Instant Pot Brown Rice
Instant Pot brown rice is a hands off way to cook fluffy brown rice! This easy pressure cooker rice recipe helps to simplify dinner prep!
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I have another simple Instant Pot recipe for you today!
You’re going to love this easy Instant Pot brown rice! It’s fluffy, sticky and the perfect side dish for stir fry, meatballs or salmon.
If you usually cook your brown rice on the stove, you are going to fall in love with this foolproof Instant Pot rice. I don’t know about you, but whenever I cook rice on the stove I always end up with a mess. The rice bubbles over onto my stove or it ends up overcooked because I’ve gotten distracted.
Moms, can you relate? Cooking while taking care of kids is a careful juggling act. This no fail pressure cooker rice will get you one step closer to putting a wholesome dinner on your table!
This Instant Pot Brown Rice
- is a hands off way to cook rice – no babysitting a pot on the stove!
- makes the best fluffy brown rice.
- takes less than 5 minutes of active prep time.
Water to Rice Ratio
When cooking rice in your Instant Pot you want to measure carefully. The water to rice ratio needs to be precise so that your rice turns out perfect every time. I use 2 cups rice and 2 1/2 cups water.
If you prefer to cook your rice in chicken broth or vegetable broth, you may use 2 1/2 cups of broth in place of the water. I recommend buying a reduced sodium broth to keep the sodium content of your rice lower.
Can You Meal Prep Rice
You can meal prep rice, but you need to take certain precautions for food safety. Uncooked rice can be contaminated with a bacteria that can survive the cooking process. If cooked rice is left to sit at room temperature, the bacteria may multiply.
It’s best to eat cooked rice right away after cooking. If you need to cook it ahead of time, cool it quickly by laying it out in a thin layer. Refrigerate rice as soon as possible after cooking (within an hour). Use cooked rice within 2 days and reheat it until steaming hot before serving.
How to Cook Instant Pot Brown Rice
First, rinse your rice under cool water to remove excess starch. Place the drained rice into your Instant Pot.
You can toast your rice before cooking it to add flavor. To do this, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to your Instant Pot along with the rice, before adding the liquid. Turn on the saute mode and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes. Turn off the Instant Pot and continue with the recipe.
Add the water (or broth) and stir gently to combine. Make sure that all of the rice is in the water and not stuck on the sides of the pot.
You can season your rice before or after cooking. You may add salt, chopped onion, dried herbs or other seasonings to the rice and water mixture before cooking so that the rice absorbs the flavors.
You can also season your brown rice to taste after cooking. Try mixing in fresh herbs, chopped onion or chopped vegetables.
This brown rice recipe is easily adaptable for any flavor of rice that you like.
Brown rice is also delicious in stuffed peppers and you can cook them together for an easy meal with my Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers.
Try my other basic Instant Pot recipes:
- Instant Pot Black Beans
- Easy Peel Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
- Instant Pot White Rice
- Instant Pot Mexican Rice
- Instant Pot Pinto Beans
Instant Pot Brown Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain brown rice
- 2 ½ cups water
Instructions
- Place rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water. Drain well.
- Pour the rice into your Instant Pot. Add the water and stir to combine. Make sure that all of the rice is in the water and that no grains of rice are on the sides of the Instant Pot.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and turn the steam valve to the sealing position.
- Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook (manual) at high pressure for 22 minutes.
- When it beeps to let you know that the cook time has finished, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes (just leave the Instant Pot alone).
- After the 10 minute natural release, carefully turn the steam valve to the venting position. I like to use the handle of a long spoon to do this. Wait while the rest of the steam escapes. Once the pin has dropped down, carefully open the Instant Pot lid.
- Fluff rice and serve.
Whats the difference between instant pot to rice cooker?
I don’t have a rice cooker, so I use my instant pot to cook rice. An instant pot can act as a rice cooker, as well as cook many other foods. It’s an electric pressure cooker. I believe that rice cooked in an instant pot is comparable to rice cooked in a rice cooker.
Haven’t tried adding seasoning to rice. What’s a good combination?
I like adding turmeric, sea salt, garlic powder and black pepper
I was “just” thinking about garlic powder when I try this recipe tonight. Your ingredients sound perfect.
Substituting coconut milk for part or all of the rice, add cooked pigeon pea. Caribbean rice and pea side dish.
now, do you mean 2 standard measuring cups, or are you referring to the ‘measuring cup’ that’s included with the IP?
Thanks, love your blog!
Sadnra
My recipes are always written for 2 standard measuring cups. Thank you!
As an aside, – you can just toss a Dish Towel over the top of the ‘Release Valve’ before twisting it to the ‘Release’ Position, and let the Steam slowly ease out through the towel. – Safe, Easy, and No Spattering!
That is a good tip!
Thanks for the tip!!
Can I halve the recipe for brown rice? Is the cooking time the same?
Yes, the cooking time will be the same for half a recipe.
was skeptical as i make rice in a pot with a 2:1 ratio (double water to rice). This recipe gave the rice a much deeper flavor and softer texture. after washing rice, i lightly cook it until its dry again (gives it a nutty flavor). Then followed your recipe. Amazing results. Simple, fast and so good.
That’s a great idea to toast the rice before cooking. I’m so glad you liked this recipe!
This was my first attempt at using my InstaPot so I thought I would start with something, easy brown rice. I read the manual, the recipe book that came with it and about five different recipes on the Internet. I was so confused until I found this post. The instructions were so clear and easy to understand. I can’t say thank you enough. I was about to give up!
Yvonne, your comment just made my day! It is my goal to make my recipes and instructions easy to understand and follow, so you just gave me the biggest compliment. Thank you!! If you haven’t yet, you might enjoy my Instant Pot beginner’s guide post. 🙂 Happy cooking!
This recipe was my introduction to a newly purchased Instant Pot Mini Duo, which does not have a multigrain button. I googled for it because I was kicking myself for buying something that didn’t have a brown rice cycle. Great results with this recipe twice now! Don’t need to make much? I suggest going ahead with the 2-cup directions, spread leftover portion on an 8×8 toaster oven pan, refrigerate overnight, and make fried rice the next day.
I’m glad this recipe worked well for you!
Agree with the comments, this is a well-written recipe. Step by step, realistically lists total cooking time, easy to understand instructions detailing components of the Pot. I wish the instant Pot owners had hired you to write their manuals and instructions (they are utterly confusing and unclear). Keep up the good recipe writing!
That is the best compliment! Thank you!! I try to write my recipes so that everyone, even if they don’t have much experience with the Instant Pot, can have success. I also think it’s so helpful to list a realistic total time, including the time that it will take for the IP to reach pressure. I’m glad you agree. 🙂
This has worked so well! I have a 6qt pot. I cannot find anywhere the max I can make with long grain brown rice. I know to fill only 1/2 way with grains for pressure cooking. But I’m not sure how many cups that is. On the IP site it says 8 cups for a 6qt, but that’s for regular brown rice and I cannot find anything for long grain brown rice.
I usually just batch cook beans but I need to start doing it with rice too!
I have had success doubling the recipe but unsure if I can make even more at once.
Thank you again for the recipe!
I’m glad this has worked well for you! My guess would be that the max amount would be the same for both regular and long grain brown rice, but I haven’t measured the max amount myself.
Has anyone added vegetables to this recipe? If so results, please! Also has anyone doubled the recipe? If so did you cook for same length of time or longer?
You can double this so long as you don’t exceed the line marked 1/2 in your Instant Pot because you need to allow room for the rice to expand. The cook time will be the same. I haven’t tried adding veggies, but my guess is that they will become very soft and almost break down in the rice. I bet it would be delicious, though!
I have Bella 10 in 1 pro… do I use the rice or multigrain setting? Would it be the same water to brown rice ratio and cooking time?
I am not familiar with that pressure cooker so I can’t advise. If it has a setting that is for high pressure I would use that with the same amounts and instructions in this post. Your manual should tell you what the pressure is for the various programs.
5 stars! Perfect!
I’m happy to hear this recipe worked so well for you!
Hey!!
I recently purchased an insta pot and I’m wondering if the cooking time is the same for any amount of rice? Let’s say I use 8-10 cups?
Thank you
Yes, generally speaking, the cook time is the same no matter the amount. I have not tested such a large quantity of rice so I cannot say from personal experience. Also, be sure you don’t fill your Instant Pot past the 1/2 fill line when cooking foods that expand, such as rice or dry beans.
I just tried this and followed the directions to a T, however there was not enough liquids and caused it to burn in the pot and still hard as a rock. I used 2 cups rice 2.5 cups water, I feel there should be more water cause usually it’s 1.5-2 cups per 1 cup rice when you normally use the stove?
I’m sorry to hear this recipe didn’t work for you. I’ve made it many times in both my 6 quart and 8 quart Instant Pots and it always comes out perfect. You need less water per cup of rice in the Instant Pot because steam is not escaping during the cooking process (so you don’t lose water to evaporation). Trying to troubleshoot: Did you use long grain brown rice and rinse it before using? Did you stir the rice and water together after adding them to the pot? What size Instant Pot did you use? Did you set the cook time to 22 minutes using the high pressure pressure cook setting? I’m trying to figure out what might have happened since many others have had success with this recipe. 🙂
Tandi, I’m almost certain that what went wrong is that you didn’t turn the knob on the top of the lid, the steam valve, from Venting to Sealing. Unsealed, it would let most of the water escape during cooking, thus leading to dry, burnt rice. That’s the logical assumption; if that’s not it, you must have a mischievous gremlin in your kitchen! ////Bunny kisses for all!
Thank you for bringing this up. It is very possible that that is what was wrong. I can’t believe I forgot to mention that!
And you did mention to close the steam valve, Kristine, in step 3, but when one is learning a new skill, it’s easy to miss a small detail. Better luck next time, Tandi!
I am a new user of the Instant Pot and have made this rice recipe twice so far. Love it! I always have a problem making brown rice on the stove for some reason (not so with the white rice). I was considering purchasing a rice cooker, but decided to try this first and so glad I did! It”s perfect! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
I’m so glad this recipe is working well for you!
How long do you cook 3 cups of brown rice and how much liquid?
The cook time will be the same. You’ll need 3 3/4 cups of water or broth.
This is my third attempt at rice in my InstaPot. Every time I ended up burning or under cooking. This came out perfect! Thank you. Will be looking at more of your recipes for sure.
I haven’t made this yet… what is the total yield and, though it says 5 servings, what does a serving constitute?
A serving is 1/2 cup. (You can find that information in the nutrition information below the recipe.)
Is that a standard measuring cup or rice cup cup?
Hi David,
A standard measuring cup.
which rice cooker is best for gaba rice?
The Instant Pot will cook all kinds of rice.
I just got my Instant Pot for Christmas and had read it was not great for cooking brown rice, but once I found your recipe I had to try it. I was also skeptical about the difference with the rice to water ratio, but I followed through and 30 minutes later got delicious, cooked rice! It was not as fluffy as rice I got from my rice cooker, but it tasted fine with the butter chicken I made for dinner. Also, brown rice would typically take at least an hour to cook in my rice cooker, so using the Instant Pot was more convenient.
Awesome worked perfectly!
Cooked rice, white or brown, freezes well. After the rice has cooled a little, portion it out for the freezer.
Here’s how I do it: For individual servings, I put 1/2 to 2/3 cup in a zippered sandwich bag, then collect all these bags into a gallon size freezer bag. At serving time, pull out enough bags for the servings you need. Peel off the bags and put the frozen lumps into a serving bowl. Microwave until thawed and warm, 1-3 minutes, depending on your microwave. Fluff with a fork. It’s fast and easy and as good as freshly cooked!
I also use frozen rice for school lunches. I peel the sandwich bag off one serving of rice and put it in a shallow single serving container. I also heat up an entree such as meat in sauce left over from dinner and put this in a prewarmed thermos. At lunchtime, pour the entree onto the now-thawed rice. This makes a hearty warm lunch, a welcome alternative to a sandwich.
When you say “let pressure naturally release” is that with or without the warming function that automaticly starts at the end of a manual cycle unless you push manul button twice when you start the cook cycle?
You just don’t do anything when the cook time ends. So yes, the warm function is on while the pressure naturally releases.
You mention toasting the rice in oil. When you do that, do you still rinse the rice first?
Yes, I always rinse rice before using.
I followed this step by step, but my rice came out Wet and crunchy. I wonder if it’s the type of rice I purchased. I bought my first brown rice and stored it in a separate container so I have no idea what brand or style brown rice it is.
I’m sorry this didn’t work for you. It could be that the type of rice you used needed to cook longer, or it could be that your Instant Pot didn’t pressurize properly.
Just tried the recipe and I’m in love. My first successful batch of brown rice….ok, any rice. Also first time I’ve used my instant pot without supervision. I toasted the rice with olive oil and about 1 tbsp of minced garlic. So yummy. I have type 2 diabetes and brown rice is a super grain for that. I never bothered with it before because all my rice turns out horrible. This recipe was easy and turned out great. Total game changer. Thanks.
I have cooked this rice twice and it is amazing! I followed the recipe exactly and the rice was perfect.
Loved this!! This is a perfect, I mean, perfect recipe. I used all the optional ingredients. Thank you for the recipe.
Thank you!! This came out perfectly. I have tried before and always it was too hard or too mushy. Just right!
Brown rice was uncooked and crunchy. Disappointing! What did I do wrong? I have Duo mini, so halved the recipe. Thanks, trying to crack the code.
I’m sorry that happened to you. I haven’t tested this recipe in the mini Instant Pot, but I’ve made it many times in my 6 quart and 8 quart and it always works. Did you follow each of the recipe steps, such as making sure to turn the valve to the sealing position?
This easy pressure cooker rice recipe helps to simplify dinner prep!
I was skeptical, I’m a believer. I’ve made Risotto in the InstantPot using regular rice and don’t have a problem cooking rice in a regular pot but I have the InstantPot, so why not give it a try. It worked perfect. I believe rinsing the rice made all the difference. I halved the recipe and there was water at the bottom of the pot after cooking that completely disappeard while it was sitting before serving. Tender rice, not mush.
BTW – I did not press to seal and it still worked out. Truthfully, I’ve never pressed to seal.
Thank you for the perfect recipe. I wanted to make the perfect textured brown rice, and got it from you. Thank you once again.
This is a little easier than my many year go to recipe for brown rice using a first generation pressure cooker. I’ve been pleased with the results.
Finally! Perfect rice in the instant pot! Thank you!
Thank you for this recipe. First time EVER for me making brown rice perfectly. Usually I ruin it and then trash it.
Winner recipe! I’ve struggled with inconsistent results in my IP. This turned out perfectly. I followed the cook & release times and the rice to liquid ratio as written. I rinsed the rice first & used the sauté function to toast rice with 1/2 diced onion. I drained a can of Rotel tomato’s, using the reserved liquid along with low sodium chicken broth to measure out the 2.5 cups of liquid. Added the drained tomato’s and cooked per instructions. Rice was cooked perfect, great texture and flavor. Thank you for this recipe and all the tips & techniques!!
I am astonished by how well the rice turned out. I had all but given up on brown rice, never able to cook it well. I tried stovetop, rice cooker, instant pot. I have to be honest that I had my doubts about this recipe because it’s different from the book that came with the InstantPot, and different times and water to rice ratio from other recipes. But after reading all the positive comments, I decided to give it a go. I liked your idea to toast the grains first to dry them so that the water ratio would be exactly right. Also I know from making Mexican white rice, toasting the grains first breaks them open a little bit or does something so that the rice turns out fluffier. And it worked for the brown rice recipe too! The rice was PERFECT. I didn’t even have to do the natural release because my pressure dropped down on it’s own in about 10 min. I have a 3-qt mini so I halved the recipe. Thank you for such a great and easy to follow recipe!
How do you Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook (manual) at high pressure for 22 minutes.
Hi Melissa,
It depends on your model but, you should find a “Manual” Or “Pressure Cook” button on your Instant Pot to set the pot to manual pressure cooking mode. Then use the plus symbol or nob on some models to increase the time to 22 minutes. It should be in high-pressure mode by default and will tell you on the display or with a light depending on the model. If your model has a “Start” button, you will need to press start to begin cooking. You may also want to read my Instant Pot Guide.
Used chicken bouillon, with perfect results. The right consistency, not sticky or mushy. Thanks for a another great recipe!
What if i use 1 1/2 cups of rice, (as 2 is too much for myself), what ratio of water would i use? Thank you!
To keep it simple, you can halve the recipe and use 1 cup of rice with 1 1/4 cups of water. If you want to use 1 1/2 cups of rice, you would need 1 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons of water.
I haven’t tried this yet and was wondering if it would work for short grain brown rice, too? Kristine, your recipes are wonderful. I just got an instant pot a month ago and your chicken recipes are easy to follow and worked perfectly. Looking forward to rice and many other dishes in the instant pot. Thank you!
I haven’t tried cooking short grain brown rice in the Instant Pot, but I would suggest reducing the water to 2 1/4 cups and reducing the cook time by 3-5 minutes. If you try it, let me know how it turns out.
Thank you for this recipe! Trying to cook brown rice in my 3-quart Instant Pot for the first time. I mean, literally, this is the first time cooking anything in my new Instant Pot, so I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
I made Jasmine Brown rice tonight & this recipe was great 👍