Instant Pot Brown rice

Instant Pot Brown rice recipe -easy fool proof recipe to make brown rice in instant pot. No more uncooked or mushy rice , this method gives you the perfectly cooked brown rice every single time.

Instant Pot Brown rice

• gives you perfectly cooked brown rice, every single time
• no baby sitting and takes less than five minutes of prep time

What is rice to water ratio while making brown rice in instant pot ?

Rice to water ratio is very important on how your rice gets cooked. In this recipe I have used 2.5 of water for 2 cups of rice. This method of cooking gives you rice very similar to the one we get in the Asian take out places.

If you prefer the rice to be a bit more softer, add 2.75 cups of water for 2 cups of rice. The grains will be little softer, but not mushy. I feel this proportion is perfect for our South Indian meals.

Please note that the amount of water used to make brown rice,depends on what kind of brown rice you are using.  Please make the rice with the above measurements and depending on how it turned out, you may want to reduce or increase the water and cook time.

Instant pot is bliss for anyone who wants to make brown rice at home. Lets learn how to make it.

Making brown rice in instant pot is very easy. Add the rinsed rice and water to the instant pot. Cook for 24 minutes and let the pressure release naturally. Perfectly cooked rice will not have any liquid in the bottom. Fluff the rice and enjoy as needed.

I do not add any seasoning ( like oil and salt) to my brown rice. I like to make it plain and add the seasoning as needed in the recipe.

At home, we generally eat brown rice with Indian dal, curries and stir fry’s. I also make fried rice or Indian tempered dishes with brown rice. I feel the best way of making rice dishes with brown rice is, cook the rice separately and add the sauteed ingredients to the cooked rice and mix it. 

How to reheat brown rice?

microwave – Transfer the brown rice to a microwave safe bowl. Sprinkle water on the rice and close the lid. Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the quantity of rice. Let the rice rest for five minutes before serving.

stove top –  In a pan, add the rice and a teaspoon of oil or butter. Sprinkle some water. Cover the lid and let it steam for five to seven minutes. Mix in between.

stir fry– If you are planning to use the left over brown rice to make a stir fry, just add the rice after you saute the other ingredients. Mix it well and heat it through for few minutes.

Can I freeze brown rice?

Yes, the brown rice can be frozen and can be used for those busy weeknight dinners.

After you cook the brown rice, let it come to the room temperature.

Take freezer zip lock bags, add the rice and flatten the zip lock. This is the best way of freezing the brown rice. Label the bag and store in the freezer.

To reheat the frozen brown rice, remove the rice from the freezer bag. No need to thaw the rice. Transfer to a microwaveable plate, cover and heat in 1 minute increments. Mix in between.

Few curries that can be served with brown rice 

Paneer butter masala

Tofu Curry

Bottle Gourd Stew

Bell Pepper Curry (video)

Mix veg coconut curry

Edamame Curry 

More Instant Pot recipes –  

Instant Pot Paneer Butter Masala

Instant Pot Kheer

Bottle Gourd Stew

How to make brown rice in instant pot ( step by step photos)

Measure 2 cups of brown rice and add them to a bowl. Rinse the brown rice two to three times to remove excess starch. Drain the water.

Transfer the brown rice rice to the instant put.

Add 2.5 cups of water, and soak it for 20 minutes. Initially I was not soaking but after few trials I have observed that when we soak and cook, the brown rice doesn’t become dry the next day.

After 20 minutes, add salt and oil to the brown rice.  Give it a stir. Salt and oil are completely optional.  Make sure there are no grains sticking on the side of the pot.

Close the lid of the instant pot.

Move the pressure valve to the sealing position.

In the instant pot, press the manual or pressure cooker button and adjust the time to cook for 24 minutes on high pressure.

After 24 minutes, allow the instant pot to release pressure naturally. It takes about 10 minutes for the pressure to release naturally.

Open the lid, fluff the brown rice with a fork and enjoy as needed.

Perfectly cooked brown rice will not have  any water or moisture in the bottom of the pot.

Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe