Cooking brown basmati rice in the Instant Pot is a quick and foolproof method to achieve fluffy and flavorful rice. This method allows you to enjoy perfectly cooked rice every time, with minimal effort.

Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Using the Instant Pot means hands-off cooking with perfect results.
- Healthy: Brown basmati rice is a nutritious, fiber-rich option.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding different spices or herbs.
Jump to:
- Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Expert Tips
- Variations
- FAQ
- Health Benefits of Brown Basmati Rice
- Cooking Time Adjustments
- Serving Suggestions
- Storing and Reheating
- Substitutions
- Pairings and Related Recipes
- Nutritional Information
- Kitchen Essentials and Equipment Used in Recipe:
- Brown Basmati Rice Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown basmati rice (rinsed)
- 2 ยฝ cups water or broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Rinse 2 cups of brown basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffy rice.
Step 2: Add Rice and Ingredients to the Instant Pot
Place the rinsed rice in the Instant Pot. Add 2 ยฝ cups of water or broth, 1 tsp of salt, and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Rice
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to the sealing position. Press โPressure Cookโ and set the timer for 22 minutes.
Step 4: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking is complete, press โKeep Warmโ to turn off the warming function. Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes, or until the pin drops.
Expert Tips
- Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse your brown basmati rice to remove starch for fluffier results.
- Natural Release: Donโt skip the natural pressure release, as it helps prevent mushy rice.
- Water or Broth: Using broth instead of water enhances the flavor of your rice.
Variations
- Spiced Rice: Add whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or bay leaves to infuse the rice with extra flavor.
- Coconut Rice: Swap water or broth for coconut milk for a richer, creamier result.
- Herbed Rice: Stir in freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley after cooking for a burst of freshness.
FAQ
Brown basmati rice retains its bran layer, making it higher in fiber and nutrients compared to white rice.
A 1:1.25 ratio of rice to water (or broth) is ideal for brown basmati rice, ensuring perfect fluffiness.
Yes! White basmati rice requires less cooking timeโabout 6 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release.
Health Benefits of Brown Basmati Rice
Brown basmati rice is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It has a low glycemic index, which makes it a great choice for those looking to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Plus, its high fiber content helps with digestion and provides sustained energy.
Cooking Time Adjustments
- White Basmati Rice: Reduce cooking time to 6 minutes.
- Jasmine Rice: Cook for 4-5 minutes and perform a quick pressure release.
- Wild Rice: Increase cooking time to 30 minutes and use a 1:3 rice-to-water ratio.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside Instant Pot Chicken Curry, stir-fried vegetables, or as a base for a burrito bowl.
- Pair with grilled meats or tofu for a simple, balanced meal.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: Store cooked rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat rice in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist, or steam it gently on the stovetop.
Substitutions
- Water/Broth: You can use chicken, vegetable, or beef broth instead of water for added flavor.
- Olive Oil: Replace olive oil with ghee, coconut oil, or butter for a richer taste.
- Salt: Adjust the amount of salt to your taste or dietary needs.
Pairings and Related Recipes
- Instant Pot Greek Gyro Chicken โ The Mediterranean flavors pair well with the nutty basmati.
- Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs โ Juicy and simple protein that complements brown rice well.Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken โ The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce makes a great combo with the rice
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 cup (cooked)
- Calories: 216
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.5g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg (varies with broth)
- Potassium: 80mg
Kitchen Essentials and Equipment Used in Recipe:
Instant Pot Duo Plus Electric Pressure Cooker
Better than Bouillon Chicken Base
Instant Pot Mini Mitts
Instant Pot Cheat Sheet
Brown Basmati Rice Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Brown Basmati Rice (Rinsed)
- 2 1/2 Cups Water or Broth
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
Instructions
- Measure 2 Cups Brown Rice into the strainer. Rinse until the water runs clear. Add rice to Instant Pot
- Add Water or Broth to Instant Pot.
- Add Salt.
- Add Olive Oil
- Stir to Combine
- Put the lid on Instant Pot and Turn Valve to Sealing Position
- Press Pressure Cook and Set Timer to 22 minutes
- Press Keep Warm to Turn OFF Keep Warm function
- When cooking has finished do a Natural Pressure Release until pin drops (About 10 Minutes).
Matt
Perfect Brown Basmati Rice every time.
Gail
Consistent results (yummy!) every time. No muss, no fuss recipe that my family absolutely loves. I sometimes sautรฉ some low glycemic veggies such as squash , asparagus, onions , broccoli and zucchini, just to name a few. I serve them over the rice. Great meal for a Type 2 Diabetic like myself . Just go easy on the rice. ๐
Matt
Glad you like it and are having great success with the recipe. Thanks for taking the time to comment I appreciate it.
Matty
Keri
If I only have enough rice to do 1 cup right now, do I need to cook it a shorter time? Or I have white rice I can mix in?
Matt
I would not mix in white rice with brown rice. White rice has half the cooking time. If you only have one cup just follow the ratios. The cooking time is the same.
Mar
Very good recipe. Rice turned out delicious. Will make it again.
Matt
I am glad you had success and enjoyed it.
Thanks for the comment.
Matty.
Sonia
Thank goodness I found this recipe. I never made brown rice because it never turned out right. Now, I have nothing to worry about, comes out perfect every time, love it! Thanks Matt!
Matt
Your welcome. Glad to hear your success and thanks for the comment.
Matty.
Nancy
Instead of salt, I add a bit of bouillon powder (vegetable or chicken). Some finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. And a clove. Of chopped garlic ( or powder if you donโt have fresh). A bit of chopped parsley, and the oil.
Makes a great side dish.
Matt
It is always good to doctor things up your preffered way. I like doing that as well.
Matty
Tina Reed
Easy and awesome! Thanks, Matt
Matt
Glad you enjoyed it.
Matty.
Olga Walchok
I had this recipe saved 7 times in my Paprika recipe app!
Matt
Lol. Glad you like it..