Today I’m going to show you how to make white rice in the Instant Pot. I did an Instant Pot rice experiment in my kitchen. I tried making long grain white rice 4 different ways and I show you the results.
How to make white rice in the Instant Pot (video)
When I created my Instant Pot Cooking Times Cheat Sheet I came across lots of different ways the times of cooking rice. I decided to try a few different ways out and see which way I liked best. This time around I used a basic long grain white rice. If you’re a fan of jasmine rice, basmati or brown rice you might want to try out your own experiment. Let me know your results! I’d love to know.
For my experiment I tested the rice four different ways:
- A 1 cup rice to 1 cup water ratio with a 5 minute cooking time and 5 minute NPR.
- A 1 cup rice to 1.5 cup water ratio with a 5 minute cooking time and 5 minute NPR.
- Rinsed rice with a 1 cup rice to 1 cup water ratio, 5 minute cooking time and 5 minute NPR.
- Rinsed rice with a 1 cup rice to 1.5 cup water with a 5 minute cooking time and a 5 minute NPR.
For all the experiments I used the Manual/Pressure Cook button and NOT the rice button. I used high pressure.
Note: I did NOT use the “rice cup” that came with my Instant Pot. I used a regular measuring cup.
An important note: You need at least 1 1/2 cups of water in your 6 quart Instant Pot to make it come to pressure with a moisture absorbing ingredient like rice. Therefore I do not suggest cooking less than 1 cup of rice in your Instant Pot. If you want to just make a small batch of rice then you can use the pot-in-pot method.
The results were quite interesting! You can watch my video below to “see” what the rice looked like. When I tried taking pictures of the different rices they all looked exactly the same. So I’ll spare you four different pictures of white rice.
Rice Experiment Video:
Results:
- The thing I found the most interesting was that the rinsed rice wasn’t any less sticky than the unrinsed rice. Lesson learned…don’t waste time rinsing long grain white rice. It doesn’t make a difference.
- I was skeptical that a 1:1 ratio would even work. It did though. However the rice was not as soft and not as moist as the 1:1.5 ratio.
- I preferred the unrinsed rice that had the 1:1.5 ratio. It is soft and fluffy and moist.
- I need to do one more experiment with a 1:1.25 ratio. I believe that this might be the best ratio yet. Alas, I ran out of rice and time. But I believe that the best way to make long grain white rice is by using a 1 cup rice to 1 ¼-½ cup water ratio with a 5 minute cooking time and a 5 minute natural pressure release.
I love making my kitchen a science lab by doing these fun experiments! What other food would you like to see me try?
You might also like…
Instant Pot Cooking Times Cheat Sheet
Natural Pressure Release Explained
Instant Pot White Rice
- Prep Time: 2 minute
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (plus 5 minute NPR)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 cups of rice 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
Long grain white rice is so easy to make in your Instant Pot!
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups long grain white rice
Instructions
- Add water into your Instant Pot. Sprinkle in the rice.
- Cover the pot and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the manual/pressure cook button to 5 minutes. When the time is up let the pot sit for 5 minutes and then move the valve to venting. Remove the lid.
- Scoop the rice into bowls and serve.
Notes
I used regular measuring cups. I did not use the “rice cup” that came with my Instant Pot.
- Method: Instant Pot
*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Hi: When I first got my instant pot I used the rice button on my instant pot but my rice was coming out mushy no matter how much water I put in. I followed your way and it comes out perfect. I experimented again and when the pot came up to pressure it stated 12 minutes. That’s why my rice was coming out mushy. Thanks for all your tips and recipes, I’ve made quite a few.
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So glad that I could be helpful Marie!
Thank you so much for doing this experiment!!! I have tried so many different ways. Our rice came out perfect. I used the
1:1.25 ratio in my 6qt IP, 3 cups rice (unrinsed), and 3.75 cups water. I absolutely love your website. Thank you for all your posts and work. 😃
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Yesssssss! So glad to hear this.
I wonder if this method would be different for parboiled rice. Thanks
From what I’ve see it is the same for parboiled.
Only a few months new to the IP, your site is my ‘go to’ for info and excellent recipes. Thanks for making things easier for me!
Glad you are here!
Hi Karen,
Here is a good question regarding your rice experiment. What altitude do you live at? Believe it or not altitude does make a difference in the amount of time cooking in an IP. I live at nearly 6000 feet above sea level and have to add 17% more time to each recipe. This will make a big difference in how rice cooks. Jasmine rice has been a real problem in getting it right for us. I prefer to do PIP for rice as well.
Thanks for all your wonderful recipes. Your site is my favorite for IP and Slow Cooker cooking.
This is such a good point that I failed to include in my experiment. I like at 4000 feet above sea level.
Thanks for the information. It helps when using your recipes. Might not have to adjust as much if any at all.
Thanks
Karen
You’re welcome!
I make a big batch of rice in my instant pot, chill, and then freeze servings for 2. When ready to serve, I heat in microwave. Saves time and work.
I cook jasmine rice and wonder if 1.5 proportions would be the same?
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I love this idea! Jasmine rice is a 1:1 ratio from what I’ve read.
Would like to see the variations of cooking and npr times for hard cooked eggs. I see so many differing suggestions.
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YESSSSS. Next up! I will totally do this.
I always use Uncle Ben’s converted rice. Cooked Hopping John for New Year’s… perfect. Cooked Lowcountry Red Rice… perfect. second time for red rice…. burn message… haven’t tried it since.
Yum! I want you to cook for me!
While there may be no value to pre-rinsing rice in term of taste or texture, it is STILL very important to soak and rinse all rice (especially brown, but it applies to all). There is a certain amount of arsenic (poison) present on all rice, and pre-rinsing can reduce this by at least 30%. I’ve researched this issue because I must eat gluten-free, and that means eating a LOT of rice. This is a very real thing. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/01/how-much-arsenic-is-in-your-rice/index.htm
Wow! Interesting! Thanks for sharing.
First I want to say that I love your website and the recipes your share. I’d love to see a similar experiment using brown rice.
Okay! I will do it! I love brown rice.
Interesting article. I always use a 1:1 ratio of rice (rinsed) and liquid (water, chicken or beef broth, etc.) In my 8 qt. pot with a 4 min. cook time and 10 min. NPR, and it always comes out perfect. Next time I will try your 1:1.5 ratio and see if I can tell a difference. Thanks!
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Everyone has their own preferences! So if you like the way you make it already you might be good!
Your results may vary depending on the source of your rice. Brands typically found in the grocery store are often pre rinsed while those found in ethnic markets may not be. I strongly suggest rinsing if you are buying rice other than Carolina brand or something like that.
Good tip thank you.
Did you use the rice setting or the high pressure setting?
I used the manual button which is the pressure cook button on some other models. It was on high pressure.