Instant Pot Basmati Rice

The Instant Pot is great for all kinds of rice including making Basmati rice. Thus, Basmati rice in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to make one of the most popular rice varieties.   

About Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a long-grain, aromatic rice that is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is extremely popular and is known for its unique fragrance, delicate flavor, and fluffy texture. It is often seen in Indian cooking and has been grown and consumed in India for thousands of years. 

The name “basmati” comes from the Sanskrit word “vasmati,” which means fragrant. Basmati rice has been grown in India and Pakistan for centuries and has played a significant role in the cuisines and cultures of these countries. The first records of basmati rice cultivation date back to the early 16th century, during the Mughal period in India. It was during this time that basmati rice gained popularity among the royalty and nobility due to its unique aroma and flavor.

Basmati rice is a long-grain rice with a length-to-width ratio of at least 3:1. It is slender and has a pointed end. Basmati rice is typically aged for at least six months before it is sold, which helps to develop its distinctive aroma and flavor. The aging process also makes the rice less sticky and easier to cook. Basmati rice has a light, nutty flavor and a delicate aroma that is reminiscent of popcorn or roasted nuts.

How to Use Instant Pot Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a versatile ingredient that is used in a wide variety of dishes. It is a staple in Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern cuisine and is often used in dishes such as biryani, pilaf, and curry. Basmati rice is also commonly used in salads, as a side dish, and in rice pudding. Basmati rice is best when cooked with care to maintain its delicate flavor and texture. It is often cooked with spices such as saffron, cumin, and cardamom to enhance its flavor and aroma.

Serve the rice on its own or as a side dish.

I love basmati rice with Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli  

Basmati Rice Pressure Cooking Tips

Generally, when stove cooking basmati rice people use roughly a 1:1.5 ratio of rice to water for best results. For the Instant Pot, I use 1 1/4 cup water for each 1 cup of basmati rice.

It is a good idea to first rinse your rice, especially when cooking it in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear.

Adding salt helps bring out flavor in the rice. It is not required, but I like to use it. 

Adding oil helps prevent sticking. Again, this is optional. 

Pressure cook the rice for 5 minutes on manual high pressure with a ten-minute natural release.

Fluff the rice gently immediately after cooking. Don’t go crazy with this! You don’t want to break down the starches. 

No soak Instant Pot Basmati Rice

I make my rice without soaking first. This Instant Pot Basmati Rice no-soak method has always worked fine for me. However, soaking can help prevent sticking (I use oil instead for that) and it can produce fluffier rice. If you want to soak your rice, let it sit in the water in the Instant Pot for 15-20 minutes before pressure cooking. 

Doubling the Recipe and Amount of Basmati Rice Per Cup

One cup of packed, dry Basmati rice will yield about 3 cups cooked. I calculated the recipe at 2 serving when made form 1 cup of dry rice.

You can double or triple etc. this recipe.

Looking to make regular white rice? Try this post: How to Make Perfect Instant Pot White Rice  

Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe

Here is the recipe card.