30+ Instant Pot Rice Recipes (Indian + Global)

ByAnushree Shetty Posted: Updated:

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Bookmark this collection of 30+ easy Instant Pot Rice Recipes – they’ll come in handy when you are in the mood to switch up your rice routine. From Indian Instant Pot recipes like chicken biryani to global recipes such as Mexican rice, you’ll find a variety of options to choose from.

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Easy Instant Pot Rice Recipes

If you haven’t used Instant Pot to make rice, you are missing out. Not only does using an electric pressure cooker reduce cooking time, but it also makes the whole cooking process hands-free. The end result is fluffy, perfectly cooked rice.

What I love most is that you are not restricted to making plain rice; you can also make Biryanis, khichdi, pulaos /pilafs, fried rice, and even desserts like rice kheer.

Before you jump to the recipes, check out the quick tips that’ll show how to make fluffy rice that comes out perfect every time. If you like to meal prep, you’ll also learn how to make it ahead of time and store it properly.

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How to cook rice in the Instant Pot

There are many different types of rice, and depending on the variety, the cooking time will change. Here are a few guidelines you should follow if you want to make the perfect rice in the Instant Pot.

Wash / Soak the rice – Rinse the rice in a few changes of cold running water to remove dirt and excess starch (which makes it easier to digest). If time permits, soak the rice.  Soaking elongates the grains and makes them less brittle.

Rice-to-water ratio – Most recipes call for either a 1:1 or 1:1.25 rice-to-water ratio. Follow the recipe to make sure you are using the right amount of water. Use a measuring cup instead of winging it to achieve perfect and consistent results.

Cooking time does not depend on the amount of rice cooked: You can easily double or triple the recipe without changing the cooking time.

The cooking times will vary depending on the rice – That’s why you can’t use the standard rice button. For example, white rice takes much longer to cook than brown rice. You may also have to tweak the cooking times depending on the brand to get the desired texture.

Flavor it up – There are easy ways to add flavor to the rice. Here are a few examples – Saute it in olive oil or ghee before cooking, cook it in chicken or vegetable broth, and add fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, etc. Freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice are great flavor enhancers as well.

Let the rice rest  – Once cooked, let the rice rest  –  this allows the steam to redistribute, and all the layers of the rice are evenly cooked. That is why it is important to wait 10 minutes before releasing pressure. Fluff the rice once it has been rested. 

Avoid a clumpy mess – If not serving immediately, remove the inner pot from the Instant Pot to prevent the rice from drying out and sticking to the bottom.

Cooking rice pot-in-pot

While this article, the complete guide: Pot in Pot Indian cooking, goes in depth about this cooking technique, here’s a quick guide,

  • Brown rice can be cooked pot-in-pot with any curries that have a cooking time between 25-35 minutes. For example, curries with pulses such as rajma masala (kidney beans), chana masala (chickpeas curry), etc.
  • To make white rice pot-in-pot, cook it with dals such as langarwali dal, tadka dal, etc.

Note: This method works great when cooking 2 cups of rice or less. It saves time, makes for a quicker cleanup, and is much easier.

How to meal prep and store rice

Rice is best when eaten fresh, but you can prepare it in advance if you like to meal prep. Follow the cooking instructions to make the recipe, let the rice cool down completely, and then transfer the cooked rice to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge or freezer (instructions below).

Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in an air-tight container.

Freezer: Store it for a month in an air-tight, freezer-safe container.

Reheating leftover rice – Add a tablespoon of water for every cup of leftover rice. Mix well and pressure cook for zero minutes. When the cooking cycle is complete, move the valve to ‘venting’ to release pressure immediately. You can also microwave rice until it is heated through.

Should rice be cooked on low or high pressure?

I have cooked on both settings, and honestly, I haven’t noticed any substantial difference. Some Instant Pot pressure cookers don’t come with low-pressure settings too.. so don’t fret about it; just cook the rice at high pressure.

How many cups of rice can you cook in the Instant Pot?

There are two lines in the Instant Pot steel insert, one at 2/3rd and one at 1/2. Pulses and grains expand when they cook, so the max line to be considered is the one marked 1/2.

Important: 1 cup of raw rice yields approximately 3 cups of cooked rice.

So when making rice, use the info below as a general guideline on the maximum cups of plain rice you can cook in your Instant Pot.

  1. 8-quart – 5 cups of dry rice (will yield 15 cups of cooked rice).
  2. 6-quart – 4 cups of dry rice (will yield 12 cups of cooked rice).
  3. 3-quart – 2 cups of dry rice (will yield 6 cups of cooked rice).

If you add veggies or meat to cook along with the rice, for instance, while making biryani or pulao, the maximum amount of rice you can cook will change. In that case, make sure not the fill beyond the 1/2 line as marked in the inner pot.

Note: The cooking time as well as the rice-to-water ratio does not change regardless of the amount of rice you are cooking.

About the recipes

This collection starts with some basic, easy rice recipes that are perfect as side dishes for everyday meals. There are plenty of Indian Instant Pot recipes, such as pulaos and biryanis, to choose from that are a complete meal. And last but not least, we also have dessert recipes made from rice.

Basic rice side dishes

Looking for quick and easy recipes that’ll go with your curries and dals? This next set of Indian rice recipes is perfect for you – from plain white rice to wild rice and everything in between, you’ll have a lot of options to pick from.

Basmati rice

I have used rice cookers in the past and have made rice over the stovetop, too, but making Basmati rice in the Instant Pot is my absolute favorite method. It takes less time than rice cookers, is hands-free, unlike making it on the stovetop, and yields fluffy white rice with the perfect texture.

Basmati rice served in a black bowl placed in front of Instant Pot
You'll love how Instant Pot cooks Basmati rice – fluffy and with each grain distinct and so much faster than a rice cooker. Get the recipe below and learn how to make the perfect Basmati rice. 

Brown Basmati Rice

When you consume rice daily, it is best to eat a type with a good nutrition profile.

That’s why Brown Basmati rice is a great choice.

Not only is brown Basmati rice good for you, but it also has a wonderful flavor. It has a nutty aroma and fluffy texture and is super easy to make using Instant Pot! This magical device prepares meals in less than half the time of traditional stovetop or rice cooker methods.

Check out the recipe below!

A form of brown rice on a black plate, with an Instant Pot in the background.
This easy recipe for Instant Pot Brown Basmati rice yields perfectly cooked, soft rice every time!

Instant Pot Sona masoori rice

In India, making Basmati rice is often reserved for special occasions. Depending on the region, the choice of everyday rice may differ. At home, we ate a lot of sona masoori rice.

This type of rice is medium-grain (sometimes referred to as short-grain) rice which is widely used and very popular in South Indian cuisine. Most famously, it is an integral ingredient used during the Pongal festival (check out this Instant Pot ven pongal recipe).

It goes really well with curries and dals or to make fragrant coconut rice.

A bowl of Sona Masoori Rice.
This foolproof recipe for Instant Pot sona masoori rice is fluffy and perfectly cooked in under 30 minutes.

Perfect Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice tastes great not only with Thai curries but with Indian curries too. It is just as aromatic and fluffy as Basmati rice but plumper, moist, and slightly sticky.

Makes for a great substitute for sona masoori rice or Basmati rice.

A top down photo of the Instant Pot with fresh cooked Jasmine rice and a silver spoon on the right side.
This Instant Pot Jasmine rice comes together in under 30 minutes for a hands-free, perfectly fluffy side dish you can serve with your favorite lentils, dals, and curries.

Brown rice

Cooking brown rice can be tricky. You can easily end up with rice that is crunchy, chewy, and bland, like cardboard. But with the right recipe and Instant Pot by your side, you could avoid all that and make perfectly cooked brown rice at home – in 4 easy steps and with a touch of a button (or two). 

Get the recipe below.

Brown rice served in a white bowl with Instant Pot on the side
Say goodbye to gummy, crunchy and tasteless brown rice. Master the process of making brown rice in the Instant Pot and get perfect results every time!

Kerala matta rice

Kerala matta rice (or red rice) packs higher nutritional value than its processed white rice rivals. This fiber-rich rice will keep you satiated for a long time and makes a great side to Mangalorean curries.

A black bowl with kreala matta rice after cooking in the Instant Pot, a cup of water in the back right, and a white bowl in the back left.
Nutritious and filling, this Instant Pot Kerala matta rice recipe, made with three ingredients, cooks up in a fraction of the time it traditionally takes to make red matta rice.

Instant Pot Black Rice (Forbidden rice)

Learn how to make perfectly cooked black rice (Forbidden rice) in the Instant Pot. It is much quicker than making it over the stovetop, and the best part is no soaking is needed!

Rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants, this nutty whole-grain rice makes the perfect side dish.

A plate with black rice, lemon wedges, and salmon.
You'll love making black rice (forbidden rice) in the Instant Pot. This nutrient-rich whole grain dish comes out perfect every time – no soaking required.

Instant Pot wild rice

Bored of plain white rice? Try a different type of rice – wild rice! It is not only aromatic but nutritious as well!

In fact, wild rice is actually healthier than both white and brown rice. It is filled with protein and has high-dietary fiber as well. It is also gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for your gluten-free diet.

Wild rice served in a white bowl
It is quick & easy to cook nutritious wild rice in the Instant pot. They have a sweet aroma with a nutty flavor and a chewy texture.

Instant Pot Calrose rice

Calrose Rice originated in California. The name “rose” indicates medium grain shape, and “cal” indicates California origin. Calrose rice, once cooked, is soft and sticky. It goes well with soups, salads, or sushi as they absorb the flavors well.

Calrose served in a brown bowl with two chopsticks on the side
Learn how to cook perfect Calrose rice in the Instant Pot every time you make with this tried & tested recipe.

Instant Pot Sushi Rice

Making perfect sushi rice can be tricky, but Instant Pot makes it easy. Just follow the fail-proof recipe below and get perfect results every time!

Fluffy and sticky sushi rice cooked in the Instant Pot.
This easy Instant Pot recipe makes fluffy, sticky, and fragrant sushi rice in under 30 minutes. It's perfect to use as a base for homemade sushi rolls, poke bowls, and many more delicious dishes!

Flavored rice recipes

Now that the simple and basic recipes are done, let’s move on to the next category of rice dishes – the flavored ones. Lemon/lime juice, turmeric, cilantro, or ghee are added to rice to enhance its flavor, fragrance, and color.

Here are a few seasoned rice recipes that taste great with chicken, paneer, tofu, fish/seafood, or any other protein.

Yellow turmeric rice

Homemade Indian Yellow Turmeric Rice has never been easier than this 20-minute Instant Pot recipe. Made with anti-inflammatory turmeric, this fragrant rice recipe makes the perfect side to curries, seafood, chicken, and more!

A black bowl filled with Indian Yellow Rice with a silver spoon on the right side and a plate of shrimp in the back.
This yellow turmeric rice recipe comes together in just 20 minutes with the Instant Pot for a vibrant side dish that pairs with curries, seafood, chicken, and more!

Cilantro lime rice

Delicious and filling, this Instant Pot Chipotle cilantro lime rice instantly elevates anything you serve it with. This easy copycat recipe is ready in less than 20 minutes – thanks to the Instant Pot.

Easy cilantro lime rice in slate grey bowl with spoon
This copycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice is ready in Instant Pot in under 20 minutes and pairs well with any Mexican and Asian dish.

Jeera rice

After a long day at work, our hungry stomach often demands a satisfying meal that doesn’t take hours to make. That’s when a good recipe for jeera rice will come in handy. Pair it with dal and a side dish to make an elegant yet effortless dinner.

Cumin rice served in a black bowl garnished with cilantro
Jeera rice – One whiff of this aromatic, fluffy basmati rice tempered with cumin seeds is enough to get your taste buds tingling. Learn how to make this flavorful rice in ten minutes or less.

Ghee rice

While this lightly spiced-up rice side dish is typically made for special occasions (entertaining, weddings, etc.), it is easy enough to make every night of the week. This simple ghee rice recipe pairs really well with kormas, dals, and curries.

Hands holding a bowl of basmati rice with garnish.
This restaurant-style, easy ghee recipe is a keeper! Learn how to dish up this aromatic south Indian dish in under 30 minutes using an Instant Pot or over the stovetop.

South Indian lemon rice

I love how versatile Lemon rice is – you can serve it by itself or pair it with a bowl of yogurt and lemon pickle on the side. Lemon rice also goes really well as a side dish with grilled fish or chicken (though it is not typically served that way in India).

Lemon rice served in a white bowl topped with lemon slices
Flavorful, tangy & crunchy Lemon Rice from South India, made as a one-pot dish in Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker. Make this Lemon Rice in less than 30 mins.

Curd rice (thayir sadam)

The mixture of cooked rice and curd, commonly known as dahi bhaat, is a dish savored across India, but it is in the South that it has come on its own, with a tempering that adds a delicate and refreshing flavor to the otherwise bland mixture.

This wonderful comfort food is served with a side of pickle, podi, or papad in the South.

Curd rice / thayir sadam served in a red and blue metal bowl
The delicate and mild flavored curd rice (also known as thayir sadam or yogurt rice) is a befitting finale to a sumptuous spicy meal. Learn how to make this comfort food in under 30-minutes. 

Coconut rice

Coconut rice is a quick and easy 30-minute recipe for aromatic rice cooked with creamy coconut milk. With a naturally sweet aroma and flavor, it’s a simple way to elevate an everyday meal.

Coconut rice served in a black bowl topped with lime slices
Easy 30-minute recipe for Instant Pot Coconut Rice that elevates a simple side dish to a creamy and rich delight. Stovetop recipe included.

Saffron rice

Looking for some variation in your regular rice? Try this fragrant Saffron Rice made in the Instant Pot.

Saffron rice served in a black bowl kept over burlap pieces
Easy and aromatic Saffron Rice made in the Instant Pot! This amazing side dish pairs well with almosy everything. Vegan and gluten-free.

One-pot rice with veggies (Pulaos / khichdis)

The next set of rice dishes is loaded with veggies..all you need to do is add a side of protein and make it a complete meal.

Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipes

While there are many dump-and-go Instant Pot Spanish / Mexican rice recipes, this recipe asks you to do a little extra work – browning the rice. Browning the rice adds so much more flavor. I’ve read that this is how it is made in most Mexican households. So if you have the time, go for it. If you don’t, that’s okay too.

A bowl of Mexican Rice with beans, garnished with lime.
This easy recipe is the ultimate side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main dish. Ready in 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time, it's sure to become a family favorite!

Instant Pot Spinach / Palak rice

Make a filling bowl of Palak Rice in just 20 minutes with your Instant Pot. This filling and flavorful spinach Rice is packed with warm spices and fresh vegetables for a gluten-free dish everyone will enjoy!

A dark grey bowl with palak rice and peas topped with fresh mint leaves.
Learn how to make this flavorful spinach rice, packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, in just 20 minutes with your Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Cabbage Rice

This recipe uses long grain Basmati rice and is cooked mostly in the water released from the cabbage. The rice button, which is a 12-minute low-pressure setting, works perfectly for this recipe. And if there is some rice browned at the bottom, scrape it and enjoy it.

Cabbage rice served in two white bowls with curry and cilantro leaves on the side
Simple to make the one-pot dish, this flavorful cabbage rice is packed with vitamins and has the perfect heat from fresh ginger and green chilies.

One pot Moong dal khichdi

Moong dal khichdi is made from rice, split lentils such as moong dal, turmeric powder, and salt and topped off with a tempering of ghee and cumin seeds. Rice and lentils are good sources of carbs and protein, while ghee provides the much-needed macronutrients – carbs, protein, and fats. Load it up with veggies to make it a full meal.

Khichdi served in a black bowl with pickle on top
A wholesome and nutritious meal –  Moong dal khichdi made from rice and moong dal (split lentils) is comfort food at its best. This one-pot, 5-ingredient meal is easy on your stomach and is perfect for all ages.

Vegetable Masala Khichdi

Vegetable masala khichdi has many health benefits, depending on how you make it and what you add to it. It contains protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, making it a satisfying and healthy meal.

This rice and moong dal dish also lends itself well to customization – meaning you can add extra vegetables or even sprouts to make it more nutritious.

A bowl of Masala khichdi served with rice.
This hearty masala khichdi recipe is Indian comfort food at its best! Made with rice, lentils, and veggies, this easy, one-pot dish makes for a complete meal. It is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ven pongal recipe

This simple and easy dish is a common and popular breakfast dish from South India. It is not very different from Khichdi – popular rice and lentil porridge commonly cooked in the Northern part of India.

Ven Pongal served in a black bowl and topped with sambar and chutney. A multi colored napkin is on the side along with a half visible bowl of coconut chutney.
Ven Pongal Recipe – This south Indian breakfast made from rice and lentils is a great way to start your day. Pair it with sambar and chutney for a complete gastronomical experience.

Biryani recipes

Instant Pot Vegetable Biryani

If you haven’t used your Instant Pot yet, making veg biryani would be an ideal way to get started.

It requires very little hands-on time and is perfect for busy mornings when you are juggling a million things. Make sure to chop the ingredients the previous day, and you’ll have this delicious-tasting veg biryani in no time. Pair it with raita for a complete meal.

Veg biryani in a black bowl
Instant Pot vegetable biryani is made by pressure cooking rice, vegetables in a spicy onion-tomato gravy to create this flavorful one-pot vegetarian meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Instant Pot Paneer Biryani

This Vegetable Biryani with Paneer is a complete meal with grains, veggies, and protein. It begins with a base of caramelized onions, then builds layers of flavors with aromatic long-grain basmati rice and a combination of vegetables cooked to tender perfection.

Each bite is infused with delicately balanced whole spices and a bold finish with garam masala.

White bowl with paneer biryani, topped with two slices of lime.
This easy Instant Pot paneer biryani recipe features seasoned paneer cubes, mixed veg, and tender basmati rice in a creamy tomato gravy. It's the perfect pressure cooker dish for a flavorful and cozy meal in only 40 minutes!

Instant Pot Chickpea Biryani

Chickpea biryani is a wholesome vegetarian meal with plump chickpeas cooked in caramelized onions and spices over fragrant Basmati rice. Paired with cooling cucumber raita and a squeeze of fresh lime, this biryani makes a hearty meal.

Chickpea biryani served in white bowls with raita
Easy & wholesome, vegetarian Biryani with plump chickpeas cooked in caramelized onions & spices over fragrant basmati rice. Paired with cooling raita this biryani makes a hearty meal.

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

This shrimp dish is perfect for when you want to charm your family of biryani lovers. This is one recipe that I have made over 100+ times because my family can’t get enough of it.

What we love about this dish is that it is spicy (can be made mild), flavorful, and fragrant. 

Shrimp Biryani served in a white bowl
Looking for a failproof shrimp biryani recipe? I have one for you! This easy recipe will yield the most flavorful, one-pot biryani without a lot of effort

Instant Pot Egg Biryani

Fragrant Basmati rice and masala eggs come together in this delightful egg biryani recipe. Learn how to make this flavorful biryani in a pressure cooker in half the time.

Egg biryani served in a brown bowl
Instant Pot Egg Biryani is this delightful combination of fragrant Basmati rice cooked with spices and then interlaced with spiced, boiled eggs. Learn how to make this flavorful biryani in a pressure cooker in half the time.

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Layers of seasoned rice, tender marinated chicken, and homemade biryani masala come together for an authentic and filling dinner in this Instant Pot chicken biryani recipe.

Made in one pot, this Hyderabadi chicken biryani is an aromatic and savory rice dish perfect for any night of the week.

A white bowl filled with fresh Instant Pot Chicken Biryani topped with a cooked hard boiled egg in the right corner.
Savory, filling, and bursting with flavor, this Instant Pot chicken biryani makes an authentic and delicious biryani in half the time.

Chettinad Chicken Biryani

If you are in the mood to make a new kind of biryani, I highly recommend this Chettinad Chicken Biryani – you’ll be hooked at the first bite. This is a good recipe to impress your family or guests!

Chicken biryani served in a black bowl with lime wedges on top
For those who are tired of the same old way of making chicken biryani, you got to try making Chettinad chicken biryani in an Instant Pot. It is flavorful, spicy and oh so satisfying…just like the traditionally made biryani..but with half the effort.

Instant Pot Fish Biryani

If you thought you couldn’t make fish biryani in an Instant Pot, this recipe will change your mind. The marinated fish cooks perfectly along with Basmati rice and yields a biryani that is finger-licking good!

Fish biryani served in a white bowl topped with lemon slices
One pot Fish Biryani with aromatic long-grain basmati rice cooked over perfectly spiced fish marinated in warm spices, topped with caramelized onions and cilantro.

Dessert recipes

You’ll love making desserts in the Instant Pot. They are super easy to make and turn out delicious every time.

Instant Pot Rice Kheer

Making Rice Kheer just got a whole lot quicker with this easy Instant Pot Kheer recipe. This Indian Rice Pudding comes out creamy and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

A large bowl of Rice Kheer in a gold rimmed bowl with almond slices and a spoon on top in the bottom left of and a bowl of mixed nuts in the top right on a black table cloth with almond slivers scattered around.
Rice Kheer is a sweet and creamy Indian Rice Pudding. This dish is often served hot or cold and makes a delicious side dish or dessert.

Instant Pot Sweet Pongal (Sakkarai Pongal)

If you like South Indian desserts, you’ll fall in love with sweet Pongal – a beautiful brown-colored porridge made from rice and moong dal. Cooked in ghee, sweetened with jaggery, and garnished with cashews and raisins, this dessert recipe is absolutely divine.

Pongal served in a white bowl
Learn how to make this authentic-tasting Sakkarai Pongal or Chakkara Pongali (Sweet Pongal) in under 30 minutes using an Instant Pot.

Looking for some exciting curry recipes?

If you are looking for sides to serve with your rice, here’s an extensive list of 30+ curry recipes for you to try!

A collage of 4 pictures of Indian curries
Indian curry recipes

THE VERY BEST CURRY RECIPES

30+ Indian Curry Recipes

Learn all you need to know about Indian curries and get some easy and authentic recipes that’ll get you cooking in no time. You’ll love this collection that includes 30+ traditional recipes from all over India!

See CURRY Recipes

Troubleshooting rice

This post would have been incomplete if I didn’t share with you what to do if you run into issues while making rice.

If you follow all the recipes, you shouldn’t run into these problems. But sometimes, we eyeball ingredients instead of measuring them, and things can go wrong if our estimates are inaccurate. Here’s how we can fix most issues – 

Undercooked rice – hard and chewy

  • Reasons
    • Not enough water.
    • The sealing ring was not inserted properly.
    • Cooked for an insufficient amount of time.
  • Solution – Check if the sealing is properly inserted. Add two tablespoons of water for every cup of rice and cook again for two more minutes. Immediately release pressure. 

Clumpy rice

  • Reason – Rice has not been rinsed properly.
  • Solution – Rinse properly next time. Sorry, no fix!

Cooked rice with leftover water

  • Reason – Added more water than needed.
  • Solution – Use a strainer to drain the excess water. Saute on low heat till the water is absorbed. 

Mushy / Overcooked rice

Burnt rice

  • Reason –
    • Not enough water.
    • The sealing ring was not inserted properly.
    • Cooked for an excess amount of time.
  • Solution – Salvage as much as you can from the top if the burnt flavor hasn’t permeated the top layer. Discard the rest. 

Get dinner on the table faster!

Learn my meal planning + prepping secrets to make fresh Indian food without spending hours in the kitchen.

An overhead shot of Gujarathi kadhi along with rice, rotis and a side of lemon

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Indian Food Blogger

Hi! I am Anu - former Project Manager, now a full-time blogger. With over 20 years of cooking experience, I’m here to share my secrets on how to cook Indian food quickly and easily—no processed ingredients needed.

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