Instant Pot Brown Rice

With this super easy pressure cooker brown rice recipe, I can have brown rice in the instant pot which is made in half the time. Plus, I don’t have to watch it closely which is always a win for me.

And if you don’t have an Instant Pot, learn how to make brown rice in the microwave. You can even make white rice in the microwave. You will love this easy side dish with simple seasoning. You make even want to make Brown Basmati Rice Recipe, Brown Jasmine Rice Recipeor Sticky Rice on the stove top.

Why This Recipe Works

You all know I have been loving my instant pot lately and I have been cooking up a storm making all kinds of quick and easy instant pot recipes with my new Instant pot.

These easy steps will make fluffy, tender brown rice turn out perfect every time.

Ingredients

You only need 3 ingredients to make this easy and delicious instant pot side dish recipe.

• Whole Grain Brown Rice – long grain brown rice or short-grain brown rice not instant rice
• Water – I usually use water but chicken broth or vegetable broth works great too
• Garlic Salt – I love using garlic salt in this recipe as it brings out the flavor in the rice but you can also use salt or minced garlic as well.

Seasoning Variations

Here are some of my favorite ways to season brown rice.

• Add in some garlic salt – So easy and it is full of flavor
• Sprinkle with salt and parmesan cheese. You might think this sounds like an odd combination but it is one of our favorites.
• Add Parmesan Cheese, milk and Garlic
• Add Garlic and Soy Sauce
• Add in Ground Beef for a One pot meal
• See How to Season Brown Rice for more ideas.

How to Make Brown Rice in the Instant Pot

You are not going to believe how easy it is to make brown rice in the instant pot. 

Step 1 – First place the brown rice in the pressure cooker and then pour in the water.

Step 2 – Next add in the garlic salt. Place the lid on top of your pressure cooker and set the value to the sealing position on the lid.

Step 3 – Press the manual or pressure cook button and cook for 22 minutes on high pressure.  After this cook time, allow the pressure to release naturally from the instant pot.

Step 4 – Remove the lid from the instant pot. Fluff the rice with a fork to remove the moisture and enjoy the perfect instant pot brown rice.

What is a Natural Release?

A natural release is when you leave the valve on the pressure cooker on the lid to the sealing position after the cooking time.  Then the Instant Pot releases the pressure naturally without you doing anything at all.

When the pressure has been fully released from the Instant Pot, the float valve on the lid will drop and you will be able to open the lid at that time.

A natural release allows the cooking to stop gradually and this will make the rice softer and so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the insert.

A natural release can take 5-20 minutes depending on the ingredients and the amount of liquid that is in the pressure cooker.

Do You Need to Rinse Rice before Cooking?

I generally do not rinse my rice before cooking it in the instant pot and I have never had any issues with the texture or flavor of the rice.  My rice turned out delicious without rinsing.

If you find that the rice is too gummy, then I recommend rinsing rice prior to cooking it in the instant pot. 

To rinse, place the rice in the strainer and then run water through the rice until the water comes out clear.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few of my favorite recipes that I love to make or serve with this brown rice recipe.

• Baked Mexican Chicken
• Crock Pot Mexican Taco Casserole
• Salsa Verde Baked Chicken

We even like to use brown to make Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, Hibachi Fried Rice and Pork Fried Rice Recipe served in a bowl for a delicious meal idea.