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Perfect Instant Pot White Rice

Name: Perfect Instant Pot White Rice
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 14 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups white long-grain rice; 2.5 cups water; 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 bay leaf (optional)

4.8/5

5 reviews

14min Total Time

6 people Servings

Easy Difficulty

Budget Cost

160 kcal Calories

Video

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Ingredients

2 cups white long-grain rice
2.5 cups water
1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

Rinse rice in a fine-mesh strainer until water runs clear

Add rinsed rice to the Instant Pot inner pot

Add water, salt, and butter/oil (if using)

Close lid and set valve to 'Sealing' position

Select 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' (depending on model) and set for 8 minutes at high pressure

When cooking cycle completes, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes

After 10 minutes, release any remaining pressure

Fluff rice with fork or rice paddle

Let stand for 5 minutes before serving

Troubleshooting

If rice is too wet, cook on 'Saut' mode for 1-2 minutes to remove excess moisture

If rice is too dry, add 1/4 cup hot water and let steam with lid on

If rice is sticking to pot, ensure to add oil or butter next time

If getting 'Burn' notice, ensure proper liquid ratio and no stuck rice at bottom

If rice is undercooked, add 1/4 cup water and cook at high pressure for 2 more minutes

Recipe Variations

Spanish Rice: Add tomato sauce, onions, and Mexican seasonings Coconut Rice: Use coconut milk instead of water Garlic Rice: Add minced garlic and butter Cilantro Lime Rice: Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro after cooking Yellow Rice: Add turmeric and cumin before cooking

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a base for stir-fries or curry dishes Use as side dish for grilled meats or fish Mix with vegetables for a quick rice bowl Add to soups or use in rice pudding Perfect base for fried rice the next day

Nutrition Facts

160

Calories

Protein

35g

Carbs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not rinsing rice before cooking Using wrong water-to-rice ratio Quick releasing pressure immediately after cooking Forgetting to set valve to 'Sealing' Stirring rice before it's fully rested

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I rinse rice before cooking?

Rinsing removes excess starch and prevents rice from becoming sticky or gummy.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but keep the same rice-to-water ratio. Cooking time remains the same.

Why natural release instead of quick release?

Natural release allows rice to finish cooking gently and prevents mushy texture.

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but increase cooking time to 22 minutes and use 2.25 cups water per cup of rice.

What if my rice is too mushy?

Next time reduce water by 1/4 cup and ensure proper natural release time.

Can I add seasonings to the rice?

Yes, add spices and herbs before cooking, but add fresh herbs after cooking.

How do I prevent rice from sticking to the pot?

Add a tablespoon of oil or butter, and ensure to rinse rice well.

Can I cook rice with frozen vegetables?

Add frozen vegetables after cooking during the natural release period.

What's the best way to store leftover rice?

Cool completely and store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Why did I get a 'Burn' notice?

Usually due to insufficient liquid or rice stuck to bottom. Ensure proper ratios and scrape bottom clean.

Reviews

Zara M.

Mar 12, 2026

Perfect rice every time! No more guessing with stovetop cooking.

Xavier P.

Mar 3, 2026

Great basic recipe, love how consistent the results are.

Yuki T.

Mar 24, 2026

Finally achieved restaurant-quality rice at home!

Winston R.

Feb 27, 2026

Simple and foolproof method for perfect rice.

Victoria L.

Mar 22, 2026

Never going back to my old rice cooker after this!