EASY and Perfect Basmati Rice in Instant Pot

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.

Discover how to easily prepare delicious and flawless Indian Basmati rice in the Instant Pot with this hassle-free cooking method. With just water as the additional ingredient and no need to soak the rice, this no-fuss approach guarantees light and fluffy rice that turns out perfectly every time.

In this post, you'll find expert advice on achieving the ideal texture, a detailed walkthrough of the step-by-step instructions, meal prep suggestions, and serving ideas that will elevate your steamed rice to the next level. This uncomplicated method will help you achieve the perfect steamed rice using the Instant Pot.

Jump to:

• Why you will love this recipe?
• What is Basmati rice?
• Ingredients
• Getting the perfect texture
• Step-by-step instructions
• Useful tips to make Basmati rice
• Stovetop method
• Storing and reheating
• Serving Suggestions
• FAQs
• Recipe card
• Comments

What is Basmati rice?

Basmati rice is a long-grain rice variety that is known for its fragrant aroma and delicate, nutty flavor and is often used as a side dish or in pulao, biryani, and other rice dishes. This variety of rice is grown in the foothills of the Himalayas.

It is a unique type of rice because of its long, slender grains that stay separated when cooked, rather than clumping together like other varieties of rice. The name "basmati" comes from the Hindi word for fragrant, which refers to the rice's distinctive aroma and that is what sets it apart from other rice varieties.

Basmati rice is often sold in both white and brown varieties. White basmati is more commonly used in cooking, however, brown basmati is considered to be a healthier option because it is a whole grain and contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

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.

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 the rice-to-water ratio is 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 in a stovetop or electric pressure cooker. 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, so the rice gets clumpy when the pressure is released immediately after the timer beeps.

Step-by-step instructions

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).

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 how to get the perfect texture of rice in the Instant Pot.

Cooking more grains in Instant Pot

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

1. Red rice in Instant Pot.
2. Sona masoori rice in Instant Pot.
3. Cooking sorghum in Instant Pot.
4. Jasmine rice in Instant Pot.

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.

Storing and reheating

Any leftover Basmati rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also make a big batch and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Let the rice cool down to room temperature before storing it. Transfer the rice to an airtight container and store the rice in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you're ready to reheat the leftover rice, transfer it to a saucepan or microwave-safe container. Add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Make sure to heat the rice thoroughly before serving.

To freeze leftover rice, cool the rice and place it in a freezer-safe container. Cover and label the container before freezing the rice. When you're ready to thaw and reheat the frozen rice, you can do so in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of water to prevent it from drying out. It's important to make sure that the rice is heated thoroughly before serving to ensure it's safe to eat.

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 which are incomplete without steamed rice.

FAQs

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