This Instant Pot basmati rice turns out perfectly light, fluffy, and tender every time! No more scraping burnt rice off the bottom of the pot or ending up with mushy rice. With just 4 ingredients, it’s the perfect side dish for curries, dals, and more!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Instant Pot basmati rice is one of my favorite kitchen hacks because it takes all the guesswork out of cooking rice. No watching the pot, no worrying about the water-to-rice ratio—just add everything in, press start, and come back to perfectly cooked, light, and fluffy rice.
Best of all, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for a variety of dietary preferences. Whether you’re pairing it with Indian curries, Mediterranean dishes, or simple stir-fries, this Instant Pot method is a complete game-changer!
Ingredient Notes
Here's a breakdown of everything you'll need to make Instant Pot basmati rice.
- Basmati Rice: If you can’t find any at your regular grocery store, check your local Indian food market. My go-to brands are Daawat, Royal Chef's Secret, and Tilda Grand Finest Extra Long Grain.
- Liquid: To cook the rice, water or low-sodium vegetable broth will both work. If you opt for broth, reduce the added salt slightly.
- Avocado Oil: I prefer the neutral flavor of avocado oil, but feel free to use your preferred cooking oil.
- Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt are both good options.
Substitutions
- Avocado Oil: Coconut oil and olive oil are both great options as well. Just note that each one will impart a different flavor.
- Salt: If you're watching your salt intake, you can try garlic powder for extra flavor.
How to Make
This Instant Pot basmati rice comes together in just 10 minutes! Follow my tips and tricks for the best results.
Preparation
Submerge the basmati rice in a bowl of cold water. Let it soak for about 5 minutes, then drain the rice in a sieve and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, preventing sticky rice!
Cooking
Step 1
Evenly coat the bottom of the Instant Pot with avocado oil to prevent sticking, then add the rice, water, and salt.
Step 2
Set the Instant Pot to high-pressure mode, and cook the basmati rice for 4 minutes with the vent in its sealing position. Once the Instant Pot beeps, let it naturally release for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, turn the vent to the venting position and manually release the rest of the pressure.
Step 3
Fluff up your Instant Pot basmati rice with a fork to separate the grains, then let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Expert Tip
The key to perfect Instant Pot basmati rice is all in the rinse and resting time. Always rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch (this prevents it from becoming sticky or gummy, which no one likes).
Also, letting the rice sit after cooking helps each grain absorb any remaining moisture, creating that signature fluffy texture. If you’re making a double batch, maintain the same 1:1.25 ratio of rice to water and avoid stirring the rice immediately after cooking, as this can cause it to break apart.
Variations
- Coconut: Replace ½ cup of water with ½ cup of coconut milk for a sweet, creamy twist.
- Herbed: Stir in fresh cilantro, mint, or parsley after cooking for a bright, aromatic flavor.
- Spiced: Add a bay leaf, cinnamon stick, turmeric, ginger, garlic, cumin, or cardamom pods for a subtly spiced flavor.
- Tomato: Sauté shallots, aromatic spices like garam masala, turmeric, coriander, chilies, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes before mixing in the rice.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Instant Pot basmati rice is cooked and fluffed, it’s the perfect accompaniment for Indian dishes like Punjabi chole, Aloo palak, vegan lentil curry, and moong masoor dal.
You can also pair it with more snack-like foods like tofu 65, samosa chaat, and masala puri!
Cooking Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Always rinse your basmati rice before cooking it. It helps remove excess starch, making it less sticky and prone to clumping.
- Rice-to-Water Ratio: For this pressure cooker basmati rice, use a 1:1.25 ratio of rice to water. If you soak it for longer, reduce the amount of liquid.
- Let it Rest: Let the rice rest before serving, but don’t be tempted to use the “keep warm” setting. If you do, it will overcook and turn out dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it largely depends on the cooking method and your preference, the optimal water-to-rice ratio is 1 ¼ cups water to 1 cup dry basmati rice. If you prefer softer rice, increase the water to 1 ½ cups.
Basmati rice is lower on the glycemic index than traditional white rice. This means it absorbs slower into your bloodstream, causing sugar levels to increase gradually. For this reason, basmati rice is better suited for people who have diabetes or are wanting to better control their hunger.
You don’t have to soak basmati rice before cooking it. However, I recommend at least rinsing it in water to remove excess starch, making the rice less clumpy and sticky.
Sticky rice is usually caused by excess starch. Be sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking and avoid using too much water.
Storing & Reheating
For any leftover Instant Pot basmati rice, follow these storage instructions.
- Fridge: I don’t recommend storing cooked basmati rice (or any rice for that matter) in the fridge as it dries out quickly. You’re better off freezing leftovers right away. If you prefer to keep it in the fridge, it lasts 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Portion leftover Instant Pot basmati rice into single-serving containers or freezer bags, then freeze them individually for up to 4-6 months.
- Reheating: Reheat frozen basmati rice straight from the freezer in the microwave or stovetop. If it’s from the fridge, add a splash of water while heating it.
More Vegan Indian Condiments
Instant Pot Basmati Rice (Ready in 10 Minutes)
DESCRIPTION
EQUIPMENT
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup basmati rice uncooked
- 1 ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or preferred cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
METHOD
- Submerge rice in cold water for 5 minutes. (do not use the water listed in the ingredients). Then drain the rice with a sieve and rinse under cold water.
- Evenly coat the oil at the bottom of the instant pot. Then add the rest of the ingredients (rice, water, and salt).
- Start the instant pot at high pressure mode for 4 minutes with the vent in sealing position.
- Once the instant pot beeps, let the natural pressure release for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, turn the vent to venting position and release the rest of the pressure manually.
- Fluff up the rice with a spoon or fork. Let them sit for 5 minutes before serving.
NOTES
- Rinse: Always rinse your basmati rice before cooking it. It helps remove excess starch, making it less sticky and prone to clumping.
- Rice to water ratio: If you are following this pressure cooker basmati rice recipe, use a 1:1 ¼ ratio of rice to water. If you soak it for longer, reduce the amount of cooking water slightly.
- Rest: Let the rice rest a few minutes before serving for the best results. Don’t be tempted to use the “keep warm” setting. If you do, it will overcook and turn out dry.
- Fluff: Since each kernel is quite delicate, fluff the rice rather than stir it. Attempting to stir the rice results in a mushy end result.
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