How to Make Brown Rice in the Instant Pot

Learning how to make brown rice in the Instant Pot is the perfect white rice alternative if you’re looking for a more nutritious grain! The problem with cooking brown rice is the long time it traditionally takes to make. Fortunately, cooking brown rice in the Instant Pot might be one of my favorite ways cut down that cooking time drastically while preserving the same texture and consistency you’d get with a rice cooker.

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Why Should I Cook Brown Rice in the Instant Pot?

Cooking brown rice on the stove is usually more troublesome. It takes longer and usually makes a big mess between sticking to the pot or bubbling over onto the stove. 

So you have to watch your brown rice carefully as it cooks on the stove to prevent these mishaps, which can be a huge hassle.

Preparing brown rice in the Instant Pot is incredibly easy, doesn’t require babysitting near the stove, and makes for effortless cleanup. 

In addition, Instant Pot brown rice almost always turns out perfectly cooked and tender, not gummy or watery like on the stovetop.

What Should I Serve With Brown Rice?

Brown rice is incredibly versatile and can be used in several cuisines and dishes, from Latin meals to casseroles. You can also pair it with proteins and vegetables to create an easy, well-balanced meal. 

Here are a few ideas for using up your brown rice:

• Stir-fry
• Taco bowls
• Jambalaya
• Throw it in a salad
• Stuffed peppers
• Soups

Recipes Served With Rice:

• Easy Homemade Shabu Shabu
• Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki
• Simple Chinese Tomato and Eggs
• Instant Pot Filipino Chicken Adobo
• Sticky Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

What’s the Difference Between Brown Rice and White Rice?

Brown rice and white rice are the same types of grain, so the name mainly refers to the color. 

White rice starts as brown rice but is milled and polished, removing the bran and germ layers that also remove the brown color. 

Nutrients are often lost during this process, which is why brown rice is typically more nutrient- and fiber-dense than white rice. 

Brown rice earned its namesake because it is naturally brown, but rice also comes in other colors, like red, black, and purple. 

Types of Brown Rice

Long-Grain Rice

This rice is fluffy and doesn’t stick together. It is particularly delicious for fried rice or salad. Still, it is also suitable for saucy dishes like stir-fries and casseroles.

Short-Grain Rice

This is the most sticky rice, clumping together more easily than the other varieties. Short-grain rice is best for sushi or dishes where chopsticks are used. 

Medium-Grain Rice

This rice is in between short- and long-grain rice. It is fluffy yet still slightly sticky. You can use medium-grain rice for salads, casseroles, stir-fry, side dishes, and soups.

Tips for Cooking Brown Rice in the Instant Pot

Make a Bigger Batch

In a 6-quart Instant Pot (the standard size), it’s easy for the rice to burn. To prevent this, consider doubling or tripling this recipe. 

On the other hand, if you have a 3-quart Instant Pot, you can likely get away with making a smaller batch. 

Salt and Season the Rice

While rice is a filling and versatile food, it doesn’t have a lot of flavors. Therefore, you should salt your rice before cooking it in the Instant Pot at the bare minimum. 

Depending on what you are serving with the rice, you can add other seasonings. 

Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, thyme, rosemary, or paprika for an added burst of flavor. 

You can also replace the water in this recipe with chicken or beef broth to add more depth.

Let the Pressure Release Naturally

If you are impatient and release the pressure too soon, the rice will likely be mushy or soupy. 

A natural release allows the rice to fully absorb the water in the pot, making it tender and fluffy.

Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe

Ingredients

Servings: 2

• 1 rice cup of brown rice
• 1/4 tsp salt (optional for seasoning)
• 1 1/4 cups of water

Cookware and Tools

• Instant Pot
• Rice washing bowl

How to Make Brown Rice in the Instant Pot (Step-by-Step)

Step 1. Measure and Wash the Rice

Measure 1 cup of brown rice and wash in a rice washing bowl until the water is clear. This may take 3 to 4 rinses.

Step 2. Transfer Rice Mixture to Rice Bowl Insert

Transfer the washed brown rice to the Instant Pot insert. Add 1 1/4 cups of water and ensure all rice is fully submerged. As an option, you can also add 1/4 tsp of salt for seasoning.

Step 3. Cook the Rice

Place the Instant Pot insert into the Instant Pot and set it to Pressure Cook (or Manual) on Normal High for 15 minutes. After the Instant Pot beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally until the pin drops (this should take about 20 minutes).

Step 4. Serve the Brown Rice

Fluff and serve with any of your favorite dishes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Brown Rice Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can cook brown rice in the Instant Pot ahead of time! Brown rice can be stored in the fridge for about four days in an airtight container. 

You can even keep it in the freezer for about six months. 

Putting the rice in some airtight freezer bags and labeling the bags with the date makes future meal prep super easy!

What Are Some Other Healthy Grains That I Can Make in the Instant Pot?

• Other types of rice (black rice, white rice, etc.)
• Quinoa
• Barley
• Oats
• Couscous
• Whole-grain pasta

You May Also Like:

• How to Make Quinoa in the Instant Pot (Perfect and Fluffy Every Time!)
• Perfect Instant Pot Black Rice
• How to Cook Jasmine Rice in the Instant Pot

Does the Rice Button on the Instant Pot Work for Brown Rice?

While the rice setting works great for white rice, it isn’t the best option for brown rice. 

Brown rice has to cook a little longer than white rice, so using the rice button for brown rice will slightly undercook it. 

Therefore, you will want to use the Pressure Cook button when cooking brown rice in the Instant Pot.

The Takeaway

Learning how to make brown rice in the Instant Pot is quick, easy, and healthy. So if you want to get dinner on the table in no time, preparing your brown rice in the Instant Pot is the way to go. Let me know how it turns out!

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating below! I’d love to hear from you.