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Instant Pot White Rice is the easiest way to make perfectly fluffy rice in minutes. With a simple 1:1 rice-to-water ratio, this method is completely foolproof and perfect for meal prep, freezing, and busy weeknights. We make big batches all the time to save time and stretch our grocery budget.
Why You’ll Love Instant Pot White Rice!
Rice is one of the easiest side dishes to make and you can save a ton of time by using the instant pot. We showed you how to make instant pot rice brown recipe and this white rice in instant pot will give you perfectly cooked rice every time.
Once you make it this way, you will love it! Gone are the days of waiting forever on rice to cook in a rice cooker or cooking rice on the stovetop, thanks to the pressure cooker.
In just minutes, you can have a side dish that goes with a bunch of different recipes. It is perfect for any meal! We also love our Easy Dirty Rice Recipe, Microwave Brown Rice and this Basmati Rice.
Recipe Snapshot
- Best For: Meal prep, freezer cooking, busy weeknights
- Rice to Water Ratio: 1:1
- Cook Time: 4 minutes (High Pressure)
- Natural Release: 10 minutes
- Total Time: About 20 minutes
- Freezer Friendly: Yes
- Budget Tip: Make a large batch and freeze in portions
Ingredients
- White Rice – Use long-grain rice for the fluffiest texture. Jasmine rice also works well using the same 1:1 ratio. Avoid instant or minute rice, as the cook time and liquid ratio will be different. Buying rice in larger bags is usually much cheaper per pound and perfect for meal prep and freezer batches.
- Salt – Salt enhances the flavor but is optional. You can adjust to taste or leave it out if serving with a well-seasoned main dish. For extra flavor, substitute part of the salt with garlic salt or seasoned salt.
- Cold Water – Use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water for perfectly cooked rice in the Instant Pot. Cold water works best for consistent results. Flavor Option, Replace water with chicken broth for a richer taste without extra effort.
How to Cook White Rice in the Instant Pot
Step 1 – Rinse 1 cup white rice under cold water using a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
Step 2 – Add rice, 1 cup cold water, and salt to the electric pressure cooker.
Step 3 – Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Pressure Cook for 3 minutes.
Step 4 – Allow a natural release for 15 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to quick release.
Step 5 – Fluff with a fork and serve.
What is the Rice to Water Ratio for Instant Pot White Rice?
The perfect ratio for white rice in the Instant Pot is:
- 1 cups of rice : 1 cups of water
Using the same measuring cup for both ensures perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every time.
Common Mistakes When Making Instant Pot White Rice
- Skipping the rinse (leads to sticky rice)
- Using too much water
- Releasing pressure too quickly
- Overfilling the Instant Pot
Seasoning Variations
There are many different seasoning to add to white rice. Here are some of our favorites.
- My family loves Pepper Rice. It is as simple of adding salt and pepper to cooked rice.
- You can sauté rice in some butter or olive oil.
- Add some garlic salt or season salt.
- You can also mix in some salsa.
- See How to Season White Rice for more ideas.
What to Serve with Instant Pot White Rice
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Refrigerator – Allow the rice to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to keep the rice from drying out.
- Freezer – White rice freezes beautifully and is perfect for meal prep. Let the rice cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Flatten the bags so they stack easily in the freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months. For even more tips see Can You Freeze Rice?
- Reheating – To reheat, microwave straight from frozen for 1–2 minutes with a damp paper towel on top. For even more tips see How to Reheat Rice
My Best Tip – Make a double batch and freeze in meal-sized portions. It’s an easy way to have a quick side dish ready on busy nights and helps stretch your grocery budget even further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Rinsing removes excess starch and prevents sticky rice.
Yes. Keep the 1:1 ratio and do not exceed the max fill line.
Yes. Chicken broth adds flavor without extra work.
Too much water or skipping the natural release can cause mushy rice.
Instant Pot White Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups white rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Place 3 cups of white rice, 3 cups of water, and 1 teaspoon of salt in the Instant pot.
- Add the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Set the pressure for 3 minutes.
- Allow it to do a natural release for 15 minutes. Then do a quick release.
- Fluff with a fork and serve.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
More Easy Instant Pot Side Dishes
Quick and Easy Instant Pot
Instant Pot Baked Beans Recipe
All Recipes
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob Recipe
Easy Side Dishes
Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Making Instant Pot White Rice at home is one of the easiest ways to stretch your grocery budget. A simple bag of rice can turn into multiple meals, freezer sides, and quick dinner solutions. Once you try this method, you’ll always have fluffy rice ready for busy nights.
Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Sorry, I meant to rate this! It’s GREAT! Fast and easy and delicious! Perfect every time!
If I’m making cilantro lime rice, should I add the lime and cilantro before I cook the rice it in the instant pot?
Makes rice perfectly every time!
Rice is so easy to make in the Instant Pot with this recipe. Comes out perfectly fluffy/sticky as it should. Nice to have extras on hand to pull out of the freezer for an easy side. I always use chicken broth for extra flavor.
Making rice this way made dinner so much easier!!
Thanks for sharing this information. I really like your blog post very much.
Thank you!
This is truly a great and easy recipe. Thanks for sharing it!
Thanks for the information you shared, it helped my work a lot, I still need more information.