Instant Pot long grain white rice is fluffy and delicious and so simple to make. Get perfect cooked rice in just minutes to serve as a side or add to soups, casseroles and all of your favorite recipes.
Rice is such a versatile dish and I love this easy method of cooking it. I often make it as a side dish to go with fish and seafood, chicken or poultry but it's also great to have some already cooked on hand for this Scallop Fried Rice recipe. Many times I have a main course like Pork chops with Garlic and Brown Sugar in my slow cooker and rice in my Instant pot. They are so convenient to use in conjuction with each other to get dinner on the table easily.
What is Long Grain White Rice?
Rice is classified according to the length of its grains as short grain, medium grain or long grain rice. Long grain rice is the most common, and the grains are 3 to 5 times longer than they are wide. Long grain rice is lower in starch, so the grains should be separate and distinct when cooked. When cooked right, long grain rice is fluffy
There are different varieties of long grain rice include basmati, jasmine and Carolina Gold. In this recipe, we are using basic white long grain rice
- Basmati Rice – Typically grown in the Himalayas or India, basmati rice is very fragrant and nutty. Basmati rice has a lower glycemic index, meaning that even those with diabetes can enjoy small amounts of basmati rice.
- Jasmine Rice – Grown in Thailand, jasmine rice is fragrant and buttery. Jasmine rice is sometimes called Asian rice. I often buy a bag of this inexpensive Jasmine rice and serve it with Asian dishes.
- Carolina Gold Rice – A variety of African rice, Carolina Gold was popularized in South Carolina and is one of the most popular US-grown rice.
I love serving long grain rice with dishes like Pan Seared Scallops with Brown Butter Beer Sauce, Slow Cooker Italian Roast Pork and Rosemary Chicken Thighs with Red Wine Mushroom Sauce.
Ingredients
- Long Grain White Rice – rinse the rice several times for the best results.
- Water
- Salt
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Combine the rice, water and salt in the Instant Pot and cook at high pressure for 3 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
2. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Hint: Use a spoon or spatula to make sure all the grains of rice are below the level of the water in the Instant Pot.
Substitutions/ Variations
- Use broth or stock instead of water for more flavorful rice. I like to use beef broth when I serve this rice with Beef Tenderloin Tips and Mushrooms.
- Easily double or triple the recipe. The cooking times will remain the same for perfect cooked rice.
- Stir in herbs or other seasonings after the Instant Pot Basmati rice has cooked.
If you like rice, also try my Easy Orzo Rice Pilaf recipe.
FAQs
Rinsing rice is an important step. This process removes any dust or debris and eliminates excess starches so the rice is fluffy and not too sticky. To rinse rice, place it in a fine mesh strainer and run it under cool water until the water runs clear.
Minute rice is partially cooked and then dehydrated. We do not recommend that you use minute rice for this recipe.
Common Mistakes When Cooking Long Grain Rice
- Not Measuring – The measurements in this recipe are tested to ensure you have the perfect rice to water ratio. Not measuring can lead to undercooked or overcooked rice.
- Too Little Water – This can lead to rice that is hard, burnt and stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- Overcooking – Cooking for too long can turn the rice mushy. It can also cause the rice to burn if all of the water is cooked out.
- Not Rinsing Rice – Rice that isn't rinsed still tastes good but can be very sticky.
- Not Seasoning the Rice – Salt brings out the flavors of the rice. Not seasoning can make the rice bland and boring. For more flavor, try seasoning rice with some herbs like basil or another fresh herb.
Storage
- Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- You can freeze rice in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and use in all of your favorite recipes. Here are the best practices for freezing and meal prepping rice.
Top tip
Rinsing the rice removes any excess starch and helps to separate the grains of rice. If you skip this step your rice will still be tasty but may be very sticky.
Did you know you can also cook quinoa in the instant pot or pressure cooker? That works really well too!
If you like this Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
Perfectly Cooked Instant Pot Long Grain Rice
Equipment
- 1 Instant pot or pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine the rice, water, and salt in the insert of your instant pot. Place the cover on and set to high pressure/manual for 3 minutes. It should take about 7 minutes to pressurize before the 3 minutes will start counting down.
- Let it naturally release for 10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Jess
This is so helpful and informative
Jere
I am here because my beloved rice cooker bit the dust so I decided to try the IP. Your recipe works perfectly for nice and fluffy rice.
nancy
thanks for the easy recipe to make rice perfectly
Natalie
We love rice in my family. You have some great rice tips here, it was perfect, thanks!
Katie
Can't wait to start making rice in my instant pot! Thanks for all the tips and tricks!
Kayster
Perfect rice 👍🏽 Thank you.
Amy
Help please! 🙂 we’re making mahatma long grain white rice in the instant pot based off this post. On the bag it says 2 cups of rice and 4 cups of water and I normally make it in the pot and it turns out fine. Would I do 2 cups rice and 2 cups water like your recipe says adjusting this for the instant pot I’m assuming? Thanks!!
lisa
Yes. You would use less water making it in the instant pot. Good luck!
Lisa
sewqueen
My family said the rice was perfect! Thank you!
lisa
Oh great! Thanks for reading!
Lisa
Darlene Fox
I made this last night for company the rice burnt. Once it reached its pressure, the Insta pot came up with the red light burnt
lisa
Darlene,
I'm sorry that happened to you. I would check the seal in your pot as if it is loose, the steam will escape and the bottom of the pot will get burnt. Or if your instant pot is running too hot you might need to add a bit more water. Good luck next time!
Lisa
Jeannine
So glad I found your recipe! If I want to make my rice using chicken broth instead of water, does the quantity of liquid need to be adjusted? Thx!
lisa
Hi Jeannine,
You can use the same amount. I prefer low sodium broth but you can really use whatever broth you like.
Best,
Lisa