Description
This easy Instant Pot Brown Rice recipe yields perfectly fluffy, tender grains every time—without any babysitting! Whether you’re serving it as a base for stir-fries, curries, or grain bowls, this foolproof method makes brown rice a breeze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups uncooked brown rice (well-rinsed) – Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch; long-grain brown rice is best for fluffiness.
- 2½ cups water – The ideal water-to-rice ratio for the perfect texture in the Instant Pot.
Optional Add-Ons
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Bay leaf, garlic powder, or dried herbs – Add depth and complexity.
- Vegetable broth – Use in place of water for added savory richness.
Substitutions and Shortcuts
- Instant brown rice – Great for a time-saving option (adjust method per package instructions).
- Alternative grains – Try quinoa or farro in the Instant Pot; adjust time and liquid accordingly.
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Place 2 cups of brown rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes surface starch and helps prevent clumping.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed rice and 2½ cups of water to a 6-quart Instant Pot. Add optional salt or flavor enhancers if using.
- Secure the Lid: Close the lid and ensure the steam release valve is set to “Sealing.”
- Pressure Cook: Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode on High Pressure for 20 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally—this takes about 20–30 minutes. Wait until the float valve drops.
- Fluff and Serve: Carefully remove the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooked rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Doubling: You can double or halve the recipe using the same cooking time.
- Batch cooking tip: Make extra rice to use in meal prep bowls, fried rice, or soups later in the week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 216
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 1.8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: undefined
Keywords: instant pot brown rice, pressure cooker brown rice, how to cook brown rice instant pot, easy brown rice recipe, meal prep rice, healthy brown rice side dish