Instant Pot Basmati Rice

Instant Pot Basmati Rice is my go-to recipe for perfectly tender and fluffy grains every time. With the right rice-to-water ratio and cook time, you can enjoy the distinct aroma and delicate texture of basmati rice hassle-free any night of the week!

Making Instant Pot Basmati Rice has become my go-to rice recipe. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy and consistently delivers tender, fluffy grains every time.

I’ve learned that the key to perfect rice lies in the right rice-to-water ratio and the correct cook time for your pressure cooker. This method works wonders, especially for basmati rice, which is known for its distinct aroma and delicate texture.

No more clumpy grains—just perfectly cooked rice every time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to any other method!

Ingredients

Notes about the ingredients needed for this Instant Pot Basmati Rice recipe are below. Jump to recipe for the exact measurements.

• Basmati rice. While certain brands of basmati rice — like Pride of India or Royal — come more highly recommended than others, most kinds will achieve the same result, so buy whichever is most convenient.
• Water. Using the correct amount of water is the key to making perfect rice, but for extra flavor, vegetable or chicken broth may also be used.
• Butter. Although it’s entirely optional, adding a touch of butter to rice gives it a little extra flavor, and helps the grains to stay separate while cooking. Vegan butter or olive oil can also be used as a dairy-free substitute. 
• Salt. Between ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt per cup of dried rice being cooked is recommended, but optional. It may be changed or omitted entirely based on preference and intended use.

How to Make Instant Pot Basmati Rice

Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts. Jump to recipe for the printable instructions

1. Rinse and drain the rice.

Some cooking methods for basmati rice recommend letting it soak for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This removes the excess starch and prevents the rice from going sticky and clumping together while cooking.

However, this same effect can be had in a fraction of the time by thoroughly washing the rice in a small, fine mesh strainer. Gently stirring the rice with your fingertips, run it under cold water for 1-2 minutes, or until the draining liquid runs almost completely clear.

Let drain completely before using.

2. Combine the ingredients.

In a 6-quart Instant Pot, combine the rinsed basmati rice, water or broth, butter or oil, and salt to taste. For firmer rice, use 1 cup of water for every cup of dried rice being cooked; for softer rice, add an additional ¼ of water per cup of rice as well. 

If including anything else to flavor the rice throughout, such as saffron or dried herbs, add it at this stage.

Give it a brief, gentle stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed, and cover the Instant Pot with the lid.

Note: Because it is a highly airtight cooking method, rice cooked in an Instant Pot requires less liquid than traditional stovetop or rice cooker methods.

3. Cook the rice in the Instant Pot.

Ensure the pressure release valve is sealed, and set the timer for 6 minutes at high pressure on the Manual or Pressure Cook function. It will take the cooker about 5-10 minutes to fully pressurize — when it has, the float valve on the lid will pop up and remain there.

If making brown basmati rice, set the timer for 22 minutes at high pressure rather than 6. Due to its natural, mostly unrefined nature, brown rice takes significantly longer to cook than white.

After the timer has gone off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and absorbing any residual water without boiling over from the quick release.

After 10 minutes, move the steam release handle to the venting position to allow any remaining steam to escape. Being careful of steam still rising from the rice, open the lid once the float valve has dropped back down.

Use a fork or spatula to fluff up the rice, and serve immediately!

Meal Prep and Storage

• Storage: Cooked basmati rice will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze leftover rice in a freezer-safe bag or storage container for up to 4-6 months. Portioning out individual servings ahead of time will help with thawing and single-serving use.
• Reheating: Leftover rice is best reheated in the microwave, with a few tablespoons of water sprinkled throughout to help rehydrate it. Warm it 30 seconds at a time, stirring between, until soft and heated through.

FAQs

More Instant Pot Recipes

Making rice is just one of the many incredibly easy uses for your Instant Pot, so make the most of it with these other tasty options.

• Instant Pot Quinoa
• Instant Pot Rice
• Sushi Rice
• Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
• Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
• Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
• Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs

What to Serve with Basmati Rice?

Basmati rice has a subtle nutty and aromatic flavor that pairs exceptionally well with these dishes.

• Thai Green Chicken Curry
• Salmon Curry with Coconut Milk
• Instant Pot Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
• Slow Cooker Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk
• Chicken Korma Curry
• Instant Pot Yellow Chicken Curry
• Vegan Chickpea Curry