Instant Pot Basmati Rice

Why stick with white rice and brown rice when there’s a whole world of rice out there?!

From creamy arborio rice (as seen in Instant Pot risotto) to fragrant jasmine rice, there are so many ways to up your rice game. And if you’re cooking Indian food (or even if you’re not!), you’ll want to try basmati rice. This Instant Pot basmati rice is the easiest way to make it.

What Is Basmati Rice?

Basmati rice is an aromatic long-grained rice originally from the Indian subcontinent. It has a nutty flavor and because the grains are longer than most other types of rice, it cooks up light and fluffy. (Basically, it’s the exact opposite of creamy, short-grained arborio rice!) 

Basmati rice is a staple in South Asian cuisine, where it’s used in biryani, pilaf, and for serving with curries. That said, its nutty flavor works well with all kinds of different dishes, from stir fries to meal bowls and more.

Why Make Basmati Rice In An Instant Pot

• The absolute best basmati rice. The Instant Pot isn’t just about ease and speed—it really is the best way to cook basmati rice. If you often end up with rice that’s stuck to the bottom of the pot or overly soggy, the Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of cooking perfect basmati rice.
• Consistent temperature. Stop standing at the stove fiddling with the temperature! The Instant Pot uses pressure cooking to maintain consistent heat and moisture throughout the cooking process, so you don’t have to worry about the pot boiling over or stirring for even cooking.
• Easy hands-off cooking. Once you set your pressure cooker, you can focus on preparing the rest of your dinner without constantly monitoring a boiling pot on the stove.

Ingredient Notes

Be sure to refer to the recipe card below for ingredient measurements, instructions, and nutrition information.

• Basmati Rice: Make sure you’re buying regular dried basmati rice, not a ready, instant, or microwaveable rice. These days, you can find basmati rice at any grocery store; it’s usually on the shelves with the other rice varieties.
• Water: If your tap water doesn’t taste good for drinking, I recommend using filtered water. For more flavor, you can use chicken or vegetable broth.
• Oil: You can use your choice of oil or butter, if you prefer. This is optional but a little fat enhances the flavor of rice.
• Kosher Salt: Salting the water seasons the rice from the inside out, making it more flavorful.

How To Make Instant Pot Basmati Rice

Rinse the rice. Put the dry rice in a fine mesh colander and run cold water over it until the water runs clear.

Combine ingredients. Add the rice to your Instant Pot, then add the water, oil, and salt. Make sure all the rice is fully submerged in the liquid.

Pressure cook. Secure the cover, turn the valve to seal, and set the Instant Pot on the Pressure Cook setting (or Manual, high pressure depending on model) for 6 minutes. It will take the pressure cooker about 8 minutes to come to full pressure.

Natural release. When the timer goes off, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes.

Fluff and serve. After 10 minutes, carefully release the remaining pressure. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.

Helpful Tips

Do I need to rinse basmati rice before cooking it in an Instant Pot? For the best result, always rinse basmati rice to remove excess starch which can cause the rice to be sticky. Put it in a fine mesh strainer and run cold water over it until the water runs clean, at least 1 minute.

Can I cook different quantities of rice in an Instant Pot? You can double or triple this recipe using the same proportions, with one part rice to one part water. Note that larger quantities will increase the Instant Pot’s pressure building time but the cooking time will remain the same.

How can I prevent a burn notice while cooking rice in an Instant Pot? Make sure that all of the grains on the side of the pot are pushed down into the liquid before starting the cook cycle to prevent a burn notice.

Serving Suggestions

• Curries: Basmati rice makes the perfect accompaniment for butternut squash curry and vegetarian cauliflower curry to soak up all the flavors.
• Stir-fries: Instead of the usual jasmine, brown, or white rice, try serving your next beef stir fry or shrimp and vegetable stir fry with basmati rice.
• Meal bowls: Create your own meal bowl by topping basmati rice with your favorite protein, vegetables, and a drizzle of sauce. If you’re looking for meal bowl ideas, try my BBQ chicken bowl or a protein-packed salmon bowl.
• Other recipes: Use basmati rice in any recipe that calls for cooked rice, like vegetarian stuffed peppers or zucchini casserole.

Make Ahead Ideas

Make a larger batch of basmati rice and use it for different dinners and lunches throughout the week or freeze it for convenient meals in the future.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerate/Freeze: Store Instant Pot basmati rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. 

Reheating: Add a splash of water to the rice and cover it to retain moisture, then microwave or reheat on the stovetop until it’s warmed through.

Leftover Love

Use leftover basmati rice to make fried rice with the vegetables and protein of your choice. Use this easy fried rice recipe as your guide!