Fluffy, fragrant, and perfectly seasoned, this Instant Pot Basmati Rice cooks up light and tender every time. No more guessing water ratios—just effortless, foolproof rice in minutes!
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Indian basmati rice, known for its delicate aroma and long, slender grains, is a staple in Indian cuisine. It has a rich history and is highly regarded for its quality and taste.
If you like this recipe side dish, you may also love our Simple Arugula Side Salad or Toasted Air Fryer Gnocchi.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick: The Instant Pot makes cooking perfect basmati rice a breeze, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Easy: With clear instructions and the convenience of the Instant Pot pressure cooker, anyone can master this recipe.
- Healthy: Basmati rice is a nutritious option for a balanced diet.
- Versatile: Experiment with different seasonings and spices to create your own signature basmati rice dish.
Instant Pot Basmati Rice 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.
How to Make Perfectly Seasoned Instant Pot Basmati Rice
STEP ONE: Prepare the Ingredients
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Chop the onion.
STEP TWO: Sauté the Onion
Select the "Sauté" function on your Instant Pot and heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown, infusing the oil with flavor. Toast the onions for a few extra minutes to achieve a deeper flavor.
STEP THREE: Add the Rice and Seasonings
Add water to the Instant Pot, following the recommended ratio of rice to water. Add the rinsed basmati rice to the Instant Pot, stirring it with the sautéed onions to coat the rice with the oil. Sprinkle the seasonings over the rice, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
STEP FOUR: Cook the Rice.
Close the lid, ensuring the pressure release valve is set to the "Sealing" position. Select the "Pressure Cook" function and set the cooking time to 6 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow 10 minutes for pressure release naturally. Carefully release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
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 to ensure even cooking and prevent it from becoming mushy.
✔️ DO Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving to separate the grains.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 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
How to Make Perfectly Seasoned Instant Pot Basmati Rice
Equipment
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- ½ qty Vidalia onion chopped
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup water
- 1½ tablespoon granulated chicken bouillon Knorr
Instructions
- Press the "Saute" button on your Instant Pot and adjust to the "High" setting. Add olive oil to the pot and allow it to heat up.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it turns golden brown, stirring occasionally. Toast the onions for a few extra minutes to achieve a deeper flavor.
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice.
- Add water to the Instant Pot, following the recommended ratio of rice to water.
- Add the rinsed basmati rice to the Instant Pot, stirring it with the sautéed onions to coat the rice with the oil.
- Sprinkle the seasonings over the rice, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Stir briefly to combine.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the pressure release valve is in the "Sealing" position.
- Set the Instant Pot to "Pressure Cook" mode and adjust the time to 6 minutes at high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This means leaving the Instant Pot untouched for 10 minutes after the cooking process finishes.
- After the natural release, carefully turn the pressure release valve to the "Venting" position to release any remaining steam. Once the floating valve drops, it's safe to open the Instant Pot lid.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork, ensuring the toasted onions are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
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Notes
- Oils - 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.
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. 😊