Are you tired of mushy, sticky rice that never quite hits the mark? Prepare to revolutionize your rice game with this foolproof Instant Pot Basmati Rice recipe that guarantees fluffy, restaurant-quality grains in just minutes! Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this simple method will transform your side dishes and have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 6 mins
Total Time: 11 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Measure 1 cup of basmati rice and rinse thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Drain the rinsed rice completely in a fine-mesh strainer, shaking off any excess water.
- Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot inner pot. Pour in 1 1/4 cups of water, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the rice. This helps prevent the grains from sticking together and adds a subtle flavor.
- Sprinkle salt to taste, typically about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon for 1 cup of rice.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing position.
- Select the Rice setting or Manual/Pressure Cook mode and set the timer for 6 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. This helps the rice absorb remaining moisture and become fluffy.
- After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to venting.
- Open the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Let the rice rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to ensure optimal texture.
Tips
- Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which prevents clumping and ensures each grain remains distinct and light.
- Use the exact water-to-rice ratio (1 1/4 cups water per 1 cup rice) for consistent results every time.
- The olive oil is a game-changer - it prevents sticking and adds a subtle, rich flavor to your rice.
- Natural pressure release is crucial: those 10 minutes of resting allow the rice to absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly tender.
- Always fluff the rice with a fork after cooking to separate the grains and maintain that light, airy texture.
- For extra flavor, consider replacing some water with chicken broth or adding a few whole spices like cardamom or a cinnamon stick during cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 190kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
