Instant Pot Basmati Rice

In less than 15 minutes you can have fluffy rice thanks to the pressure cooker! Instant Pot Basmati Rice is an easy recipe that makes near perfect basmati rice every single time. Great side dish to go with almost any main course!

Growing up in a Filipino household, I ate rice at least twice a day, pretty much every single day. White rice, fried rice, brown rice -- it was a staple for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Rice is a classic side dish that goes with almost any main course. It's a naturally gluten-free source of fiber and carbohydrates.

I still cook rice a lot. It's a staple in our household, and I prefer to cook my rice in an electric pressure cooker instead of a rice cooker. It think it's easier, much faster, and results in fluffy, perfect rice!

Jump to:

• 🌟 Fluffy rice every time
• 🛒 Ingredient notes
• ✅ Step-by-step instructions
• 👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs
• 🍽 Serving ideas
• 🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment
• More Instant Pot pressure cooker recipes
• Instant Pot Basmati Rice

🌟 Fluffy rice every time

This Instant Pot Basmati Rice recipe is a near-foolproof method of cooking rice that has the best results.

• 2-ingredients - You only need two simple ingredients to make this.
• Easy recipe - The minimal, simple steps to cooking basmati rice are super easy to follow. This is a great recipe for beginner Instant Pot users!
• Delicious - Pressure cooking creates fluffy white rice that's a delicious base for so many different meals.

🛒 Ingredient notes

Rice - We're using white basmati rice, which is an aromatic, long-grain rice. The brand of rice doesn't matter as much, but you'll get better results the fresher the rice is. You can use this same method for other long-grain white rices. Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to get rid of excess starch.

Water - The water ratio is simple: 1 cup of water to 1-¼ cup rice. Note that many rice recipes calls for a 1:1 ratio. This works for many types of rice but I've found that basmati rice requires just a little extra amount of water. Not too much water, just a little more. You can even go up to 1-½ cups of water if you want fluffier, softer rice.

✅ Step-by-step instructions

Ready to start cooking?

You'll find full instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. To help guide you along the way, here's a visual step-by-step photo guide of the easy steps to make Instant Pot basmati rice.

First, prep the rice by rinsing it under cold water in a strainer until the water runs clear. This helps release the starches and results in fluffier rice.

1. Add the rice to the post of the electric pressure cooker.
2. Pour in the water.
3. Secure the lid and make sure the release valve is in SEALING mode. Set the unit to Pressure Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.

It will take the Instant Pot a few minutes to come to pressure, then it will start counting down. Once pressure cooking is complete, allow the pressure to Natural Release for 4 minutes. Natural pressure release means: don't do anything, just let the pressure release at its own pace.

Then after 4 minutes, do a Quick Release by carefully moving the pressure release valve over to the VENTING position. Once all of the remaining pressure has been released and the pressure release pin has fallen all the way down, then you can press CANCEL and carefully twist open the lid.

Fluff up the rice and serve.

👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

🍽 Serving ideas

This pressure cooker basmati rice is a hearty side dish for comfort food main courses. Serve it with Beef Mechado (Filipino beef stew), Instant Pot Stuffed Pork Loin Roast, Instant Pot Chicken Thighs, or Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Meatballs. It's also delicious with seafood dishes like Shrimp Adobo in Coconut Milk, Thai Basil Shrimp, and Air Fryer Salmon Bites.

One of the best things about rice dishes like this is how versatile it is!

• Perfect for rice bowls. Use this rice in Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls or Shrimp Avocado Rice Bowls.
• Day-old rice is also perfect to make fried rice. Use this rice a day or two after it's made in Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice or Filipino Bacon Fried Rice.
• Use it in sushi or musubi. This is a great rice for Spam Musubi.
• It's a great base for classic Filipino breakfasts. Serve this rice as part of Spamsilog or Longsilog breakfast.

🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment

Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you'll need:

• Electric pressure cooker - you'll need an electric pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot or a Ninja Foodi Deluxe Pressure Cooker/Air Fryer.

More Instant Pot pressure cooker recipes

Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!