If you've ever struggled to get light, fluffy Basmati rice just right in the Instant Pot, you're not alone, and you're in the right place! This foolproof method gives you perfectly cooked, aromatic long-grain Basmati rice every time. Whether you're serving it with Indian curries, dals, or using it for meal prep, this easy recipe will become your go-to.
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With a few key tips and the right water-to-rice ratio, making rice in the Instant Pot is quick, hands-off, and always perfect. Looking for more rice cooking basics? Try my Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, Jeera Rice, and Brown Rice recipes too.
Basmati Rice - A Pantry Essential
Basmati rice is my staple for everyday meals as well as for making flavorful biryani and other rice dishes. Its long, slender grains cook up beautifully fluffy and separate, with a naturally fragrant, slightly nutty aroma that makes any dish feel a little extra special.
It's perfect for soaking up curries and dals, and also works great in fried rice or as a base for meal prep. Whether you're making a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, basmati rice brings a comforting yet elevated touch to the table.
Let's Talk Basmati: My Favorite Go-To Picks
The right basmati rice can truly elevate your dish, whether it's a comforting bowl of dal and rice, a flavorful pulao, or a festive biryani.
One of my go-to choices is Kohinoor Extra Long Grain Basmati Rice. It's aromatic, cooks up beautifully fluffy, and works especially well in layered rice dishes. I usually find it at Indian grocery stores.
Other great options to try are Zafrani Reserve and Dawaat-both have that signature aroma and texture that makes basmati rice so special.
How To Prep Basmati Rice
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water using a fine mesh strainer; it helps remove excess starch and makes draining super easy.
If I'm making biryani or pulao, I always soak the rice for about 20 minutes. These dishes call for grains that stay separate and fluffy, so a short soak helps.
For plain steamed basmati rice, soaking isn't necessary. But if you choose to soak it, keep it under 20 minutes. Soaking it too long can make the grains too soft and lead to a mushy texture after cooking.
How to Cook Instant Pot Basmati Rice - 2 Methods!
Method 1: Pot-in-Pot (PIP) - This method is great for cooking up to 2 cups of rice. The rice is placed in a separate bowl over a trivet inside the Instant Pot and can be cooked with just water in the main pot.
Optionally, you can cook it along with another dish like curry or dal at the bottom of the pot. Pressure cook time may vary depending on the main dish, typically 4 to 10 minutes, with a 5 to 10-minute natural release. For example, pair with Chicken Curry (8 mins cook + 10 mins NPR) or Spinach Dal (5 mins cook + 5 mins NPR).
Method 2: Direct in Main Pot - Best for cooking more than 1.5 cups of rice directly in the Instant Pot insert. Use a 1:2 water ratio for 1.5 cups and 1:1 for 2 cups or more. Pressure cook for 5 minutes on low, followed by a quick release.
Tip: Remove the inner pot promptly after cooking to prevent overcooked or dry rice, especially with smaller quantities.
Method 3: One Minute Pressure Cook- It may sound surprising, but this method works beautifully. Add 1 cup of rice, 1 and a half cups of water, and a teaspoon of salt to the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 1 minute, then allow a full natural pressure release, which usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes before gently fluffing.
Instant Pot rice takes a little trial and error, but once you find your sweet spot, it's so worth it
Why Perfect Instant Pot Basmati Rice Can Be Tricky
There's no one-size-fits-all method because basmati rice varies by brand, grain thickness, and age, all of which affect how it cooks. On top of that, everyone has different preferences for rice texture: soft, firm, dry, or fluffy.
I'm sharing a few variations below, but you may need to experiment a little to find your perfect balance. And I'd love to hear what works for you and which brand you're using!
Tips for Biryani, Pulao, and Khichdi
- For Biryani - Soak extra-long grain basmati rice for 20 minutes to reduce starch and help the grains cook up long and fluffy. A 1:1 rice-to-water ratio works well since marinated chicken or veggies release additional moisture during cooking.
- For Pulao and Cumin Rice - Rinse the rice thoroughly and drain. If you skip soaking, use a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio and cook on low pressure for 5 minutes with a quick release. Move the inner pot to a trivet right after cooking to prevent overcooking, then let it rest before gently fluffing with a fork or silicone spatula.
- For Khichdi or Pongal - These soft, comforting dishes work best with short-grain rice. Use a 1:3 rice-to-water ratio and cook using the Instant Pot's Rice setting or low pressure until soft. Adjust the water based on the variety and consistency you prefer.
Tip: If the top layer of rice in your biryani or pulao looks slightly undercooked, gently fluff it and close the lid for 5 more minutes on Keep Warm. The residual heat will finish the job!
Recipe
Foolproof Instant Pot Basmati Rice
Equipment
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1½ cups basmati rice
- 3 cups water See recipe instructions if cooking directly in the main pot
- 1½ teaspoon kosher salt
Pot-in-Pot Cooking
- 1 cup water added to the Instant Pot insert to help build steam
Instructions
Pot in Pot Method
- Rinse the rice well and drain all the water out.
- Add rice, water, and salt to a 7" stainless steel insert pan.
- Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot insert. Place the trivet inside and then place the pan with rice on the trivet.
- Close the Instant Pot lid with the pressure release valve to sealing. Pressure cook(Hi) for 5 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural pressure release
- Quick release any remaining pressure and then open the Instant Pot. Take the rice pan out with silicone heat-resistant mitts.
Main Pot Method
- Rinse the rice well and drain all the water out.
- Add rice, water, and salt to the Instant Pot insert. Notes: For exactly 1½ cups of rice, use a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio, and add 1 teaspoon of salt per cup. For more than 2 cups of Rice, use a 1:1 rice-to-water ratio, and add 1 teaspoon of salt per cup
- Close the Instant Pot lid with the pressure release valve to sealing.
- Pressure cook on Low-pressure mode for 5 minutes followed by quick release. Note: The low-pressure cook mode, allows the rice to soak a little bit as it slowly builds the pressure resulting in long fluffy grains of cooked rice. If you do not have the low-pressure option on your Instant Pot, simply cook on HI pressure instead
- Open the Instant Pot. Take out the Insert using heat-resistant mitts and place on a trivet. Allow the rice to cool down for at least 5 minutes before fluffing gently with a silicone spatula.
Notes
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- No soaking needed - For plain basmati rice, soaking isn't necessary. Just rinse thoroughly and drain well. Over-soaking can lead to mushy rice.
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- Cool it down quickly - Once cooking is complete, move the inner pot to a trivet on the counter. This stops further cooking and helps prevent soggy rice.
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- If rice looks undercooked - Simply return the inner pot to the Instant Pot, close the lid, and let it sit for 5 minutes. The residual heat will finish cooking it.
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- Let it rest before fluffing - Avoid stirring the rice while it's steaming hot to prevent breaking the grains. Let it rest for a few minutes, then gently fluff with a silicone spatula.
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- Serve gently - Run a silicone spatula along the sides of the pot and serve without breaking the grains.
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- Make ahead friendly - Great for entertaining! Spread cooked rice on a large tray to cool. Use slightly wet hands to gently separate the grains if needed. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or a chafing dish when ready to serve.
Nutrition
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Shantala says
Rice and rice items are some of my favorite things to make in my instant pot. No wait, even curries. Basically I love my Instant Pot.. for all the things!! 😀
Archana says
Thank you!
Sudha says
You’ve mentioned “ For exactly 1.5 cups of rice, use 1:2 water to rice ratio, add 1 teaspoon of salt per cup” for the main pot method . Are u sure it is 1:2 water to rice ratio ? Or is it 1:2 rice to water ratio?
Because in that case for 1.5 cup rice I should be using .75 cup rice and am not sure if it will work. Appreciate if you could clarify this . Thanks for this detailed explanation.
Archana says
Sorry my bad, its 1:2 rice to water ratio, I will fix it. Thank you!
Bev says
I've tried several different recipes for making white basmati rice in the IP but none turned out right - Either had hard bits or mushy. Then, I tried the IP site's recipe - 2 cups white basmati to 3 cups water for 8 minutes High Pressure and quick release. It turned out perfectly and I can't understand why because everyone says that's too much water. I also rinse the rice with warm water beforehand and added 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Anyway.. I just thought I'd let you know because I was having success with the other methods.
Archana says
Good to know! With so many varieties of Basmati rice, and age, its hard to come up with one method that works for all. I am glad you have one that works for you. And it will be helpful for other readers too. Thank you so much for giving us the ratio and timings.
stephanie g. says
Hi Archana,
This is a perfect basmati rice recipe. Thanks.
How do you cook a perfect Sona Masoori rice in the Instant Pot?
Regards,
Stephanie G.
Toronto, Canada
preeti says
Is the cup size 180 ml (rice cup) or a standard US cup (240ml) ? And what about the water measurement?
Thank you
(sorry repeated the question , since I forgot to ask about the water earlier)
Archana says
I use same cup for rice and water.
Cyril says
Do you have a link to the small pot you used inside the pot-in-pot method?
Archana says
Yes - Please check my amazon store for Instant Pot accessories - https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-369a3d0c?listId=2L9B9FLW6AZ1T
Charita says
Hi I am new to instant pot cooking and loving your recipes for it.
Just to clarify, In the PIP method of cooking rice, do you need to cover the smaller container with the rice?
Archana Mundhe says
I don’t cover the smaller container—just be sure not to overfill it to prevent any overflow.
Pam says
I can’t wait to try this recipe, but I need to use brown basmati rice. Can I substitute it for the white rice?
Archana Mundhe says
Here is my chicken biryani recipe with brown rice - https://ministryofcurry.com/brown-rice-chicken-biryani-instant-pot/
Michael says
Yummy