Instant Pot Rice

A perfect fluffy, tender and tasty white rice can be done in a few minutes! You can use the same technique to make rice for California rolls, Kimbap Korean sushi rolls, inari sushi, salmon sushi cups, and Hawaiin musubi. This instant pot rice recipe has step by step photos, a video and tips for how to cook perfect white rice, jasmine rice, in an instant pot pressure cooker in a faster and easier way.  

Lots of Asian dishes serve with rice such as white cut chicken, Thai red curry, Thai green curry, Japanese chicken curry, Thai style ground pork, Hawaiian loco moco, cream corn chicken rice,  kung pao chicken and scrambled eggs and shrimp. Therefore, knowing how to cook tasty and perfect white rice is very important.

Love Asian food? Check out these Korean strawberry milk, cream buns, walnut shrimp, taiyaki, Thai satay chicken, pan fried buns and salt & pepper squid recipes. 

What is jasmine rice?

Jasmine rice is a long-grain variety of rice known for its floral aroma. After the rice is cooked, it’s moist, soft and slightly sweet. In Chinese, it literally means Thai fragrant rice or Thai aromatic rice. It is because it has aroma compounds and will disappear within a few months. Therefore, most people prefer each year's freshly harvested new crop. 

Where does Jasmine rice come from?

Jasmine rice originates from Thailand, where it has been grown for centuries. It is a staple in many Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. The rice is named for its subtle jasmine-like aroma. 

However, Thailand remains the largest producer and exporter of jasmine rice. The fragrant, slightly sticky texture makes it a perfect pairing for many Asian dishes for example Thai red curry, Thai green curry, Japanese chicken curry, Thai style ground pork, Hawaiian loco moco, cream corn chicken rice, kung pao chicken, mapo tofu, eggplant pork and scrambled eggs and shrimp. 

Instant pot vs rice cooker:

Most Asians cook rice in a rice cooker and stove top like claypot rice. I used to have and use a rice cooker too! However, once I discovered an instant pot pressure cooker can cook delicious and perfect rice. I will never go back to using my rice cooker to cook rice because instant pot pressure cooker does make the rice taste even better and still keep the aroma of rice and moisture.

Rice cooker:

On the other hand, a rice cooker is specifically designed to cook rice. Just add rice and water, push the button and the cooker does the rest. Some rice cookers have offered more functions, but they are straightforward and easier to use. It may take longer to cook rice compared to the instant pot, but it is easier to use in general. 

What is the ratio of rice to water for cooking in the instant pot?

My Asian way: 

In many Asian cultures, a traditional method for measuring water when cooking rice is using the finger, particularly the first joint of the index finger. This simple and intuitive method has been passed down through generations. And, I still use this method today.

After washing the rice a few times (usually 3 times) to remove excess starch. Then, place the washed rice in the pot or rice cooker. Then, add water. Next, spread the rice evenly in the pot to ensure a flat surface. After that, measure the water with your finger. Rest the tip of your index finger on top of the surface of the rice. 

Make sure the water reaches the first joint (or knuckle) of your finger. This is usually about the right amount of water, regardless of how much rice you are cooking, especially using a rice cooker. However, if you are using an instant pot, just make sure the water reaches 0.2 cm below the first joint. It is because pressure requires less water compared to the regular rice cooker when cooking rice.

This technique is handy and convenient because it works for a wide range of rice quantities and pot sizes. Also, it ensures the rice cooks evenly, absorbing the perfect amount of water to achieve a fluffy texture without becoming too mushy or dry. This method is usually used for cooking white rice, like jasmine or long-grain varieties. Slightly adjustments may be needed for different types of rice, such as sushi rice, brown or sticky rice. 

More accurate measurement: 

If you want to use more accurate measurement, the best ratio is 1:1 which means 1 cup of rice uses 1 cup of water. Then, the rice will come out perfectly in the instant pot pressure cooker.

Do I have to rinse rice before cooking?  

Some people do not like to rinse or wash the rice before cooking. However, in our Asian culture and way, we usually rinse or wash the rice and it is highly recommended. It is because rinsing or washing the rice helps to remove excess starch, which can prevent the rice from becoming sticky or clumpy during cooking. Also, it helps wash off the surface starch and ensures that the rice grains remain separate and fluffy, especially for varieties like jasmine, sushi rice or basmati.

Besides, rinsing the rice can help to remove any dust, dirt, or small debris that may have collected during processing or packaging. Lastly, rinsing the rice reduces the amount of starch released when cooking, preventing the rice from becoming overly sticky, gummy or sticking to the bottom of the instant pot.

How to rinse or wash rice?

How do I get rice to not stick to the bottom of the pot?

To prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot, whether using a stovetop, rice cooker, or instant pot. First, rinse the rice before cooking. It helps remove excess starch and it can prevent rice from sticking. Rinse it in cold water until the water runs clear, usually 3 times.

Second, ensure you are using the correct water ratio for the type of rice you're cooking. If too little water can cause rice to stick and burn. For white rice, generally the ratio is 1:1 in an instant pot. 

Third, after cooking the rice, let the rice sit for about 5-10 minutes with the lid on. This helps distribute moisture evenly and prevents sticking. Therefore, I usually do naturally release the pressure in the instant pot. 

Can I cook different types of rice in the instant pot?

Sure, you can cook various types of rice, including jasmine, basmati, brown rice, and wild rice. You may need to adjust the water-to-rice ratio and cooking times according to the type of rice you are using. I like to use an instant pot to cook sushi rice for California rolls, Kimbap Korean sushi rolls, inari sushi, salmon sushi cups, and Hawaiin musubi.

How long does it take to cook rice in an instant pot?

In general, white rice usually takes about 5-6 minutes at high pressure. But, brown rice typically takes a little bit longer. Keep in mind that additional time is required for the instant pot to come to pressure and for the natural release of the pressure. 

Personally, I like to cook white rice in the instant pot for 6 minutes at high pressure and natural release pressure because if I am in a hurry, I will do quick release pressure and the rice is still perfectly cooked and nice. 

Natural pressure release (NPR) vs. quick pressure release (QR): 

When cooking with an instant pot or pressure cooker, there are two main methods to release the pressure after cooking: natural pressure release (NPR) and quick pressure release (QR). Each has its pros and cons that can affect the texture and quality of your food. 

Natural pressure release (NPR):

Natural pressure release means the pressure inside the instant pot goes away naturally over time after cooking. You can do this by turning off the instant pot and leaving the valve in the sealed position. (Which is do not touch anything after the cooking time is done.) The pressure will gradually reduce as the temperature inside the pot drops.

When the pressure has fully released, the float valve drops then you can safely open the lid. This process of natural release pressure usually takes 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the volume of food and time you set for cooking the food. The method is great to use for rice, grains, meat, soup, stew and beans because it can prevent splatter.

Quick pressure release (QR):

Quick pressure release means you manually venting the steam from the instant pot immediately after the cooking time ends. You turn the steam release valve from the sealed position to the venting position. The pressure will quickly release the built-up pressure in a few minutes. Quick pressure release is great for delicate and quick cooking foods like vegetables because you don't want to overcook the food and change the texture. 

Personally, I like to use natural pressure release because it can prevent splatter and make less mess. However, it may take a little bit longer to wait for the pressure release. Therefore, plan ahead of time before making or cooking in the instant pot. 

What are the ingredients for this instant pot rice recipe? 

Cooking tips for how to cook perfect jasmine rice in instant pot:

Rinse the rice:

• Rinse, wash and rub the white rice, jasmine rice, under cold water for 3 times until the water runs clear. This removes excess surface starch and helps the rice cook evenly and prevents it from becoming too sticky.

Use the right water-to-rice ratio:

• For white rice such as jasmine rice or sushi rice in the instant pot, use a 1:1 water-to-rice ratio. This means 1 cup of water for 1 cup of jasmine rice. For example, 3 cups of rice needs 3 cups of water. Unlike stovetop methods, the instant pot requires less water to cook rice because of its sealed cooking environment.

Level off:

• Make sure to level off the rice and cover it with water.

Setting:

• Some like to use the “Rice” setting on the instant pot. But, I like to push the manual button and adjust time for 6 minutes at high pressure. Then, let the pressure release naturally.  

Allow natural pressure release:

• After the rice is done, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes. This helps the rice finish cooking and absorb the remaining moisture and results in fluffy grains.

Don’t overfill the pot:

• Keep in mind the instant pot’s maximum fill line, especially when cooking large batches. Overfilling can cause uneven cooking or trigger the “Burn” warning.

FAQs:

Instructions for how to cook perfect instant pot jasmine rice:

1. Put 3 cups of Jasmine rice into the mixing bowl. (I normally just wash the rice in the instant pot. This time, I used a different container because I want to show the steps clearly in this recipe.)

2. After that, pour some water (8 cups, don’t need to be accurate because just rinsing off). Wash, rub and rinse the uncooked jasmine rice a few times. (Often, I repeat this step 3 times depending on how hard you rub the rice to remove the cloudy/milky water.)

3. Next, use a strainer or  fine strainer to drain the water very well. (I usually don’t use a strainer, but I want to show this step clearly in the recipe.) 

4. After, put the washed and uncooked rice into the instant pot pressure cooker. (This instant pot size is 6 quarts.) 

5. Then, add 3 cups of water and level off the rice and make sure the rice is covered by water. Then, close the lid and vent. Push the manual button, adjust time for 6 minutes at high pressure and natural release pressure. (You can check out my Asian way measurement above if you like to learn.)

Enjoy this simple and tasty instant pot jasmine rice recipe! Also, check out sweet and sour pork, beef & broccoli, orange chicken, mouth watering chicken, Chinese bacon cabbage, steamed pork patty, ginger scallion crab stir fry, and mushroom chicken recipes because they serve well with jasmine rice.

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