This Brown Rice in the Pressure Cooker is super hands off, so simple to make and comes out perfect every single time. It’s the best base for stir fries or bowls or great as a side dish all on its own!
Well, heeeeeey. If you don’t already have an Instant Pot, let this be your 874984th plea from me to finally just go out and get one. After kindly explaining to me why, as of now, you have yet to hop on the bandwagon. I’ve had mine for several years and can truly still say that I love it just as much as I did on the first day I brought her home. And she still works just as good, to boot! And no, this isn’t an ad for Instant Pot. I just love the dang thing! (and I OBVIOUSLY know that you will too!)
Like the air fryer, the Instant Pot is a kitchen appliance that has really proved its worth IMHO. I mean, I ain’t ever seen a better rack of ribs than one that comes out of the Instant Pot. And, let me tell you, that making hard boiled eggs has seriously NEVER been easier. You know what else comes out absolutely perfect every dang time? You guessed it. Rice. Both white rice and brown. And if that’s not reason alone to secure your Instant Pot purchase, then I don’t know what is!
I’m talkin’ SAY GOODBYE to slaving over a hot stove to make rice ever again. That’s right. There will be no burnt pots due to overcooked rice in your near future. Heck, in your future at all after investing in an Instant Pot. Just think… you’ll NEVER have to guess and hope again when it comes to making rice of any kind. The IP literally does all the work for you. And, I’ll be the first to admit, does a way better job at making rice than I ever did.
I’m not going to lie – my family wasn’t one that grew up with a rice cooker full of perfectly cooked rice on the counter on the daily. Infact, I’ve still to this day, have never owned or even operated one. I know, I know. Some of you might be having the same reaction as I do when you tell me you still don’t have an Instant Pot. But hear me out ok?!?! When you can rely on the Instant Pot making rice as good as a rice cooker, you don’t feel the need to make it any other way again. And that’s a fact!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE INSTANT POT BROWN RICE
I told you things could not get any simpler when it comes to making brown rice in the pressure cooker! You only need 2 ingredients – one of which is water. Let’s discuss both of them in a little bit more detail down below:
- Brown Rice: This is the main ingredient and the star of the dish. Brown rice is a whole grain rice with the outer hull removed, but the bran layer and germ intact, making it a more nutritious choice compared to white rice. It’s rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals like manganese, magnesium, and selenium. Brown rice has a nuttier flavour and chewier texture compared to white rice. This recipe works for all types of brown rice. I.e. long grain brown rice, short grain brown rice or basmati.
- Water: The liquid used for cooking the brown rice. Water is essential for hydrating the rice grains and allowing them to cook properly. The ratio of water to rice is crucial for achieving the desired texture. Typically, for brown rice, the ratio can be anywhere from 1:1 to 1:2 (rice to water) depending on the desired consistency and your Instant Pot model’s instructions. PRO TIP: For extra flavour, try using broth or coconut milk instead of water.
HOW TO MAKE BROWN RICE IN THE PRESSURE COOKER (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this recipe for perfect instant pot brown rice in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Before cooking, rinse the brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky. EXTRA TIP: Be sure to drain the rice really well after washing to ensure that the water-to-rice ratio remains accurate.
- Use the right water ratio. Brown rice generally requires more water than white rice. A common ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 to 2 cups of water. However, this ratio can vary depending on the type of brown rice and your personal preference for texture. You still get perfectly cooked brown rice with a 1:1 ratio in my opinion. Feel free to experiment on your own and find out what ratio of water-to-rice works best for you. EXTRA TIP: Use a spoon or rice scoop to give the contents of the pot a stir before closing the lid. For best results, you want to ensure that all of the rice grains are submerged under the water and none are above or clinging to the sides of the instant pot.
- Add flavour with broth or seasonings. For extra flavour, consider using vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. Coconut milk also makes a great liquid option and adds a ton of tropical flavour that pairs well with a variety of tasty dishes. You can also add seasonings like salt, garlic powder or herbs to enhance the taste of the rice.
- Avoid overfilling. To prevent the Instant Pot from becoming too pressurized and causing overflow, avoid filling it more than halfway with rice and water. EXTRA TIP: You don’t have to adjust the cooking time at all, even if you’re making more rice than stated in the recipe card down below.
- Allow natural pressure release. After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 5 minutes. This helps the rice continue to cook and absorb any remaining moisture, resulting in a fluffy texture. EXTRA TIP: If you still find that the rice is too wet after opening up the lid, let it rest for a bit before serving. This will allow some of that excess moisture to absorb.
- Fluff with a fork. Once the pressure has fully released, carefully open the Instant Pot and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. This prevents the rice from clumping together and ensures a light, fluffy texture.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Brown rice generally requires more water than white rice. A common ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 to 2 cups of water. However, this ratio can vary depending on the type of brown rice and your personal preference for texture. Let’s talk about the possible water-to-rice ratios in a little bit more down below.
1. 1:1.5 Ratio: This ratio involves using 1 part brown rice to 1.5 parts water. This ratio is a good starting point for most types of brown rice in an Instant Pot. It typically results in tender, slightly chewy rice with a bit of firmness.
2. 1:2 Ratio: This ratio means using 1 part brown rice to 2 parts water. It provides a higher water-to-rice ratio, resulting in softer, more tender brown rice. This ratio is suitable for those who prefer a softer texture or for types of brown rice that require more moisture to cook thoroughly, such as short grain varieties.
Personally, I enjoy a water-to-rice ratio that is even a bit less than the two above. I find that a 1:1 ratio produces perfect fluffy rice with a great chewy texture. Using a touch more water (i.e. 1 1/4 cup to 1 cup of rice) also produces great results. Ultimately, it’s worth experimenting with but starting with a 1:1 ratio and working up to 2 from there is a good starting point.
Whether or not to soak rice before pressure cooking largely depends on personal preference and the type of rice being used. While soaking rice can help reduce cooking time and improve texture for certain varieties, it’s not always necessary, especially when using an Instant Pot.
For brown rice, soaking is generally not required before pressure cooking. The high pressure and steam generated in the Instant Pot are usually sufficient to cook brown rice thoroughly without the need for pre-soaking. However, some people find that soaking brown rice for 30 minutes to a few hours before cooking can help improve its texture and reduce cooking time slightly.
On the other hand, soaking may be beneficial for certain types of rice, such as long-grain or Basmati rice, as it can help prevent the grains from breaking apart during cooking and result in a fluffier texture. Additionally, soaking rice can help remove phytic acid, which may improve digestibility and nutrient absorption.
Ultimately, whether or not to soak rice before pressure cooking is a matter of personal preference and the specific requirements of the recipe. If you’re short on time or prefer not to soak, you can still achieve delicious results with brown rice in the Instant Pot without pre-soaking. Personally, I never soak my rice as I find that giving it a good rinse under cold water before cooking is sufficient.
If your brown rice turns out mushy in the Instant Pot, there are a few possible reasons for this outcome. One common culprit is using too much water or not allowing enough moisture to evaporate during cooking. Brown rice requires a specific water-to-rice ratio, and using too much water can result in overly soft and mushy grains. Additionally, cooking brown rice for too long or using a high-pressure setting for an extended period can break down the grains and lead to a mushy texture.
Another factor to consider is the type of brown rice you’re using. Different varieties of brown rice may require slightly different cooking times and water ratios, so it’s essential to adjust accordingly. Additionally, factors such as altitude, humidity, and the age of the rice can affect cooking times and results.
It’s also possible that the Instant Pot’s sealing ring or valve may be malfunctioning, leading to excessive moisture buildup during cooking. Ensuring that the Instant Pot is properly sealed and functioning correctly can help prevent mushy rice.
INSTANT POT BROWN RICE
This Brown Rice in the Pressure Cooker is super hands off, so simple to make and comes out perfect every single time. It's the best base for stir fries or bowls or great as a side dish all on its own!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Brown Rice (any kind)
- 1 cup Water or Broth* (see notes)
- Optional: Salt, herbs or seasonings for flavour
Instructions
- Rinse the brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Drain well. Add to the inner pot of the pressure cooker. Pour in the water, ensuring that the rice is fully submerged. If desired, you can use broth instead of water for added flavour. If adding salt or additional seasonings, do so now and stir to combine.
- Close the lid of the pressure cooker and ensure that the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting on your pressure cooker and set the cooking time to 15 minutes at high pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 5 minutes. This helps the rice continue to cook and absorb any remaining moisture. After the natural pressure release, carefully open the steam release valve to release any remaining pressure, then open the lid of the pressure cooker. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and distribute any remaining moisture evenly.
Notes
You can adjust the water-to-rice ratio anywhere from 1:1 to 1:2 depending on personal preference and desired texture. See the FAQ section above the recipe card for more details.
If you're making more rice than 1 cup, you do not need to adjust the cooking time.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 155Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 470mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 5g
Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.
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