Make perfect Instant Pot brown rice every time with this simple, reliable brown rice recipe for the electric pressure cooker. It’s ideal for meal prep and gives you fluffy, tender whole-grain rice without needing a separate rice cooker.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- How to Cook Perfect Instant Pot Brown Rice Every Time
- Cook Time
- Variations
- How to Store
- Rice Cooking Tips
- Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe
I love cooking rice in my Instant Pot. One of the first recipes I tried was jasmine rice and it came out so well I knew the electric pressure cooker was a keeper. Many readers asked for a brown rice method, so here’s a tested Instant Pot brown rice recipe with clear steps and photos.
I tested this method in both 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pots and it consistently produces perfectly cooked brown rice.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few pantry staples:
- Long-grain brown rice (not instant or Minute Rice)
- Sea salt or kosher salt
- Olive oil
- Water (or broth, for extra flavor)
How to Cook Perfect Instant Pot Brown Rice Every Time
Brown rice cooks similarly to white rice in the Instant Pot but requires a longer cook time. Follow these simple steps:
1. Measure the rice using a dry measuring cup. Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold running water for a few minutes to remove surface starch.
2. Shake the strainer to drain excess water, then add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot inner stainless steel pot.
3. Season the rice with a teaspoon of sea salt and a tablespoon of olive oil for flavor and to help prevent sticking. If you like, add a pinch of garlic powder or other spices.
4. Use a 1:1 ratio of water to rice: 1 cup water for every 1 cup rice. Measure liquid with a liquid measuring cup and rice with a dry measuring cup for accuracy—don’t use the small cup that comes with some Instant Pots.
5. Pour the measured water over the rice, secure the lid, and set the vent to sealed. Now it’s ready to pressure cook.
Cook Time
Pressure cook on HIGH for 22 minutes. When the cooking cycle finishes, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release. After that, perform a quick release for any remaining pressure, open the lid carefully, and fluff the rice with a fork or spoon.
This method yields tender brown rice with a pleasant bite—not mushy, not undercooked. The grains are slightly sticky, making the rice versatile for side dishes or bowls.
Serve it alongside Asian-style entrees, roasted vegetables, or use it as the base for bowls, burritos, or stir-ins.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this basic recipe:
- Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for deeper flavor.
- Try different brown rice varieties—regular long-grain or brown basmati both work well.
- Add spices (cumin, smoked paprika, or garlic powder) before cooking to infuse the rice.
- Turn the rice into a main dish by mixing in black beans, salsa, and spices for a quick burrito filling or bowl.
How to Store
Cool leftovers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For meal prep, cook a larger batch, keep the seasoning simple, and refrigerate for quick sides during the week.
Rice Cooking Tips
- Use a dry measuring cup for rice and a liquid measuring cup for water to ensure the correct ratio.
- Rinse rice to remove excess surface starch.
- Add sea salt and a small amount of oil for better flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a bowl—don’t leave rice on the Keep Warm setting for long to avoid sticking and difficult cleanup.
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Instant Pot Brown Rice
Equipment
-
Instant Pot pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown rice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups cold water
Instructions
-
Measure rice in a dry measuring cup and rinse thoroughly under cold running water in a mesh strainer.
-
Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot and season with sea salt and olive oil.
-
Measure cold water with a liquid measuring cup and pour it over the rice (1 cup water per 1 cup rice).
-
Place the lid on the Instant Pot, ensure the vent is sealed, and pressure cook on HIGH for 22 minutes. When the pot beeps, allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick-release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the lid, fluff the rice, and serve.
Video
Notes
Use 1 cup water for every 1 cup rice; cook time remains the same regardless of batch size.
Serve immediately or transfer to a serving bowl. Avoid leaving rice on the Keep Warm setting to reduce sticking and simplify cleanup.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Recipe published in 2020 and updated in 2022
This Instant Pot brown rice method takes just a few steps and delivers consistent, delicious results. It’s simpler than stovetop rice and great for weeknight meals and meal prep.
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