This Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe is hands-off and foolproof, cooking up light and fluffy every time. The seasoned basmati rice is made with sautéed onions and simple spices in the Instant Pot, so there's no guessing water ratios.
If you like this rice recipe, you may also like our Old Fashioned Stick of Butter Rice, Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, or this Cajun Dirty Rice.
Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 4 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 16 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 🔥 Cook Method: Instant Pot (pressure cooking)
- 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): Asian-inspired side dish
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Butter chicken, grilled chicken thighs, lentil curry
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy and beginner-friendly
This is our go-to rice because it's reliable every time. We usually fluff it and serve it alongside chicken or grilled meats. ~Jami
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick: The Instant Pot makes cooking perfect basmati rice a breeze, saving you time in the kitchen. You can use the same rice for this Chimichurri Rice Recipe!
- Easy: With clear instructions and the convenience of the Instant Pot pressure cooker, anyone can master this recipe.
- Versatile: Experiment with different seasonings and spices to create your own signature rice dish like this Instant Pot Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach) Rice.
Key Ingredients
- Basmati Rice: Long-grain rice with a delicate aroma and distinct flavor.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness to the rice.
- Onion: Adds flavor and aroma to the dish.
- Water: Essential for cooking the rice.
- Seasonings: A blend of spices and herbs that bring out the flavors of the rice.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions
- Oil: You can use other cooking oils like vegetable oil or ghee for a different flavor profile. Butter would also add extra flavor.
- Seasonings: Add other seasonings and herbs of your choice to customize the flavor to your liking.
Variations
- Lemon Basmati Rice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked rice and sprinkle with lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
- Cilantro Lime Basmati Rice: Add freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a vibrant and zesty flavor.
- Coconut Basmati Rice: Substitute a portion of the water with coconut milk for a creamy and tropical taste.
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How to Make Perfectly Seasoned Instant Pot Basmati Rice
STEP ONE: Rinse the Rice
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
STEP TWO: Sauté the Onions
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté (High), add the olive oil, and cook the diced onion until soft and lightly golden.
STEP THREE: Add Rice and Seasoning
Pour the water into the Instant Pot, then add the rinsed rice and chicken bouillon.
Stir gently to coat the rice with the oil and onions.
STEP FOUR: Pressure Cook and Fluff
Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and pressure cook on High for 6 minutes.
Allow a 10-minute natural release, then vent, open, and fluff gently with a fork.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains.
✔️ DO Adjust the cooking time and water ratio based on your Instant Pot's specific instructions and your preferred rice texture.
✔️ DO Allow the rice to naturally release pressure for even cooking.
✔️ DO Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving to separate the grains.
Storage
Store leftover Instant Pot Basmati Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. To freeze, divide into portions for easy use. Reheat in the microwave (covered, stirring occasionally) or on the stovetop with a little water or oil over medium-low heat, stirring gently.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use brown basmati rice in this recipe. However, keep in mind that brown rice has a longer cooking time than white rice. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and add a bit more water to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly.
To prevent sticking, make sure to rinse the basmati rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. Also, ensure that you have a little oil in the bottom of the pot.
When doubling the recipe, ensure that you maintain the proper rice-to-water ratio. If halving the recipe, you may need to slightly reduce the cooking time as well.
While some Instant Pots have a specific rice setting, we recommend using the manual or pressure cook function for this recipe. It gives you more control over the cooking time and allows for adjustments based on your preferences.
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice rinsed
- ½ medium onion diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup water
- 1½ tablespoons granulated chicken bouillon such as Knorr
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté on the High setting. Add the olive oil and let it heat for about a minute.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown. Let the onions cook an extra minute to lightly toast for deeper flavor.
- Pour the water into the Instant Pot, then add the rinsed basmati rice and chicken bouillon. Stir gently to coat the rice with the oil and onions and evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Secure the lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook (High) and set the timer for 6 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.
- When the pin drops, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork, distributing the toasted onions throughout. Serve warm.
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Video
Notes
- Sauté the onions until soft and lightly browned before pressure cooking to add depth without extra ingredients.
- Stir the rice gently after adding it so it's coated in oil but not broken.
- Add the seasoning before pressure cooking so it dissolves evenly and doesn't clump.
- Let the rice rest briefly after opening the lid, then fluff with a fork instead of stirring to keep it light.
Moo says
Great recipe, I've made it twice in the last month! I think in the written directions you negated to state when you add the 2 cups of water to the mixture. Thanks for this recipe.
Jami Powell says
Oops! Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. I’m glad you enjoyed the rice. 😊