Perfect Instant Pot Rice

Prep Time	Cook Time	Natural Release	Servings	Difficulty
5 minutes	4 minutes	10 minutes	4	Easy

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 1 cup water or chicken broth

• 1–2 tablespoons avocado oil (or your favorite cooking oil)

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼–½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for yellow rice)

Directions

1. Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cool water until the water runs mostly clear.

2. Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté and add the avocado oil.

3. Add the rinsed rice along with the kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and turmeric (if using).

4. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast until it looks slightly translucent and most of the surface moisture has evaporated. This step helps create fluffy, separate grains and adds extra flavor.

5. Carefully pour in the water or chicken broth and stir gently, making sure to scrape up any rice from the bottom of the pot.

6. Cancel the Sauté function.

7. Secure the lid.

8. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.

9. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.

10. Remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

• Use a 1:1 ratio of rice to liquid. For example:

  • 2 cups rice = 2 cups liquid

  • 3 cups rice = 3 cups liquid

  • 4 cups rice = 4 cups liquid

• Chicken broth adds extra flavor, but water works just as well.

• Customize the seasoning with paprika, Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, lemon pepper, or your favorite spice blends.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

💚 Shirley's Kitchen Tip

One of my favorite kitchen tricks is toasting the rice before pressure cooking. It only takes a few extra minutes, but it helps keep the grains light and fluffy while adding a rich, nutty flavor. Whenever possible, I use chicken broth instead of water for even more flavor.

💚 The Story Behind This Recipe

Growing up, rice was always part of our family meals, but my love for it truly began while I was pregnant with my first daughter.

For months, all I wanted was a big bowl of rice covered in rich brown gravy. My mother and grandmother happily made it for me whenever the craving hit.

My grandmother worked as a cook at our neighborhood elementary school. On days they served chicken and brown gravy, she'd often bring home generous portions just for me. There were days when I happily ate rice and gravy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Back then, we usually cooked Carolina Rice or Uncle Ben's rice. I always loved how Uncle Ben's cooked into fluffy, separate grains, while Carolina Rice tended to be a little stickier than I preferred.

Long before I discovered the Instant Pot, making perfect rice sometimes felt like guesswork. Today, this method gives me fluffy, flavorful rice every single time—in less than 20 minutes.

And yes...I'll admit one more thing.

As a kid, I loved eating rice mixed with ranch dressing and corn. My best friend still teases me about it and occasionally asks,

"Do you still eat rice with ranch dressing?"

I just laugh and tell her,

"No... I've evolved!"

📚 Cookbook Connection

Rice is one of the most versatile ingredients you'll ever keep in your pantry. From comforting family dinners to quick weeknight meals, learning how to cook perfect rice opens the door to hundreds of recipes.

Visit our Shop page to discover cookbooks filled with rice bowls, casseroles, soups, stir-fries, and comforting family favorites. You might just discover your next favorite meal.

🍋 Did You Make This Recipe?

I'd love to see what you created! Share your finished dish and tag The Recipe Co-Lab. Whether you kept it simple or added your own twist, every recipe becomes part of your family's story.