Perfect Instant Pot Brown Rice (Pressure Cooker Recipe)
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Instant Pot Brown Rice comes out perfectly fluffy in a fraction of the time as other methods! Make brown rice in a pressure cooker tonight for a tasty side to your meal. This recipe makes the perfect brown rice the very first time you try it! Give this cooking method a try for perfectly cooked rice every time!
Can we all just agree that the Instant Pot is a great way to make fluffy rice? I’ve cooked brown rice a zillion times this way, and literally never had an issue.
It’s part of what made me a huge rice fan – and dare I say that this makes the best brown rice out there?
My family and I agree that it’s our favorite way to cook rice, and I typically cook up extra brown rice than the recipe calls for because I know we’re going to crave more and eat more!
Not only does it cook a cup of brown rice perfectly, but it really does cook any kind of rice in a delicious manner.
It’s my new favorite method of cooking because the cook time is quick and the fluffy brown rice can easily be eaten on its own or paired with other main entrees.
I always have great results with this recipe and it’s my favorite thing to cook in the Instant Pot when I need a quick snack or meal.
Table of Contents
Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe
Cooking brown rice in an Instant Pot allows you to focus your attention on your main dish or more hands-on sides.
Plus, you have the option of a natural or quick pressure release! Either way, pressure cooker brown rice comes out perfectly plump and fluffy every time.
Looking for more flavorful rice recipes? Basmati or jasmine grains cooked in chicken base is a staple in our house, and it pairs well with just about any dish!
You can’t beat this restaurant-style Mexican Red Rice for taco night, or you can recreate Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice for a lighter option.
Tips for Perfect Pressure Cooker Brown Rice
- Rinse the grains!
Swish them around in a bowl of cool water, then drain them through a sieve. Rubbing the grains together with your fingers helps remove the excess starch.
Sometimes there will be dry hull in the bag – these should float in water and can be picked out and discarded.
You can also use a fine mesh strainer to wash the cups of brown rice, too.
- Use the right amount of liquid.
Because the grains and broth are pressure sealed, very little liquid evaporates during the cooking process.
This is why the ratio for Instant Pot brown rice is almost 1:1, instead of the ratio you would use for a stovetop method.
- Adjust the flavor.
This brown rice Instant Pot recipe calls for a mixture of fresh herbs to create a lovely, earthy flavor.
Feel free to use any of your favorite combinations or leave them out altogether. You can add chili powder, garlic powder, and anything else that you want.
There are so many different ways to season this much rice.
The butter is also optional, but I highly recommend it – either added during cooking or melted over top before serving are the best ways for me!
- Want a vegetarian version?
Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock, bullion, or even plain water instead.
You may want to add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt (for flavor) with the rice in Instant Pot, if using just water.
Serving Suggestions
Obviously, the flavors in this Instant Pot brown rice go beautifully with chicken.
I love to toss some boneless breasts or lemon chicken bites in the air fryer to cook at the same time.
Include this fiber-rich grain in stir-fries as a healthier alternative, or simply dish it up alongside your favorite veggies!
You can also make a full meal of chicken and brown rice in a pressure cooker!
For this recipe, you will need to use long-grain brown rice, reduce the liquid by half, and double the initial cooking time.
Instant Pot Brown Rice FAQ
Once cooled, transfer leftover pressure cooker brown rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for 4 to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!
Surprisingly, yes! Add 1 cup of water to the inner liner, then place the trivet on top. Set a heatproof container with your leftover rice in the Instant Pot on top of the trivet, then close the lid and seal the vent.
Set it to “Steam” for about 5 minutes, then do a quick pressure release, and you’re done!
Of course! You can make any cup of rice in the electric pressure cooker – this is what’s great about cooking rice in it! Forget about needing a rice cooker, and let pressure cooking be your new go-to option!
Instant Pot rice is way quicker than cooking on the stove top. No matter what, every single time. Instant Pot recipes are known for their ability to cook an easy recipe in a shorter amount of time.
This makes meal prep a breeze and creates the perfect rice every single time. All that you have to do is follow the recipe card to make the perfect Instant Pot brown rice out of simple ingredients.
You can use the rice for stir fries, sticky rice, or mix with some black beans for extra protein. No matter how you decide to enjoy, you’ll get perfect results every single time. Now is the time to make this Instant brown rice recipe!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Perfect Instant Pot Brown Rice (Pressure Cooker Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain brown rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs, parsley, thyme, oregano, and basil (optional)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, optional
Instructions
- Rinse rice under running water and drain through a sieve.
- Place rice into the pot of an instant pot cooker. Add chicken stock, chopped herbs, and butter.
- Secure the lid on the instant pot and program it using the manual setting to cook for 22 minutes. The instant pot will take some time to pressurize before the timer begins to count down (be sure the vent is in the sealed position).
- Once the rice has cooked for the full 22 minutes, you can leave it to depressurize on its own or you can move the valve to quick-release the pressure.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve, topped with a pat of butter and some fresh chopped parsley.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published January 2022, updated and republished February 2025
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
A very easy, quick, and yummy way to make fresh healthy rice! Great for dinner prep. Will be using this method from now on!