Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe

Cooking light, fluffy, and perfectly separated basmati rice can seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be – especially with an Instant Pot! 

This simple recipe guarantees consistent, foolproof results every time, making it a go-to side dish for all your favorite meals.

Let’s dive into and show you how, complete with tips and variations to help you master making rice.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Basmati Rice

You only need a few pantry staples to make this quick and easy dish:

• 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed)
• 1¼ cups water
• 1 teaspoon oil (use coconut or olive oil for a vegan option)
• Pinch of salt (optional)

How to Make Basmati Rice in the Instant Pot

Follow these simple steps to make fluffy, perfect rice in just minutes:

1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear (2–3 rinses). This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add rinsed rice, water, oil, and a pinch of salt to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
3. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the vent to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
4. Natural Pressure Release: Once the timer ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Then, carefully move the vent to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
5. Fluff and Serve: Open the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Serve warm as a side or base for your favorite curry or vegan dishes.

Pot-in-Pot Method for Basmati Rice

The pot-in-pot method is another great way to cook basmati rice, especially if you want to avoid directly cooking in the Instant Pot insert. Here’s how:

1. Place 1 cup of rinsed basmati rice and 1¼ cups water in a small stainless steel or Pyrex bowl.
2. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot insert and place a trivet inside.
3. Position the bowl of rice on the trivet and cover it loosely with a lid.
4. Follow the same cooking instructions above: 4 minutes High Pressure, 5 minutes natural release, and fluff before serving.

This method often results in even fluffier rice and reduces cleanup!

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Basmati Rice

• Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse the rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
• Get the Ratio Right: Stick to a 1:1.25 ratio of rice to water for fluffy, separated grains.
• Skip the Keep Warm Setting: Leaving the rice on “Keep Warm” can overcook it. Remove the insert after cooking and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
• Add Flavor: Mix in a bay leaf, cardamom pod, or cinnamon stick while cooking for subtle aroma and flavor.
• Fluff Gently: Use a fork to fluff the rice; stirring can make it mushy.

What to Serve with Basmati Rice

Basmati rice pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to any vegan meal. Here are some great pairings:

• Chickpea Coconut Curry
• Palak Tofu (Spinach Tofu)
• Vegan Butter Masala
• Sambar (Lentil Stew)
• Mushroom Curry

For a one-pot dish, you can even use this rice as the base for vegan biryanis or flavored rice like lemon rice or tomato rice.

How to Store Leftover Basmati Rice

It’s easy to store and reheat leftover basmati rice. Here’s how:

1. Refrigerate: Allow the rice to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
2. Freeze: For longer storage, place cooled rice in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
3. Reheat: Sprinkle a little water on the rice and microwave it for 2–3 minutes, or warm it on the stovetop. If reheating frozen rice, let it thaw in the refrigerator first.

Final Thoughts

Making perfect basmati rice in the Instant Pot is simple, quick, and foolproof. 

By following these steps and tips, you’ll get fluffy, delicious rice every time—perfect as a side dish or base for your favorite vegan recipes.

Whether you pair it with a hearty curry, lentil stew, or turn it into a fragrant biryani, basmati rice is a kitchen staple that’s as versatile as it is delicious. 

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll never go back to stovetop rice again!

Frequently Asked Questions