While cooking brown rice on the stovetop can be time-consuming and requires constant attention, using an Instant Pot makes the process quick and effortless. In this article, I will guide you through a simple and foolproof recipe on how to cook brown rice in an Instant Pot. With this method, you can achieve perfectly fluffy and delicious brown rice every time.
1. How To Cook Brown Rice in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1 teaspoon oil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Rinse the Brown Rice
Start by rinsing the brown rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve. This helps remove any excess starch and improves the texture of the cooked rice.
Add Brown Rice and Liquid
Place the rinsed brown rice in the Instant Pot inner pot. Next, add 1 ¼ cups of water or vegetable broth to the pot. If desired, add 1 teaspoon of oil to prevent the rice from sticking together.
Season the Rice
Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of salt over the rice to enhance its flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
Pressure Cook the Brown Rice
Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure release valve is in the sealing position.
Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function and set the cooking time to 22 minutes on high pressure.
The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking time starts.
Natural Pressure Release (NPR)
After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to continue cooking and absorb any remaining liquid.
After the natural pressure release, carefully turn the pressure release valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
Fluff and Serve
Once the pressure has fully released, carefully open the Instant Pot lid. Use a fork to fluff the cooked brown rice gently. Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve the fluffy brown rice as a side dish or use it as a base for stir-fries, grain bowls, or other recipes.
2. Tips for Cooking Perfect Brown Rice in Instant Pot
Use Consistent Ratios: Always stick to the 1:1.25 rice-to-water ratio. Adding too much water can make the rice mushy, while too little water may leave it undercooked.
Don’t Skip Rinsing: Rinsing the rice is essential for removing excess starch and preventing clumping.
Avoid Overfilling: When doubling or tripling the recipe, ensure the ingredients do not exceed the Instant Pot’s maximum fill line.
Season Before Cooking: Adding salt and optional seasonings like garlic powder or bay leaves directly to the pot enhances flavor without requiring additional steps later.
Experiment With Broth: For added depth, replace water with vegetable, chicken, or beef broth.
3. Recipe Ideas & Uses For Cooked Brown Rice
Once you’ve mastered cooking brown rice in your Instant Pot, you can incorporate it into a variety of dishes. Here are some creative ways to use it:
Brown Rice Buddha Bowls: Create a wholesome and colorful bowl by topping your brown rice with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, avocado, and a drizzle of tahini or lemon dressing.
Fried Rice: Use your cooked brown rice as a base for fried rice. Sauté it with scrambled eggs, vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a quick and flavorful meal.
Rice Salads: Mix the brown rice with fresh herbs, diced vegetables, lemon juice, olive oil, and feta cheese for a refreshing salad.
Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with a mixture of cooked brown rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, and spices. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Soups and Stews: Stir cooked brown rice into soups or stews for added heartiness. It pairs especially well with chicken soup or vegetable-based stews.
Rice Pudding: Turn leftover brown rice into a dessert by simmering it in milk, sweetener, and cinnamon for a creamy pudding.
Cooked brown rice is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. It stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, allowing you to prepare it in advance and save time on busy days.
Cooking brown rice in an Instant Pot is a game-changer, offering convenience and consistently fluffy results. By following the simple recipe outlined above, you can enjoy perfectly cooked brown rice with minimal effort. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function ensures that the rice is tender and evenly cooked, eliminating the need for constant monitoring.
