For many, cooking rice on a stovetop is often a hit-or-miss scenario.
That’s where Instant Pot comes in.
Just as long as you get the water-to-rice ratio right, and click the right settings, this pot is bound to make a perfectly-cooked rice!
Now, technically, you can cook all sorts of rice using an Instant Pot.
However, if you want the perfect bed of rice to pair with savory dishes, I’ve shortlisted the best varieties for you!
Classic Rice Option for Instant Pot: Long-Grain White Rice
Let’s say you just want to cook a simple, plain rice side dish or a no-fuss flavored rice to pair with your main dish for dinner.
In those instances, long-grain white rice is your best option.
It’s the most common rice variety, so finding it won’t be a problem.
Plus, it cooks in less than 30 minutes and comes out fluffy every single time. Of course, as long as you use the right water-to-rice ratio (1:1.5).
What to expect from long-grain white rice?
Neutral flavor and aroma, making it the perfect canvas of flavors from all kinds of savory mains.
Moreover, affordability combined with high versatility, as you can also use this rice for stir-fries and pilafs!
Healthy Rice for Instant Pot: Long-Grain Brown Rice
Brown rice may take anywhere from 40 to 50 minutes to cook on a stovetop.
But, cooked in an Instant Pot, this grain will be ready and set for the table in just about half an hour!
So, if you ever need a healthy grain for breakfast, lunch, or dinner…
Don’t shy away from popping a cup or two of brown rice into your Instant Pot.
Now, yes, there are various brown rice varieties you can choose from.
But, I often opt for long-grain brown rice, the most popular brown rice variety.
Just like its white counterpart, it’s so easy to find.
And, it’s also as versatile, so you’ll never run out of possible dishes to cook if you end up with a remaining stash of this brown rice!
Specialty Rice for Instant Pot: Basmati Rice
Planning to cook Middle Eastern or Indian dishes?
Basmati rice is a traditionally authentic side that you can easily cook in your Instant Pot.
This rice variety is very fluffy and has a subtle, nutty aroma that can really take the existing flavors and aroma of Middle Eastern cuisine to the next level!
I often use it for biryani, pilaf, and curries such as chicken and rice.
And I must say, no other rice can do the job just as well.
Best Aromatic Rice for Instant Pot: Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is a soft and slightly sticky long-grain rice that’s renowned for its floral aromatic properties.
I like to think of this grain as the aromatic version of long-grain white rice.
After all, for many dishes where long-grain white rice is the best option, Jasmine rice typically finds its way as a suitable substitute!
And if you’re wondering– nope, it’s not that sticky.
Just wash the grains thoroughly, and your Jasmine rice can still become fluffy when cooked in the Instant Pot!
In fact, for many people, including me, who like its floral aroma, Jasmine rice is the go-to option if you want a plain or flavored warm bowl of rice.
Instant Satisfaction When You Put Rice in Instant Pot
Now, I personally use a machine called a rice cooker to cook rice effortlessly.
But when I got myself an Instant Pot for my birthday, I realized it also works wonders for rice!
I’m particularly an avid fan of flavored rice, so let me share my go-to cilantro lime recipe with you!
Classic Cilantro Lime Rice (Instant Pot Recipe)
Here’s the first ever flavored rice I tried to cook in an Instant Pot. It tastes very close to the one I had at Chipotle!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of Jasmine rice
- 2 ½ cups of water
- ¼ cup of chopped cilantro (fresh)
- ¼ cup of lime juice
Instructions
- Rinse the Jasmine rice until the water becomes mostly clear.
- Add the rice to the Instant Pot. Make sure it’s leveled, then carefully pour the water in as well.
- Cover the pot with the lid. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. After the timer’s up, naturally release the steam for 10 minutes.
- Open the lid (carefully) and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Incorporate the lime juice and cilantro into the rice. Make sure every grain is coated!
- Serve with your favorite main dish.
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