Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe

Close up of fluffy Instant Pot Basmati rice on spoon.

5 from 3 votes

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.

Prep Time4

Cook Time16

Total Time20

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Asian

Servings:

Calories: 267kcal

Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

Instant Pot
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.

Video

Notes

Cooking Notes

For best results, let the onions turn lightly golden before adding the rice. Always allow the full natural pressure release so the grains finish steaming without turning sticky.

Tips for Best Results

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.

How to Know It’s Ready

The rice should be fluffy with distinct grains and no visible liquid at the bottom. The onions will be evenly distributed and lightly golden throughout the rice.

Nutrition