Perfectly Cooked Red Rice in Instant Pot

Red rice step-by-step recipe with video and photos.

About this recipe

Whole grain red rice is a variety of rice that gets it color from anthocyanins. It has a red/maroon bran, giving it a distinctive red color. It has a longer cooking time than white rice and also requires more water to cook.

When cooked well, it has a slightly chewy texture with an earthy and nutty flavor. The cooked grains are plump and bigger when compared to regular white rice. It does not have the beautiful aroma that Basmati rice has, but it is unique in its own way. It is also considered the most nutrient-dense among the different varieties of rice.

This variety of rice gets its color from a component called anthocyanin, which is rich in antioxidants, essential minerals, and nutrients. It is also a good source of dietary fiber and is known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

There are many varieties of this rice, for example, Thai cargo rice, Himalayan rice, Bhutanese rice, matta rice. In South India, a variety of red rice is popular, known as Kerala matta. Also called rose matta rice or Palakkad matta rice, it is widely eaten in Kerala.

Traditionally, this rice is soaked overnight (or for a few hours) and is slow-cooked with no soaking. However, making it in an Instant Pot requires no soaking and the cooking time is also less when compared to cooking it on a stovetop. Read on for FAQs, serving suggestions, and step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Red rice: This is the main ingredient.

Water: Where possible, use filtered water.

Step-by-step instructions

Wash the rice thoroughly in cold water. Drain all the water and add it to the inner pot of the Instant Pot (steps 1 and 2).

Add 1½ cups of water and give it a good mix. Secure the IP lid and set it to Pressure cook mode (high) for 20 minutes (steps 3 and 4).

Do a natural release of pressure (this may take 15-18 minutes). Open the lid and gently fluff up the rice (steps 5 and 6).

Useful tips

I used one measuring cup of uncooked rice, which gave me approximately 4 cups of cooked rice. This recipe can be doubled, tripled, or halved as needed.

You can add ½ teaspoon salt for seasoning. However, traditionally, when making plain steamed rice, seasoning is not added.

Do not do a quick release of pressure. This dish needs a natural release of pressure. Quick pressure release can make the rice clumpy and sticky.

More Instant Pot grain recipes:

1. Perfect basmati rice.
2. Sona masoori rice.
3. Red rice.
4. Sorghum.

Serving suggestions

You can replace it with your regular white rice and can pair it with curries of your choice. This rice is also perfect for making salad or grain bowls and fried rice. Here are some delicious recipes you can pair it with.

FAQs

Bonus

This recipe:
- is tried and tested
- gives the perfect texture
- is very easy to make and saves time when compared to the stovetop cooking method

If you liked this recipe, please don't forget to give a 5-star rating and leave a comment below.

Recipe card

Perfectly Cooked Red Rice in Instant Pot

Whole grain red rice is a variety of rice that is colored by a component called anthocyanin. Healthier when compared to white rice, it has a slightly chewy texture with an earthy and nutty flavor. Making it in an Instant Pot saves time and gives you perfectly cooked grains.

5 from 37 votes

Print Pin Rate

Author: Shilpa

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Indian

Servings: 4

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup red rice
• 1½ cups water

Instructions

• Wash the red rice thoroughly in cold water.
• Drain all the water and add it to the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
• Add 1½ cups of water and give it a good mix.
• Secure the IP lid and set it to Pressure cook mode (high) for 20 minutes.
• Do a natural release of pressure (this may take 15-18 minutes).
• Open the lid and gently fluff up the rice.
• Serve warm with curry of your choice.

Video

Notes

See the tips section for useful tips to make this dish.

Nutrition Facts

Perfectly Cooked Red Rice in Instant Pot

Amount per Serving

Calories

190

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

1

g

2

%

Saturated Fat

 

1

g

6

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Sodium

 

10

mg

0

%

Potassium

 

228

mg

7

%

Carbohydrates

 

40

g

13

%

Fiber

 

3

g

13

%

Sugar

 

1

g

1

%

Protein

 

8

g

16

%

Vitamin A

 

10

IU

0

%

Calcium

 

15

mg

2

%

Iron

 

1

mg

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.