Basmati rice step-by-step recipe with photos.
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About this recipe
Learn how to make EASY and perfect Indian Basmati rice in Instant Pot with this set-and-forget method. Water is the only other ingredient you will need in this no-soak method. This easy method will give you perfect light and fluffy rice every single time.
Read on for tips on getting the perfect texture, step-by-step instructions, meal prep options, and serving suggestions to make perfectly steamed rice.
What is Basmati
Basmati is a long-grain rice variety that is grown in the Himalayan region. It has a GI tag and can only be grown in certain regions of the Himalayan belt. It has a distinct aroma that sets it apart from other rice varieties.
This variety of rice is commonly used to make pulao and biryani. Plain steamed rice is a perfect side for curries and dal.
Ingredients
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.
Getting the perfect texture
Perfectly steamed Basmati should be:
- long and separate grains
- not lumpy or clumped
- soft but not mushy
- fragrant
- perfect moisture level
Not just the cooking time and rice to water ratio are important to achieve the perfect texture, but also the way the pressure is released is very important. Keep in mind that you MUST rinse the rice before cooking. Unlike pulao, soaking is purely optional when making steamed rice (see the tips section below).
It is really important to do a natural release of pressure when making steamed rice. Once the Instant Pot timer is done, turn it off and let the pressure come down naturally. 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, and so the rice gets clumpy when the pressure is released immediately after the timer beeps.
Step by step instructions
Wash the rice until the water runs clear (step 1).
Drain all the water from it. Add the washed rice and 1¼ cups of water to the Instant Pot (steps 2,3).
Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook mode for 5 minutes (step 4).
Once the IP beeps and the timer is done, turn it off. Do a natural pressure release until the pin drops (step 5).
Open the lid and gently mix the rice. Perfect rice is ready to be served (step 6).
Useful 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).
Use good quality aged Basmati to make it best-tasting.
Soaking the rice is optional and I have not noticed any difference in the texture of the rice after soaking. Soaking is an important step when making pulao as we do a quick release of pressure. For plain steamed rice, soaking can be skipped.
Do NOT fluff the rice using a fork. This will break the cooked grains. Instead, gently mix it using a silicone spatula.
If you want to meal prep, 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).
The water to rice ratio I use 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.
See the above section for tips on pressure release.
Stovetop method
If you would like to make it on a stovetop, use a rice to water ratio of 1:2 and follow the steps below.
To make it on a stovetop:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly and drain the water
- Add 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water to a saucepan
- Bring it to a boil
- Cover using a tight-fitting lid and set the heat to low
- Simmer for 20 minutes undisturbed
- Turn off the heat and let the cooked rice sit for 10 minutes
- Mix gently and serve
Serving Suggestions
Pair it with curries and dal for a complete meal. You cannot go wrong with the classic rajma-chawal or dal-chawal. Here are some recipes which are incomplete without steamed rice.
FAQs
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 has a beautiful aroma and a nutty taste.
Soaking is purely optional and can be skipped.
For every cup of uncooked Basmati, you will get 3 cups of cooked Basmati (packed).
Bonus
This recipe is:
- tried and tested
- adjustable to get your preferred texture
- great for meal prep
Recipe card
Perfect Basmati Rice in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 1¼ cups water
Instructions
- Wash the Basmati rice until the water runs clear.
- Drain all the water from it.
- Add the washed rice and 1¼ cups of water to the Instant Pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook mode for 5 minutes.
- 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.
- Basmati rice is ready to be served.
Kat says
So fluffy and perfectly cooked!
Kayla DiMaggio says
Yum! Big rice lovers over here and I always botch my batch. This turned out perfect!
nancy says
comes out perfect! thanks for the recipe
Anaiah says
Thank you for this! Basmati rice turns out so perfect and fluffy this way!
Bianca says
Turned out amazing and so easy to make!