This recipe to make Instant Pot Basmati Rice works perfectly each and every time. The rice is fluffy, aromatic, and have separate grains. No more mushy and soggy rice guys!
Here are some more Instant Pot Recipes, that you can try – Instant Pot Quinoa, Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, and Instant Pot Chicken Breast.

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About This Recipe
Steamed Rice, is a staple in Indian households. Each and every home makes steamed rice for their everyday meals and serves it with Curries, Dals, or even Stir Fry Dishes. In South India, it is prepared almost every day and is popularly served with Sambar, Rasam, or Vegetable and Meat Curries.
While it’s short grain rice like Sona Masuri popular in South India, North Indians are used to having basmati Rice, even for their daily meals.
While making it is an easy process, you constantly have to check on it, to see if it gets cooked properly and doesn’t get mushy.
Since the day I have got Instant Pot at home, this problem has been solved. Just add in the rice with other few ingredients in the Instant Pot, switch it on and it will be ready in a few minutes.
You can easily consume that extra time to make an accompaniment with your rice. So if you also have Instant Pot at home, I will tell you how to make separate and fluffy basmati rice using the same.
Basmati Rice in Instant Pot is,
- Fuss Free
- Easy & Quick
- Separate & Fluffy
- A 10-minute affair
Ingredients

Rice – I like to use White Basmati Long Grain Rice, for my everyday cooking also as they are aromatic and flavourful on its own. You can use brown basmati rice as well. The amount of water will remain the same but the cooking time will be increased to 20 minutes. You can add very little extra water if you like your rice soft.
Water – In Instant Pot, the water to rice ratio is 1:1, but I like to add a little more water, so add in 2 tablespoons more to keep the rice moist and soft. Add in salt to taste.
Vegetable Oil – Vegetable Oil is added to keep the rice separate and nice. You can even use ghee instead of vegetable oil.
Lemon Juice – Lemon Juice adds a beautiful freshness in the rice. It makes the cooked rice fluffier and whiter.Try it to believe it!
Step By Step Recipe
Wash the rice and drain the excess water.

Add the rice in the pot of the Instant Pot.

Add water, lemon juice, salt and oil and close the lid of the instant pot.

Set the valve to the sealing position. Press pressure cooker and set the timer to 5 minutes. Instant pot will take some time to build the steam and then it will start the cooking process.

Once the cooking time is complete, let the steam release on its own for 5 minutes. Release the steam by moving the valve to open position. Open the lid and fluff the rice gently using a fork. Serve hot.


Usage Suggestions
Instant Pot Steamed Rice can be served with any Indian Dal or Curries for your everyday meals.
Steamed Rice even tastes great along with Asian Curries, Asian Stir Fry, or be it other creamy Continental Curries.
You can use the cooked Rice, to make Pulao or Biryani.
Use it and make Indian Breads such as Stuffed Paratha, Akki Roti etc.
You can even use leftover cooked rice, to make pakoras and vada. I sometimes even use it to make Dosa, Uttapam, Idli, etc.
Storage Suggestions
Cooked Rice will last in the fridge for about 3days when stored in an airtight container. Store the rice only when they have fully cooled down.
To extend life beyond 3 days, you can freeze the cooked rice in zip lock bags or freezer containers. To defrost, simply keep the rice container in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a pan or microwave until nice and warm.
Recipe Card

Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot/ Electric Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 cups White Basmati Rice
- 2-¼ cup Water
- 2-3 drops Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoon Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Wash the rice and drain the excess water.
- Add the rice in the pot of the Instant Pot.
- Add water, lemon juice, salt and oil and close the lid of the instant pot.
- Set the valve to sealing position.
- Press pressure cooker and set the timer to 5 minutes.
- Instant pot will take some time to build the steam and then it will start the cooking process.
- Once the cooking time is complete, let the steam release on its own for 5 minutes.
- Release the steam by moving the valve to open position.
- Open the lid and fluff the rice gently using a fork. Serve hot.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!