• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Real + Vibrant logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Tips
  • Cookbook
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Tips
    • Cookbook
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Side Dish

    Instant Pot Basmati Rice

    Published: Aug 17, 2019 · Updated: Apr 16, 2020 by Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC · 42 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A bowl of Instant Pot Basmati Rice

    Learn how to make perfectly fluffy, tender, and fragrant Basmati rice in the Instant Pot every single time with this quick and easy recipe!

    A bowl of Instant Pot Basmati Rice with a bowl of salt next to it.

    Growing up in an Indian household, my mom would cook a batch of fragrant, tender, and fluffy Basmati rice on a regular basis. Whether she cooked it on the stovetop or a traditional Indian pressure cooker, it would be perfect every time. We'd enjoy it with chana masala, lentils, or any other Indian dish.

    Basmati Rice in the Instant Pot

    Naturally when I first purchased my Instant Pot, one of the first things I cooked it in was Basmati rice. I love this method for cooking rice (including brown rice and black rice) because the results are always predictable - perfect rice every time and it couldn't be easier.

    The perfectly cooked Basmati rice has the following characteristics:

    • Each grain is visible - thus, no mushy rice!
    • It's aromatic
    • It's deliciously simple

    The first key to making perfect Basmati rice is using the correct rice to water ratio. I use this simple formula when I’m cooking it in the pressure cooker:

    For 1 cup of Basmati rice, use 1 ¼ cups of water.

    The second key to making delicious Basmati rice is to rinse the rice before cooking it. This prevents the grains from sticking together.

    The third key to making perfectly cooked rice is to sautee the rice with a little butter or oil before adding the water to cook it. This helps separate each strand and also deepens the flavor.

    Use this hand-off method to set it and forget it until it’s done! Perfect for a side dish, base for the main dish, and excellent for batch cooking and meal prep. I love to make a batch to use in meals throughout the week or freeze for later.!

    What You'll Need

    You only need a few things to cook Basmati rice, in addition to your Instant Pot:

    • Basmati Rice: White long-grain Basmati Rice
    • Water
    • Butter (or Oil)
    • Salt: for added flavor. Note that if you prefer not to add salt, this can be omitted.
    • Bowl or Mesh Sieve: to rinse the rice in
    A bowl of basmati rice sitting in front of the instant pot.

    How to Cook Basmati Rice in the Instant Pot

    1. Soak the rice: In a medium bowl, combine the rice and water. Be sure to cover the rice with water by an inch as the rice will absorb and plump up slightly. Soak for 30 minutes.

    Hand pouring water over a bowl of Basmati Rice

    2. Rinse and drain rice: Drain the rice in a mesh sieve and rinse under cool water until it runs clear, running your fingers through the rice. This will take a couple of minutes.

    3. Add ingredients to Instant Pot: Select the "Saute" button and add rice and butter (or oil). Sautee the rice for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, before pouring in the water. Turn off.

    Adding rinsed Basmati rice to Instant Pot.

    4. Pressure cook the rice: Close the lid of the pressure cooker. Set the valve to "sealing" and start the pressure cooker on "High" for 5 minutes. Once completed, let the pressure naturally release for another 5 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.

    5. Fluff and serve: Carefully open the lid. Using a fork, fluff the rice. Scoop out and serve or store for later.

    Fluffing the rice with a fork

    How to Store

    Store the rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, simply warm it up in the microwave or in a saucepan.

    Tips on Making the Best Basmati Rice

    • Be sure to rinse the rice well before cooking it. The water should run clear when rinsing it. This usually takes a couple of minutes.
    • Be sure to use the correct rice to water ratio, as described in the recipe.
    • Sautee the rice in a little butter or oil before adding the water to cook it. This helps separate each strand and deepens the flavor. If you prefer not to use any butter or oil, sautee the rice with two tablespoons of water instead.
    • Elevate the flavor of your Basmati rice by adding a couple of cloves, toasted cumin seeds, saffron, lemon juice, or ground turmeric.
    • Add veggies to your Basmati rice such as finely diced carrots or green peas.

    What to Serve with Basmati Rice

    Basmati rice can be served with Indian curry, lentils, beans, and more. Here are some ways to enjoy it:

    • Indian Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala)
    • Cauliflower Tikka Masala
    • Instant Pot Lentils
    • Serve with any other Indian curry.
    • Serve with pinto beans or any other kind of bean.
    A bowl of rice sitting next to the Instant Pot and a small bowl of salt.

    More Instant Pot Recipes

    If you enjoy cooking in your pressure cooker, be sure to check out these recipes:

    • Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
    • Perfect Quinoa in the Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Carrots
    • Instant Pot Beets
    • How to Make Chickpeas in the Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Broccoli

    Looking for other rice recipes to make in the Instant Pot? Check out brown rice, sushi rice, black rice, and jasmine rice.

    I hope you love this Instant Pot Basmati Rice recipe as much as I do! Sign up for email updates to get delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

    A bowl of Instant Pot Basmati Rice

    Instant Pot Basmati Rice

    5 from 31 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep time: 5 minutes
    Cook time: 30 minutes
    Total time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 181kcal
    Author: Sapana Chandra
    Learn how to make perfectly fluffy, tender, and fragrant Basmati rice in the Instant Pot every single time with this quick and easy recipe! 

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup Basmati rice
    • 1 ¼ cups water
    • ½ tablespoon butter, or oil
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions

    • In a medium bowl, combine the rice and water. Be sure to cover the rice with water by an inch as the rice will absorb and plump up slightly. Soak for 30 minutes.
    • Drain the rice in a mesh sieve and rinse under cool water until it runs clear, running your fingers through the rice. This will take a couple of minutes.
    • Select the "Saute" button on the Instant Pot and add rice and butter (or oil). Sautee the rice for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, before pouring in the water. Turn off. 
    • Close the lid of the pressure cooker. Set the valve to "sealing" and start the pressure cooker on "High" for 5 minutes. Once completed, let the pressure naturally release for another 5 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid. 
    • Using a fork, gently fluff the rice. Scoop out and serve or store for later.

    Notes

    I’ve tested this recipe on both my Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-Quart and Instant Pot DUO 6-Quart with great results. However, you may need to tweak how long you cook the Basmati rice based on the size, model, and brand of your pressure cooker.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 181kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 165mg, Potassium: 53mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 44IU, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 1mg
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Indian
    Tried this recipe?Mention @realandvibrant and hashtag #realandvibrant!
    « Chana Masala
    Instant Pot Cabbage »
    226 shares
    • Yummly
    • Share
    • Tweet

    About Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC

    Sapana Chandra is a certified health coach, author of Plant Power Bowls, and founder of Real +Vibrant. Here you’ll find simply delicious vegetarian recipes with step-by-step photo instructions – recipes you’ll be excited to enjoy and share with your loved ones.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alisha Rodrigues says

      January 27, 2020 at 8:49 pm

      Rice is a basic thing to make but I always wondered how to make it perfectly well and this is it !! Loving the guide5 stars

      Reply
    2. Taylor Kiser says

      January 27, 2020 at 7:53 pm

      So easy to make thanks to the Instant Pot! Love basmati rice!5 stars

      Reply
    3. Anjali says

      January 27, 2020 at 7:03 pm

      This was such an easy way to make rice - and you are totally right it has turned out perfect every time! The butter is a nice addition too - never thought to add that to my rice before but it really makes a difference!5 stars

      Reply
    4. Sharon says

      January 27, 2020 at 6:15 pm

      I love using my instant pot to make rice. This basmati rice recipes is a great side for curries.5 stars

      Reply
    5. Chitra says

      January 26, 2020 at 12:03 pm

      Perfect rice! I added a bit of turmeric for yellow rice.5 stars

      Reply
    6. Julie says

      January 20, 2020 at 6:08 pm

      Is soaking for 30 mins mandatory? Followed recipe first time and turned out great...but wondering if in a pinch the soak can be omitted. Thanks
      Julie

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        January 24, 2020 at 10:32 am

        Hi Julie, you could certainly omit the soak completely. The rice may not turn out as soft but should be cooked through.

        Reply
    7. sommers says

      January 19, 2020 at 11:56 pm

      thank you sapana it is amazing one. can we add peas to this basmati recipe? i think i will be amazing when peas added to it.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        January 24, 2020 at 10:36 am

        Hi Sommers, you could certainly add peas -- it would be a lovely addition!

        Reply
    8. YYCgrandma says

      January 18, 2020 at 10:43 am

      I’m having a dinner party. Can I do 11/2 times the recipe?

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        January 24, 2020 at 10:32 am

        Yes!

        Reply
    9. Ray says

      December 28, 2019 at 10:14 am

      My rice turned out perfect! It was my first time cooking basmati rice.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        January 24, 2020 at 10:37 am

        So glad to hear, Ray! Thank you for your feedback.

        Reply
    10. Olivia says

      December 18, 2019 at 3:26 pm

      Can you double it without changing anything else? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        January 24, 2020 at 10:35 am

        That should be fine!

        Reply
    11. Chitra says

      December 17, 2019 at 3:40 pm

      I struggle with cooking rice on the stovetop but this rice came out perfect. I added extra butter and that made it even more delicious! Yum!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 19, 2019 at 5:08 pm

        So happy to hear, Chitra! Thanks for sharing your feedback.

        Reply
    12. Katie says

      November 30, 2019 at 10:51 pm

      Made this for the family and it was a hit!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 5:44 pm

        So happy to hear, Katie! thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    13. Veena Azmanov says

      November 30, 2019 at 9:25 pm

      This is such an easy and quick and surely full proof rice making option. Instant pot is best for safe and perfect cooking.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 5:45 pm

        I couldn't agree more, Veena!

        Reply
        • Masha says

          January 06, 2020 at 3:35 pm

          How long do you soak the rice for? Also, to double the recipe, do you double the water? Any changes to cooking time if the recipe is doubled?

          Thanks!

          Reply
    14. Anita says

      November 30, 2019 at 8:33 pm

      I now have another winner recipe to prepare with Instant Pot. Thanks for sharing this recipe. 🙂5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 5:45 pm

        Thanks for sharing, Anita! So glad it turned out well.

        Reply
    15. Beth says

      November 30, 2019 at 7:25 pm

      My rice always comes out sticky. I am loving the tips on making this come out perfect, especially the tip to sautee the rice! Can't wait to try it!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 5:46 pm

        So glad to hear, Beth! Thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    16. Cyndy says

      November 30, 2019 at 4:28 pm

      Thank you for the great instructions. This is the first time using my IP for basmati. Turned out perfect and will keep this recipe.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 5:46 pm

        So happy to hear, Cyndy! Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    17. Candice says

      November 30, 2019 at 3:49 pm

      Of all the delicious things I've made in my Instant pot, I never made rice until this recipe... and I'm never going back! So easy, and it came out perfectly. Thanks for sharing!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 5:46 pm

        Thanks so much, Candice!

        Reply
    18. Jenn says

      October 18, 2019 at 5:43 am

      Thanks for the step-by-step walkthrough - I'm scared of making rice in my InstaPot but I think I'll give it a go with your directions!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 25, 2019 at 12:54 pm

        You're so welcome! I hope you enjoy it, Jenn!

        Reply
    19. Heidy L. McCallum says

      October 18, 2019 at 4:59 am

      I made this the other day and it turned out excellent. Your directions were perfect and I couldn't be happier with the results of the rice!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 25, 2019 at 12:57 pm

        That makes me so happy to hear, Heidy!

        Reply
    20. Adrianne says

      October 18, 2019 at 3:53 am

      This recipe looks like it would make life so easy! The pinto beans sounds like a great serving suggestion. I could eat rice like this almost every night of the week!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 25, 2019 at 12:57 pm

        So glad you like it, Adrianne!

        Reply
    21. Amy says

      October 18, 2019 at 2:36 am

      Anything that makes rice cooking easier is a winner for me!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 25, 2019 at 12:58 pm

        Yes!! I love that it comes out exactly the same every time.

        Reply
    22. Shashi at SavorySpin says

      October 18, 2019 at 2:11 am

      I just got an IP and cannot wait to give this rice a try - its so fluffy!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 25, 2019 at 12:58 pm

        I hope you enjoy it, Shashi!

        Reply
    23. Caitlin says

      October 17, 2019 at 10:59 pm

      I love Basmati rice but can never get it to taste right! So happy to find this method. Thank you!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        October 25, 2019 at 12:58 pm

        So happy to hear, Caitlin!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Sapana Chandra

    Hi, I'm Sapana! I’m a recipe developer and author of the cookbook Plant Power Bowls. Here you'll find simple, delicious, vegetarian recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn more about me

    As seen on

    Sites that Real + Vibrant has been featured on.

    Spring favorites

    • Mango Salsa
    • Grapefruit Margarita
    • Pesto Pasta Salad
    • Vegan Blueberry Scones

    Get your copy

    Cover for Plant Power Bowls Cookbook

    Popular recipes

    • Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
    • Coconut Chickpea Curry
    • Overnight Oats with Superfoods
    • Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

    Footer

    Featured In

    As Featured On

    Information

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms of Use
    • Affiliate Disclaimer

    About

    • About Sapana
    • Press
    • Cookbook
    • Work with Me

    Follow

    • Contact
    • Newsletter
    • Instagram
    • Facebook

    ©2022 Real + Vibrant • All Rights Reserved

    226 shares