Learn how to cook a perfect, fluffy, not sticky Indian White Basmati Rice recipe every time using the Instant pot pressure cooker. Vegan and gluten-free.
What is Basmati Rice?
Basmati is a variety of long, slender-grained aromatic rice traditionally grown in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. - (Source Wiki). The word "basmati" in Hindi means "fragrant" or "full of aroma."
It comes in two varieties, white and brown. Both have a nutty taste and a distinct smell. It is often served alongside Indian curries or as the main ingredient in the famous rice dish Biryani or Rice Kheer from the Indian subcontinent.
Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe
- Ready in less than 10 minutes.
- It is hands-free and saves time.
- Fluffy, fragrant, and perfectly cooked basmati rice every time.
- No soaking.
- Vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients to make Basmati Rice
Preparing basmati rice in the Instant Pot couldn't get easier. You will need only two main ingredients, and the other two ingredients are optional.
- Basmati Rice – This long grain rice is easily available in local grocery stores. I like Daawat Extra Long rice brand.
- Water – use plain water in this recipe. You can also use low-sodium vegetable broth to make it more flavorful (adjust salt in this case).
- Oil (or Ghee) – adding oil or ghee adds flavor to the grain and helps to keep the grains separated while cooking. However, it's optional. If you are vegan or dairy-free, replace ghee with olive oil.
- Salt – You can add a little to season the rice. It is optional.
How to Cook Perfect Basmati Rice in Instant Pot
Rinse the basmati rice 2-3 times until the water runs clear (removes extra starch) and drain the remaining water.
Note: This is a no-soak method, and my rice always turns out soft, fluffy, and separated.
Add the rinsed rice, water, oil, and salt to the Instant Pot steel insert. Give a quick stir.
- For softer rice: add 1 ¼ cups water.
- For Al dente rice: add 1 cup of water.
Close the lid securely, and turn the vent to "SEALING". Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL (High Pressure) setting and set the cooking time to 4 minutes.
When the instant pot beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then release any remaining pressure before removing the lid.
Open the lid and use a fork or ladle to fluff up the rice and serve hot with curry of your choice.
How to Serve Indian Basmati Rice
Serve this instant pot white basmati rice with any Indian curry, dal, or sambar. You can use cooked rice in making rice dishes.
Other recipes to serve with white basmati rice are
- Chickpea Coconut Curry
- Dal Tadka
- Paneer Butter Masala
- Rajma Masala (Kidney Beans Curry)
- Palak Paneer
- Mushroom Curry
- Dal Makhani
Tips to make perfect Basmati Rice in Instant Pot
Follow these tips to make perfect basmati rice in the Instant Pot every time:
- Always rinse the uncooked basmati rice before you cook it. This helps to remove excess starch, make it less sticky, and prevent it from clumping together.
- Use the exact water to rice ratio mentioned in the recipe to get perfectly cooked fluffy rice.
- Don’t leave the rice in the pot in warm mode. Otherwise, it will overcook. So remove the instant pot insert to the countertop to avoid rice from further cooking.
- You can double or triple the recipe if you want to cook more rice. The cooking time will remain the same.
How to store Basmati Rice?
Store Basmati rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can sprinkle some water and reheat it on the stovetop or the microwave until warm.
Can I freeze rice?
Yes, Freeze the leftover basmati rice in a freezer-safe ziplock or storage container for up to 4-6 months.
Then, sprinkle some water and reheat in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes till done. Or allow it to defrost in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stovetop to get steamy fresh rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
It helps to remove dirt and impurities. It also removes excessive starch making each rice grain separate and more fluffy.
It's optional. I find this step unnecessary when cooking rice in the electric pressure cooker. However, it will help to reduce the cooking time when you cook rice on the stovetop pot making the rice soft and fluffy.
No, both are high in calories and carbs.
You will get 3 cups of cooked basmati rice.
If you have brown basmati rice, it will take 20 minutes on high pressure for firm rice or 22 minutes for softer rice in the Instant Pot.
For every cup of uncooked basmati rice that is being cooked in the Instant Pot, you will need 1 ¼ cups of water. Therefore, you can easily double or triple this recipe.
Note: Cooking rice in an instant pot requires less liquid than the rice cooker or traditional stovetop methods.
Cooking rice with more water than the recommended ratio can lead to mushy rice. Try tossing the raw rice in little oil (or ghee) before adding water to help separate the grains.
More Instant Pot Basic Recipes
- Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
- Instant Pot Sona Masoori Rice
- Instant Pot Calrose Rice
- Instant Pot Chickpeas
- Instant Pot Quinoa
- Instant Pot Steamed Vegetables
- Instant Pot Wild Rice
More Instant Pot Rice Recipes
- Mushroom Biryani
- Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
- Indian Lemon Rice
- Chickpea Biryani
- Ghee Rice
- Spinach Biryani
- Paneer Biryani
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Instant Pot Basmati Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
Measuring cup used 1 cup = 250ml
- 1 cup basmati rice rinsed
- 1 ¼ cups water
- ½ teaspoon oil (or ghee), optional
- salt to taste, optional
Instructions
Instant Pot Method
- Rinse the basmati rice 2-3 times until the water runs clear (removes extra starch) and drain the remaining water.Note: This is a no-soak method and my rice always turns out soft, fluffy, and separated.
- Add the rinsed rice, water, oil, and salt to the Instant Pot steel insert. Give a quick stir.For softer rice: add 1 ¼ cups water.For al dente rice: add 1 cup water.
- Close the Instant Pot with pressure valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
- When the instant pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes and then Quick Release the remaining pressure manually.
- Open the lid and use a fork or ladle to fluff up the rice and serve hot with curry of your choice.
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