to store
Leftover cooked basmati rice will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days or in the freezer for 4-6 months. If you’re freezing the rice, make sure it’s cooled completely first.
To reheat, place in a microwave safe dish, drizzle with a bit of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave until hot.
– Jennifer
Instant Pot Basmati Rice
Equipment for this recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice don’t rinse
- 1 - 1 ¼ cup(s) cold water *
- 2 tablespoons butter or vegan substitute
- ½ - 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place rice, water, butter, and salt into your 6 quart Instant Pot.
- Stir to combine.
- Close and lock the lid. Make sure the pressure valve is pointing to SEALING.
- Cook on manual, HIGH pressure, for 6 minutes.
- Once the cook time is up, allow the pot to do a natural release for 10 minutes.
- Flip the valve to quick release the pressure.
- Remove the lid, then use a fork to gently fluff the rice.
- Taste and re-season, then serve!
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Notes
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Nutrition Information
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.