Make instant brown rice in an Instant Pot in about 20 minutes. Use a simple 1:1 rice-to-water ratio, quick release, and fluff for consistently fluffy results.
If you have a box of instant brown rice and want it ready quickly, the Instant Pot is an ideal method. It’s mostly hands-off, frees up the stove, and yields tender, fluffy rice in roughly 20 minutes from start to finish.
We often use this method on busy weeknights or when cooking in an RV—anywhere the Instant Pot can do the heavy lifting.
How to make pressure cooker instant rice?
1. Place the Instant Pot stainless-steel liner into the cooker. Add 2 cups instant brown rice to the liner.
2. Pour in 2 cups water and add 1/2 teaspoon salt, if desired. For a lower-sodium option, omit the salt or season with a spice blend like Italian seasoning or lemon pepper.
3. Check that the silicone sealing ring is properly seated in the lid. Close and lock the lid, set the steam valve to “sealing,” then select Manual or Pressure Cook on High and set the cook time to 5 minutes.
4. When the cook time finishes, perform a quick release: carefully open the valve (use a kitchen towel or utensil to protect your hand) until the pressure is released.
5. Open the lid, then fluff the rice with a fork. Serve hot.
Recipe Tips:
- This recipe is designed for a 6-quart pressure cooker using a 1:1 liquid-to-rice ratio. If your Instant Pot or pressure cooker is a different size, consult the owner’s manual for minimum liquid requirements and adjust quantities as needed.
- Rinsing the rice is optional. For instant (minute) brown rice, rinsing is not necessary because the grains are processed to absorb liquid quickly.
What can I add to brown rice for flavor?
Instant brown rice takes well to a wide range of seasonings. Try chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, ground ginger, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, soy sauce, or a simple herb blend. Add fresh herbs, sautéed onions, or roasted vegetables after cooking for extra texture and flavor.
More Recipes to Try
- Taco Rice Bake
- Instant Pot Rice and Vegetables
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- One Pot Meatballs and Rice
Instant Brown Rice in Instant Pot (Perfect Every Time)
Ingredients
- 2 cups instant brown rice, unrinsed
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Place the rice, water, and salt into the stainless-steel liner of the pressure cooker.
- Close the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and press the Manual (Pressure Cook) button. Adjust the time to 5 minutes. When the timer finishes, open the valve to perform a quick pressure release.
- Carefully open the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice. Serve hot.
Notes
- Calories are approximate for a 1/2-cup serving of cooked rice and will vary. Store leftover rice in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can scale this recipe as long as you maintain a 1:1 rice-to-water ratio and ensure there’s enough liquid for your specific pressure cooker to come to pressure. Check your owner’s manual for minimum liquid requirements.
Nutrition
*2/14/26: Post text updated. The recipe remains the same.
Meet Kimberly
Hi, I’m Kimberly Vargo. I focus on comforting, approachable recipes—from easy dinners and sides to desserts and condiments. Much of my inspiration comes from family recipes, personal favorites, and vintage cookbooks.
