Instant Pot Brown Rice ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

This Instant Pot brown rice recipe is the quickest and easiest way to make rice!  This recipe takes only 25 minutes.  It is the best way to cook rice. The rice comes out soft, tender, and fluffy.  This simple and versatile recipe comes together in no time.  Use this rice as a side dish, in salads, wraps, tacos, burritos, and more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This Instant Pot brown rice is quick and easy.
• This recipe takes only 25 minutes in total.
• Only two ingredients are needed.
• This recipe details exactly how to cook brown in the Instant Pot.
• The rice comes out soft and fluffy.  It does not come out as dry or crunchy.
• Using a pressure cooker is much quicker than a stovetop.
• Many people have pressure cookers, but many do not have rice cookers.
• This brown rice is versatile.  It can be used in wraps, burritos, salads, tacos, soups, and casseroles.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, sugar-free, nut-free, and egg free.
• Check out this Brown Rice Risotto for another great recipe!

Ingredients & Substitutes

This Instant Pot brown rice is made with only two ingredients.

Brown rice is available at all grocery stores.  Buy uncooked long-grain brown rice.

Water helps cook the rice.

Once the Instant Pot brown rice is cooked, feel free to add spices and seasonings.

What is Brown Rice?

Brown rice is a whole grain rice.  It has the outermost layer removed, called the hull.

This nutrient-rich grain contains its bran and germ layers.  These layers are packed with vitamins, nutrients, and fiber.

Brown rice has a slightly nutty flavor.  It is tender and fluffy when cooked correctly.  Uncooked rice is crispy and crunchy.

Brown rice is typically used as a side dish, in salads, grain bowls, and in many Mexican dishes.

Rice is a good source of fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.

It is a great addition to a healthy and balanced diet.

Rice can be cooked in several ways.  These include on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, or in an Instant Pot.

Taste & Texture

This Instant Pot brown rice tastes like classic brown rice.  It has a soft, tender, and slightly chewy texture.

The texture is slightly firmer than white rice.  However, this rice is still fluffy.

Adjusting the amount of water will alter the texture.

How to Make

Step 1

First, rinse the brown rice in a strainer.

Step 2

Add rice and water to Instant Pot or pressure cooker.

Step 3

Stir to combine.

Step 4

Seal the lid of the pot.  Select high pressure.  Set the timer to 15 minutes.

Step 5

Once the timer goes off, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes.

Step 6

Then, carefully move the top valve to venting.  Finally, release any remaining pressure manually. Serve Instant Pot brown rice.

Expert Tips for Success

For best results, make this pressure cooker brown rice recipe exactly as written.  It is the best way to cook brown rice in an Instant Pot.

Rinse rice thoroughly before making this recipe.  This removes any excess starch.

Allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes.

Then, manually release the rest.  Be very careful when manually releasing.  Use an oven mitt to move the valve from sealing to venting.

Health Benefits of Brown Rice

Brown rice is nutritious and healthy!  Here are some of the many health benefits of brown rice.

Brown rice is high in fiber.  This keeps you full and satisfied for longer.  This can also reduce cravings and overeating.

It is also rich in vitamins and minerals.  These include magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin B.  These nutrients can aid in bone health, immune health, and energy production.

Brown rice also contains antioxidants.  This protects the body against damage.

Fiber can help improve digestive health.

Brown rice has a lower glycemic index than white rice.  This means it can help keep blood sugar levels even.

Ways to Use

There are many ways to use rice!

Add it to soups and stews for a more hearty meal.

Make fried rice.  Add sautéed veggies, chicken, pork, or beef.  Mix it with the rice in a skillet. Or, try this Red Beans and Rice for an easy family dinner!

Use leftover brown rice as the base for burrito bowls or grain bowls.  Top with your favorite veggies and protein. Try this Homemade Sushi or this Coconut Lime Chicken too!

Risotto and homemade curry are other great ways to use up leftover rice.

Make brown rice pudding.

Use leftover rice in burritos, tacos, and salads.

How to Serve & Store

Once Instant Pot brown rice is done cooking, serve immediately.

Feel free to sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.

Add it to bowls for salads or grain bowls.

Add rice to a salad, soup, or stew.

Make it Taco Tuesday with some burritos, tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas. Basmati rice works well too.

Make sure to properly store leftover rice.  Allow rice to cool to room temperature.  Transfer to an airtight container.  Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze leftover rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

To reheat, add some water or broth to a bowl or saucepan.  Add in leftover rice.  Cook until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Equipment Needed

Instant Pot: This is a great pressure cooker to make rice.

You May Also Enjoy

If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a rating and comment! For more inspiration, check out my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For 5 free weekly meal plans and more free resources, sign up to receive my free newsletter! For more ideas, check out these Side Dish Recipes.

Enjoy this Instant Pot brown rice recipe!