Perfectly Fluffy Brown Basmati Rice in the Instant Pot

Why We Love this Brown Basmati Rice Instant Pot Recipe

• Easy, nutritious side dish. Brown basmati is a whole grain rich in fiber and B vitamins, making it a healthier alternative to white rice.
• Great for meal prep. Make a large batch to use across the week—this rice keeps well and reheats easily.
• Faster and hands-off. The Instant Pot shortens active cooking time and removes the risk of boiling over or burning.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Butter: You can substitute olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth adds great flavor. For a vegetarian version use vegetable broth or replace it with water and season to taste.

🎯 New to Instant Pot Cooking?

Start with the basics of how to use your pressure cooker. A few tips and hacks will make cooking rice and other dishes simpler and more reliable.

Recipe Variations

Customize this basic brown rice recipe to suit your taste or pantry:

• Add minced garlic, grated ginger, or spices while sautéing for extra flavor.
• Stir in cooked vegetables such as peas, corn, or chopped broccoli after cooking.
• Mix in cooked proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
• Finish with fresh herbs—green onions or cilantro work particularly well.
• Use coconut milk in place of part of the broth to make creamy coconut rice.

How to Make Brown Jasmine Rice Instant Pot

1. Rinse the rice. Use a mesh colander and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness.
2. Sauté the rice. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté, melt butter or heat oil, then add the drained rice and sauté for about 3 minutes to boost flavor.
3. Rice-to-liquid ratio. Use a 1:1 ratio of rice to broth or water. For example, 2 cups rice needs 2 cups broth.
4. Cook on high pressure. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then carefully finish with a quick release.
5. Rest and fluff. Let the rice rest briefly, then fluff with a fork to separate the grains before serving.

Tips to Prevent an Instant Pot Burn Notice

Thick or acidic foods can stick and trigger a burn notice. To avoid this:

• Warm the pot on Sauté and add a tablespoon of oil before adding ingredients to reduce sticking.
• When sautéing meat first, deglaze the pot by adding broth and scraping up browned bits before sealing.
• Keep an extra inner pot available if you need to transfer food after a burn notice; it also adds flexibility for cooking multiple dishes.

It’s possible to overcook brown rice, but less likely than with white rice. Cook no longer than 15 minutes at high pressure for best results. If grains remain slightly firm, close the lid and keep the pot on Warm for about 5 minutes.

Mushy rice usually means too much liquid or too long cooking. Stick to a 1:1 liquid-to-rice ratio and the 15-minute pressure-cook time for basmati or brown jasmine.

Yes. Freeze leftover rice in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of liquid if needed and covering to retain moisture.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat covered in the microwave with a damp paper towel or on the stovetop with a small amount of water or broth.

Yes. A pinch of salt, a bay leaf, or a little curry powder added while cooking can enhance the flavor.

No. White basmati requires a different water ratio and a shorter cooking time than brown rice.

Brown Basmati Rice Instant Pot

Renae Gerhardstein

• 2 cups brown basmati rice, or brown jasmine
• 2 tablespoons butter (can substitute olive oil)
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth

• Using a mesh colander, rinse and drain rice well, and set aside.
• Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add butter or oil. Once warm, add the rice and sauté for about 3 minutes. Press Cancel to end Sauté.
• Add broth and stir, scraping the pot to deglaze. Close and seal the lid, set to High Pressure for 15 minutes.
• After the cook cycle, allow a 5-minute natural release, then carefully perform a quick release. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

• Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness. Let rice rest about 10 minutes after cooking before fluffing to improve texture.

Recipe Variations:

• Add garlic, ginger, or spices while sautéing for added depth.
• Stir in cooked vegetables like peas, corn, or broccoli.
• Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Top with green onions, cilantro, or other fresh herbs.

Storing Instructions:

• Store leftover rice in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth. If microwaving, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Make Ahead Instructions:

• Cook a large batch and portion into individual containers for easy meal prep. Maintain the 1:1 rice-to-liquid ratio and the same cooking times.