How to Make Instant Pot Brown Rice

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We’ve shown you a few different methods for making brown rice. In the oven. Boiling in a lot of water. And there’s always just making it on the stovetop. There are pros and cons to each, but I’ve recently started cooking brown rice in my Instant Pot. We’ve been hearing from a lot of people who got them for Christmas, wanting recipes, and rice is one of those essential ways that you can really put your Instant Pot to work. This Instant Pot Brown Rice is about as fast as the method that involves cooking it in a lot of water, but I also feel like it’s more forgiving. It’s a lot faster than cooking it in the oven (although there are times that I really like that method; it’s very comfort food-y) and cooking it on the stovetop is always kind of iffy…things spill over…rice burns…I say bad words…the rice is either overcooked or undercooked. Basically, I just need to never do that.

The first time I cooked it in my Instant Pot, I used the Instant Pot directions (which are more along the lines of stovetop water to rice proportions). I wound up with mushy, waterlogged rice. The next time around, someone told me that I needed to cut way back on the water, which gave me perfect, fuss-free brown rice. So now I make it likes this a few times a week and freeze any leftovers for easy use in the future.

Pressure Cooker brown rice in a bowl #instantpot #pressurecooker #brownrice

You’ll need 2 cups of brown rice, 2 1/2 cups water (I use just shy of that because I don’t think I need that much at sea level elevation, but I think in higher elevations, 2 1/2 will be perfect), a little olive oil, and a little kosher salt.

How to make brown rice in a pressure cooker or instant pot #instantpot #pressurecooker #brownrice

Use the sauté setting on your pan to heat the olive oil, then add the rice and stir for about 30 seconds.

Make brown rice in instant pot or pressure cooker #instantpot #pressurecooker #brownrice

Add the salt and water…

Making brown rice in pressure cooker or instant pot #instantpot #pressurecooker #brownrice

And use the manual setting to cook for 22-24 minutes (22 for low elevations, 24 for higher elevations). Allow the pressure to release naturally (so don’t turn the valve) for 5-10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.

Making brown rice in pressure cooker or instant pot #instantpot #pressurecooker #brownrice

Seriously, it couldn’t be easier!

Making brown rice in pressure cooker or instant pot #instantpot #pressurecooker #brownrice

How to Make Brown Rice in an Instant Pot

5 from 4 votes
Failproof brown rice in a pressure cooker! It's perfect every time!
Servings4 cups

Ingredients

  • 2 cups brown rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Use the sauté setting to heat the olive oil for 2-3 minutes. Add the rice and stir for 30 seconds. Add water and salt. Use the manual setting to cook for 22-24 minutes (22 for low elevations, 24 for higher), then allow the pressure to release naturally (don't use the release valve) for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Leftovers freeze beautifully for later use.

Notes


Author: kate jones
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Meet The Author

Sara Wells

Sara Wells co-founded Our Best Bites in 2008. She is the author of three Bestselling Cook Books, Best Bites: 150 Family Favorite Recipes, Savoring the Seasons with Our Best Bites, and 400 Calories or Less from Our Best Bites. Sara’s work has been featured in many local and national news outlets and publications such as Parenting Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Fine Cooking, The Rachel Ray Show and the New York Times.

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Questions & Reviews

  1. This worked PERFECTLY, and it was easily one of the best dishes of brown rice I’ve ever had. My picky husband, who pickly turns his head up at the stuff, LOVED it. Thank you!