Perfect Basmati Rice in Instant Pot

Name: Perfect Basmati Rice in Instant Pot
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Basmati rice; 1¼ cups water

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5 from 121 votes

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Learn how to make perfect Instant Pot Basmati rice with this recipe. With water as the only additional ingredient needed and no soaking required, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow.

Why you will love this recipe?

Detailed Instructions: This tried and tested recipe provides detailed instructions on how to cook basmati rice in the Instant Pot.
Achieving perfect texture: I have included all tips in my recipe to get long, separate, fragrant rice grains with ideal moisture and a non-lumpy, soft texture.

Ingredients

Uncooked basmati rice and water are the only ingredients you need. Traditionally, when making steamed rice, oil or seasoning is not added. Use filtered water where possible.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Wash the rice until the water runs clear (image 1).

Step 2: Drain all the water from it. Add the rinsed rice and 1¼ cups of water to the Instant Pot (images 2 and 3).

Step 3: Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook mode on high pressure for 5 minutes (image 4).

Step 4: Once the IP beeps and the timer is done, turn it off. Do a natural pressure release until the pin drops. Open the lid and gently mix the rice. Perfect rice is ready to be served (images 5 and 6).

Expert tips to make Basmati rice

Rinse the rice well 2-3 times until the water runs clear. It is really important to remove the excess starch before cooking it (see step 1 above). Soaking the rice is optional, and I have not noticed any difference in the texture of the rice after soaking.

Do NOT fluff the rice using a fork. This will break the cooked grains. Instead, gently mix it using a silicone spatula.

The water-to-rice ratio I use (1:1¼) gives me rice that is cooked well with a slight bite to it. If you want firm rice (like al-dente), use a 1:1 ratio, and if you want softer rice, use a 1:1.5 ratio.

It is really important to do a natural release of pressure when making steamed rice on a stovetop or electric pressure cooker. If you do a quick release, the rice will become clumpy and sticky.

If you are planning ahead, wash the rice thoroughly and drain all the excess water. Now, place the washed rice in the Instant Pot inner pot. Measure the water needed for cooking the rice and add it. You can do this the previous night (or 4-5 hours before cooking the rice). If you plan to soak the rice, use the rice-to-water ratio of 1:1 (instead of the 1:1¼ that I use for unsoaked rice).

Here are some more recipes to cook different varieties of grains perfectly in an Instant Pot.

Serving Suggestions

Pair it with curries and dal for a complete meal. You cannot go wrong with the classic kadhi-chawal, rajma-chawal, or dal-chawal. Here are some recipes that are incomplete without steamed rice.

Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between Basmati and plain rice?

Basmati is a variety of long grain rice that is grown in the Himalayan region. The key difference between the two is that the former has longer grains when compared to plain rice. It is aromatic rice and has a nutty taste.

What is the quantity of cooked rice from 1 cup of uncooked Basmati?

For every cup of uncooked Basmati, you will get 3 cups of cooked Basmati (packed).

How to store cooked basmati rice?

Leftover basmati rice can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent drying and heat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Why is it crucial to perform a natural pressure release when cooking steamed rice in an Instant Pot?

It is really important to do a natural release of pressure when making steamed rice on a stovetop or electric pressure cooker. If you do a quick release, the rice will become clumpy and sticky. Quick release of pressure works for pulao or other rice-based dishes but not for plain steamed rice. The reason for this is the use of fat (oil or ghee) in making rice-based dishes. When making steamed rice, we do not add any form of fat or other seasonings, so the rice gets clumpy when the pressure is released immediately after the timer beeps.

If you tried this Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ? star rating and let me know how it went in the ? comments below.

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