Indian Instant Pot Basmati Rice comes perfectly every time and only takes 10 minutes start to finish. It is buttery, fluffy, light, and never mushy. There is no need to soak the rice or use a rice cooker anymore.
Want to learn how to cook more recipes in your Instant Pot? Try my Instant Pot Bacon or my favorite recipe for Southern Instant Pot Green Beans next!
Table of Contents
What is Basmati Rice?
It is a variety of long grain rice that is slender, nutty, and aromatic. It is primarily produced in India and Pakistan. There is both brown and white versions of basmati rice.
I like the Royal brand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This no soak Basmati rice is al dente, light, fluffy, buttery, and perfectly salted.
- Rinsing rice removes excess starch and prevents it from getting sticky or clumping together.
- The Instant Pot regulates the temperature (like a rice cooker) so you do not have to worry about adjusting the stove’s temperature to get the perfect cook.
- The recipe takes less than 10 minutes to make. Stovetop methods can take up to 20 minutes.
- Most rice is gluten free and can be made dairy-free/vegan. All you really need is rice and water!
- This Indian basmati rice is the perfect side to curries, stews, or any protein. It is also a great base for salads or nourish bowls.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Unsalted Butter: Swap for 1 Tablespoon of olive oil or vegan butter.
- Water: Swap for chicken broth or vegetable broth.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How to Make Instant Pot Basmati Rice Perfectly
Quick Overview
- Sauté the butter & rice.
- Add the water & salt.
- Pressure cook & serve!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Select the “Sauté” mode on the Instant Pot. Add the butter to the pot. Stir until the butter is completely melted.
Step 2: Add the rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Turn the pot OFF completely.
Sauté the rice in butter for more flavor.
Step 3: Stir in the water and salt.
Step 4: Select “Pressure Cook” and “High Pressure” and set the timer for 4 minutes (5 minutes if you prefer softer rice). Natural pressure release for 5 minutes after the timer goes off. Then, immediately quick release (turn the valve to venting) any of the remaining pressure. Remove the lid so the rice stops cooking. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Be sure the keep warm setting is turned off so it does not over cook.
Recipe Serving Suggestions
This rice recipe is one that I make weekly to serve with a variety of dishes, like the following:
- Greek Yogurt Chicken
- Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
- Hunan Shrimp
- Instant Pot Shredded Beef
Expert Tips & Variations
- Rinse the rice well. Place it in a fine mesh strainer or rice colander. Run cold water over the rice until it runs almost clear. Let the excess water drain completely from the rice. Rinsing rice makes it fluffy (instead of sticky) because the water removes some of the starch.
- Use butter and salt. These ingredients add so much flavor to the rice. You always want to salt the rice before cooking it so it can absorb the salt. The butter will coat each grain so they do not stick together.
- Sauté. This helps to bring out the nutty flavor of the grain. Be sure to turn off the sauté mode before adding the water.
- After the natural release, remove the lid. This will stop the rice from cooking. If it sits covered, it will continue to steam and become mushy.
- Add garlic. Add 1/4 teaspoon of granulated garlic per cup of rice for extra flavor.
Recipe FAQs
The ratio of basmati rice to water is 1:1 for the Instant Pot.
Cook for 4-5 minutes on high pressure.
The rice setting is a preprogrammed cooking mode that runs for up to 12 minutes. It does not work for basmati. I recommend using the manual pressure cooking setting on high.
It is likely the lid was left on for too long, causing the rice to overcook. Be sure to remove the lid immediately after the quick release. It could also be that too much water was added. The ratio of rice to water is 1:1.
1 cup dried rice triples in volume or yields 3 cups of cooked rice.
More Instant Pot Recipes
Watch the How to Video
Instant Pot Basmati Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup white (not brown) Indian basmati rice rinsed & drained well
- 1/2 – 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter*
- 1 cup water*
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Review all recipe notes and instructions before beginning.
- Select the “Sauté” mode on the Instant Pot. Add the butter to the pot. Stir until the butter is completely melted.
- Add the rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Turn the pot OFF completely.
- Stir in the water and salt.
- Select “Pressure Cook” and “High Pressure” and set the timer for 4 minutes (5 minutes if you prefer softer rice). Natural pressure release for 5 minutes after the timer goes off. Then, immediately quick release (turn the valve to venting) any of the remaining pressure. Remove the lid so the rice stops cooking. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Video
Notes
- Unsalted Butter: Swap for 1 Tablespoon of olive oil or vegan butter.
- Water: Swap for chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Rinse the rice well. Place it in a fine mesh strainer or rice colander. Run cold water over the rice until it runs almost clear. Let the excess water drain completely from the rice. Rinsing rice makes it fluffy (instead of sticky) because the water removes some of the starch.
- Use butter and salt. These ingredients add so much flavor to the rice. You always want to salt the rice before cooking it so it can absorb the salt. The butter will coat each grain so they do not stick together.
- Add garlic. Add 1/4 teaspoon of granulated garlic per cup of rice for extra flavor.
- This recipe will not work for brown basmati rice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I loved that this was so quick and easy. We eat a lot of rice, so this recipe was perfect. Thank you!
This was so easy to make. I LOVE using my instant pot and sometimes forget that I can make sides like this rice with it too.
I buy rice in the bulk section and I love that I found this recipe to cook it so quickly! My kids love it and it goes with almost every meal so we make it a lot over here!
Thank you for the recipe! Had some basmati rice for the first time and wanted to make it! This tasted even better!
This was so helpful in making my rice! It came out perfectly
Perfectly cooked rice. Looks fluffy and delicious. I will try your recipe. I never get my rice to look that good.
The instant pot is one of the best things I ever bought for the kitchen. But you know I have never thought to cook rice in it! And I have never thought to sauté the basmati with butter. Learnt so many things here! Made it last night and I will never do it any other way now! I was so good!
This maybe a silly question but what’s the difference between jasmine and basmati rice? if there is one!?! THanks!
This is the best. So much flavor!
Thank you!