A tried and true recipe for PERFECT Instant Pot Brown Rice, every time. Use long grain brown rice or brown basmati. Includes a variety of flavor options!

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I’ll admit, I’ve used my Instant Pot for plenty of things, but it’s only recently that I started using it to cook plain rice to go along with our meals.
Normally, I use it for the same things I would use my slow cooker for.
Like making large cuts of meat incredibly tender, like this Instant Pot Pot Roast or these Easy Instant Pot Ribs.
I also love it for making one pot meals, where I can brown meat, cook pasta, and make sauce with only one dirty pot, like in this Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs and Noodles, or this Instant Pot Chili Mac, or this Instant Pot Spaghetti.
But now that I started making this Instant Pot Brown Rice, I’m not sure I can go back.
What a relief it is to have perfectly cooked rice, completely hands off when the rest of your dinner is ready, especially for those like me who seem to have a hard time getting stovetop rice just perfect.
I’ve tested this recipe with long grain brown rice, brown basmati rice, and brown Jasmine rice and we love them all!
This perfectly cooked brown rice is joining my list of perfect base recipes, along with this Juicy Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Instant Pot Potatoes — some of our family favorite go-to’s!
How to cook brown rice in the Instant Pot:
Here are a few tips I learned along the way to help you see success the first time!
- Choose your rice. This recipe is for long grain brown rice or brown basmati rice. It may not work well with other types of brown rice.
- Rinse your rice: on my journey to Brown Rice Perfection I learned the importance of rinsing your rice, regardless of how you are cooking it! Rinsing the rice removes any starch that may be on the surface of the kernels, that would make the rice gummy during the cook process. I like to pour my dry rinse into a large strainer, and run it under water for a minute or two, using my fingers to stir the rice around and be sure every kernel is rinsed.
- Choose your liquid: almost any liquid will do! Water is an obvious choice, but chicken or vegetable broth will add a significant amount more flavor. If you don’t have any, you can also add a spoonful of chicken bouillon.
- The rice to water ratio: I’ve tested this recipe until perfect and found that a 1:1 ratio works best for rice that is not too soft and stuck together. Because we are rinsing our rice thoroughly, it will have extra moisture going into the pot. This is why we reduce the amount slightly that we are adding (compared to what your package will probably tell you)
Can I cook brown basmati rice in the Instant Pot?
You can absolutely use this recipe for brown basmati rice.
I’ve tested both using this method, and I have found that the rice to liquid ratio and the cook time both remain the same, regardless which of the two types of rice you choose.
Variations on this Instant Pot Brown Rice:
I’m a big believer in adding flavor during the cooking process instead of after, as long as you are using the rice for the same purpose. Here are a few add ins for you to choose from to take this pressure cooker brown rice to the next level!
- At the very least, a chicken or vegetable broth for cooking liquid will add a nice amount of flavor, while remaining neutral enough that you can serve the rice with almost anything.
- Experiment with the herbs and spices in your spice rack. Have a favorite flavor combination or herb blend? Add a teaspoon before cooking.
- For a fried rice base, I like to add 1 tablespoon of reduced sodium soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of honey during the cook time. Because it’s a small amount, I don’t bother reducing the cooking liquid.
- Add a teaspoon of taco or fajita seasoning for extra flavor in burrito bowls!
- After cooking (I know, I’m breaking my rule with this one but this is the exception!), add a squeeze of lime juice and/or zest, along with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro for cilantro lime rice.
What to serve with this Instant Pot Brown Rice:
- Sweet and Sour Crockpot Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
- Baked Honey Lemon Chicken
- Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
How to store cooked rice:
You can store cooked rice in the refrigerator, in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Cooked rice is a great staple to add to your freezer as well, as it can last up to 6 months and no quality is lost by freezing it.
Instant Pot Brown Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain brown rice (or brown basmati or Jasmine)
- 1 cup water or broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt *reduce if using broth
Instructions
- Place dry rice in a large mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold water for a couple of minutes, stirring the rice while rinsing to ensure all grains are clean.
- Place rinsed rice in a 6 quart Instant Pot (*double the recipe if making in an 8 quart), and add water or liquid of choice and salt.
- Spread rice into an even layer on the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Put the lid on, turn the valve to sealing, and select Manual or Pressure Cook for 18 minutes (perfectly al dente rice, or 20-22 minutes for softer rice).
- It will take 5-10 minutes to come to pressure and begin counting down. When the cook time is up, turn the Instant Pot off (hit cancel or unplug) and let sit until pressure has completely naturally released (the silver pin will drop and the valve will move easily).
- Remove the lid and serve.
Nutrition Information
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Tim B. says
Thanks for the recipe! I tried it with Chicken Broth and it tasted great! ๐
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Tim! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Annie says
This is my go to brown rice recipe. Works perfectly everytime. I had other seasonings with salt to give the rice added flavor.
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Annie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Amy says
Have you used the Multigrain button on the instant pot for brown rice?
The Recipe Rebel says
No, I’m sorry Amy. I have not.
Kerry says
Perfect every time! Thank you!!
Can I increase to 2cups of rice?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Kerry! So glad you enjoyed it! I’ve only tested it with 1 cup of rice but you should be able to double the recipe. For the cook time, you’ll have to place around with the timing. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!
Celia says
I haven’t yet but have read the comments. You didn’t say anything about stirring. Read somewhere else about NOT stirring anything? My perfect brown rice recipe previously was from Saveur. Will try my IP now
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Celia! I’d follow the recipe as written. Hope you enjoy it!
Jenny says
This recipe screwed me over. I used brown basmati rice. I followed the recipe to a T. I ended up with half cooked rice and the rice at the bottom was burnt and stuck to the pan. I ended up scraping off all the half cooked rice and threw out the burnt rice at the bottom. Added another 2cups water (for my 2cups rice) and cooked it under pressure for an additional 10 minutes. I had originally cooked it for 21 minutes with 2 cups rice and 2 cups water. I should have followed my gut and doubled the water in the first place.
Brenda says
What about white rice same ratio but less time thanks ๐
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, white rice usually takes about 3 minutes
Donna says
QuestionโฆI have the 8 Quart Instant Pot, but I only want to cook 1cup of brown rice? (Your recipe said to double for 8 quart).
Do you think this will work for me-should I double the liquid?
Ashley Fehr says
I think the minimum liquid amount for an 8 quart is 1.5 cups, so I would try to stick to 1.5 cups of each minimum
Kara says
Perfect every time. Thank you!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kara!
Victoria says
My go to recipe for brown rice. Perfect every time. Every grain is soft and perfect. My old rice pot would have half the rice still like to the bottom and I had to use so much more water. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Victoria!
Deb says
why the 1:1 ratio, when stovetop cooking is like, 1:2? How is 1 cup of liquid enough?
Ashley Fehr says
It just is! ๐ The Instant Pot has an airtight seal whereas a pot does not
Lisa says
Normally my kids wonโt eat brown rice, but even they loved this rice. This is now my standard way of cooking it. I doubled the recipe (my moto is cook once, eat twice) and it worked out just fine.
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Lisa! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Angie says
I cooked this exactly according to the directions but the rice didnโt cook all the way to fluffy. I even used the longer time.
Ashley Fehr says
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy it! I use this method almost every week and it turns out perfectly every time
Sheri says
I just did the same and itโs not cooked.
Sally says
I made this in my brand new crockpot express in case anyone is wondering how to use that brand for this recipe. It worked perfect. I pressed the rice/grains button then adjusted the time to 18 minutes and thr pressure to high. Perfect results
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you Sally!
Alex says
How long does the natural release take, roughly, after the 19 min cook time?
Ashley Fehr says
I usually let it release naturally at least 10 minutes, and then open it. The fuller it is, the longer it will take but with just one batch of rice it is usually not much longer.
Ann Watson says
Iโm so glad I found your recipe. Itโs is so simple, straightforward and no nonsense. Makes the absolute perfect rice. My go to way to cook rice from now on. Thank you!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you Ann!
Brenda Stone says
Can I triple this recipe and run for the same time?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, definitely!
Diana says
Does the cook time change if I double it?
Ashley Fehr says
No, the cook time will stay the same
Anthony says
Perfect brown rice! Thank you for the recipe…
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Anthony!
Corey says
High or low pressure?
Ashley Fehr says
Always high pressure unless specified
Jessica says
How would you thaw and cook frozen rice?
Ashley Fehr says
You could microwave it or warm it in a saute pan
Diana says
I always ended up with crunchy brown rice cooking in a pan. Your recipe turned out perfect. My husband wasnโt crazy about brown rice, but now loves it!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Diana! It’s my favorite way to make rice!
Gail says
I am pretty new to Instant Pot. The recipe was easy to use and the rice came out perfectly.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Gail! I’m so happy to hear that!
Carrie says
I just got my instant pot and gave this recipe a try. The rice turned out wonderful. Thank you for sharing.
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you Carrie! It is my favorite way to make brown rice!