Learn how to cook brown rice in the Instant Pot for a delicious, fluffy side dish that turns out perfectly every time! This easy, hands-off method tastes better than rice on the stovetop, and you can set it and forget it. Enjoy with Instant Pot Chicken and add some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
One of my long-term goals is to eat more whole grains. Yes, this means using whole wheat flour (as well as other grains like spelt and einkorn), but it also means making the switch from white rice to brown rice.
Honestly, I’d never been a fan of brown rice. It took way too long to cook, and it tasted like cardboard.
But then I made Instant Pot brown rice and fell in love!
To be fair, I’m not sure if the awesome nutty flavor and tender texture are because of the pressure cooker or because of the type of brown rice I picked, but I’m calling it a win in either case.
(By the way, I bought brown basmati rice because that’s what Costco had. I’ve always purchased my rice from Costco because they have the best deal per pound, hands down.)
INSTANT POT BROWN RICE
Now I always make Instant Pot brown rice instead of cooking rice on the stove top, because it turns out perfectly fluffy and delicious every time!
Let’s talk about the Instant Pot for a moment.
- I chose the 8-quart Instant Pot because 50% of my family are teens and their appetites are only getting bigger.
- Also, I own this 6-quart slow cooker, and on a handful of occasions, it’s not big enough. I wanted to err on the side of my Instant Pot being too big rather than it being too small.
I wrote an article on 20+ things to consider before buying an Instant Pot that I highly recommend reading if you haven’t purchased an Instant Pot yet and are still on the fence (including being unsure of what size to get).
A good rule of thumb for the Instant Pot is that whatever the cooking time is, that’s also how long it takes to come to pressure.
- So, while this Instant Pot brown rice will cook in 22 minutes, it will take closer to 40 (ish) minutes total when you include coming to pressure, plus another 3-5 minutes as the pressure comes down.
- Still, this is MUCH faster than any previous brown rice I’ve ever made on the stovetop, and it doesn’t require babysitting.
RECIPE BROWN RICE INSTANT POT
Did I mention the fact that when you make Instant Pot brown rice, it’s pretty much foolproof?
I’m referring to myself here.
You see, I’m notorious for turning a burner on and leaving the room to do something else…and then coming back to an empty pot or a scorched pan or ruined dinner. On some occasions, it’s all three!
But cooking brown rice in the Instant Pot means I can dump it all in, hit a couple of buttons, and walk away CONFIDENTLY.
The pot will beep at me when it’s ready, and then I can walk over, flip the pressure release valve, and open up the pot to perfectly cooked brown rice.
Really, it’s the multi-tasker’s saving grace.
INSTANT POT BROWN RICE INGREDIENTS
This Instant Pot brown rice recipe calls for:
- Long-grain brown rice
- Water (You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.)
- Butter (optional)
- Salt (optional)
- Flavor (optional). If you’d like a bit of variety in flavor, you can add different herbs or seasonings to your liking.
Psst! If you’re going to add salt, I highly recommend Ava Jane’s Kitchen. You may think all salt is created equal, but unfortunately, 90% of the salt produced around the world contains microplastics (gross, right?). Ava Jane’s Kitchen is an exception. Their salt is 100% microplastic-free, and it’s SO GOOD! Plus, you can get a free 8oz. bag of sea salt on this page (just pay shipping and handling!)
HOW TO COOK BROWN RICE IN THE INSTANT POT
Step 1. Combine rice, water, and any optional seasonings in the Instant Pot and stir gently. Set the lid in place and make sure it is sealed.
Step 2. Hit “pressure cook” or “manual” and make sure “high pressure” is selected.
Step 3. Set the time for 22 minutes.
Step 4. When the timer goes off, turn the pressure release valve to quickly release the pressure. Fluff with a fork and add butter (if using). Serve warm.
HOW TO FREEZE RECIPE OF BROWN RICE
One more reason to make Instant Pot brown rice – you can make TONS and freeze it for later.
This concept is part batch cooking (when you make multiple batches of something at one time) and part freezer cooking (when you cook something for the freezer).
This recipe of brown rice – or any rice for that matter – freezes BEAUTIFULLY.
Step 1. Measure 4 cups into resealable freezer bags. Seal, lay the bag flat to evenly distribute the rice, then open the bag slightly and suck out all the air. (You can use a vacuum sealer if you have one, but I don’t.)
Step 2. Lay the bags in the freezer flat to freeze, then you can store them vertically like books on a bookshelf. That’s the best way to maximize your freezer space. And don’t forget to label the bags!!
Note: To thaw, place a bag in the refrigerator overnight. If you need the rice faster, place it in a sink full of hot water. Then reheat and serve or use in a recipe as desired!
MAIN DISHES TO SERVE WITH BROWN RICE INSTANT POT
If you’re left wondering what you should serve with your side dish of Instant Pot brown rice, here are a few suggestions and my personal favorites:
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Slow Cooker Brisket
- Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
- Korean Beef Bowls
- Instant Pot Steamed Shrimp
Other side dishes that pair nicely with your fluffy brown rice:
HOW COOK BROWN RICE FAQS
Does the rice button on Instant Pot work for brown rice?
The rice setting on the Instant Pot sets the time at 10-12 minutes. For this brown rice recipe, you need to set the timer manually at 22 minutes.
Is brown rice healthier than white rice?
Brown rice includes the whole grain, whereas in white rice the bran and germ are removed. Brown rice can help with weight management and aid in reducing blood sugar levels.
Should brown rice be rinsed first?
Yes! Rinse your brown rinse first. When you do this, it will remove the dust particles, as well as some of the starch, which can make brown rice gummy and mushy. After rinsing, drain the rice and put it into the Instant Pot.
MORE INSTANT POT RICE RECIPES
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Learn how to cook brown rice in the Instant Pot for a delicious, fluffy side dish that turns out perfectly every time! This easy, hands-off method tastes better than rice on the stovetop, and you can set it and forget it. Enjoy with Instant Pot Chicken and add some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups 1x
- Category: Sides
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups brown rice (780g) (I used brown basmati) (632g)
- 5 cups water
- 4 Tbsp butter (optional)
- 2 tsp salt (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in the Instant Pot and stir gently.
- Hit “pressure cook” or “manual” and make sure “high pressure” is selected.
- Set the time for 22 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, turn the pressure release valve to quickly release the pressure.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For freezer directions, they are located in the post.
- To thaw, place a bag in the fridge overnight. If you need the rice faster, place it in a sink full of hot water. Then serve or use in a recipe as desired!
I do not have an instant pot. I cook my brown rice in the oven with chicken stock and greek seasoning. This is the only way my husband likes it. He would probably like the instant pot but he doesnt want another appliance. The only way he likes it reheated is in fried rice. I tried to freeze it in the past and he did not like the texture. Do you have any tips? Thanks!
I like fresh rice the best but when rewarming rice moisture is key so add butter or some water.
Hi, thanks for this – rice is useful in so many dishes.
Wondering if proportion of water is the same for plain brown rice, rather than brown basmati? Would it need a higher water quantity?
Thanks
I haven’t tried plain brown rice, but I bet the same ratio would give fine results, Bec!
Wow! Wow! Wow! I’ve been a brown rice failure for years! We just bought an 8 qt Instant Pot and tried your recipe for the first time tonight. Perfect brown rice!! I can’t believe it. Thank you! This is a keeper for sure. Goodbye white rice forever! 🙂
YAY!! I’m so glad you liked it!
Cooking for a crowd, what would my time and measurements be if I were cooking six cups of rice?
Does this recipe take 22 minutes or 44? In your description of cooking in the Instant Pot you mentioned doubling the time, yet the recipe sYates the total time to be 22 minutes?
The cook time is 22 minutes, but the time from when you put the ingredients in the pot to when the the pressure is done being released could take up to 44 minutes.
I don’t usually leave comments on blogs but this recipe is fabulous. Thank you so much! This brown rice is the best I’ve ever tasted! So much better than the brown rice made in a rice cooker.
Thanks for leaving a glowing review Kaylee!! ♥
You’re very welcome Suzanne!
This turned out AMAZING! This is my first time to cook brown rice, i followed the recipe, except i made quarter of the quantity since i needed only one cup.
Thank you SO much!
You’re very welcome!
I couldn’t find brown basmati rice but I did find some brown jasmine. Just cooked up a batch using these directions. Smells very nice- like popcorn!- and turned out well.
Glad this worked for you Melanie!
I am interested in pot in pot cooking chicken thighs and brown rice but am warried that the chicken will dry out because of the 22 minute cooking time; any thoughts thanks excellent site
jerry
Hey Jerry! I’d recommend adding the chicken partway into the rice cooking… So if your chicken takes 10 minutes (not sure if it does, but let’s pretend), then you’d cook the rice for 12, quick release, add the chicken, cook for 10!
See, I knew you would have some good thoughts on the matter. I didn’t know that water eliminates some of it. Thanks for getting back with me. Love this blog! Wish I could pick your brain over coffee 😀
Hi Tiffany, you have such a balanced approach to food and health so I’m curious what you think of the claims that brown rice has a lot of arsenic? What made you decide to go with brown over white? Thanks! I always appreciate your insight.
Hi Sonia! I’ll admit that I haven’t done a whole lot of research on the topic, but here’s my opinion (since you asked!):
– Brown rice contains more arsenic than white, but white still has arsenic too.
– No matter which rice we pick, there will be arsenic because of how the plant grows.
– Everything in moderation, which means enjoying other whole grains too like buckwheat, millet, etc. (which I will look more into as the year goes on!)
– Cooking rice in lots of water (like pasta) reduces the arsenic, so that’s an option if it’s a true concern (and easy to do in the IP!) ♥
I notice you didn’t double the water for the amount of rice (4 cups rice, 8 cups water). Is that because of the kind of rice you used, or because the IP doesn’t need that much water? I don’t have an IP, I have a small pressure cooker. Would I used the same proportions you did?
The proportion of rice to water is 2 cups rice to 2 1/2 cups water. I doubled that in my recipe and because we’re starting off with so much liquid, it doesn’t burn. Does that help better?
Gee, I have been cooking rice for 60 years and always 2 cups of water to 4 cups of liquid. Is the reduced liquid from the way its cooked in the cooker? If you enjoy shrimp or seafood and want an Asian touch that is easy, use your Saute button for the shrimp and put on plate salt and black pepper and some butter on the shrimp, using a spoon or so full with habanara sweet w/chunks of piineapple, its delicious. For the rice, use your jasmine or basmati brown rice, after cooking it, toss loosely in the pot and add a little soy sauce and about 1 capfull of Toasted Sesame oil and toss gently – yumm…a whole dinner in no time.
I have some Mahatma organic brown rice, and the directions say to use 2 1/2 cups liquid to 1 cup of rice. That’s a huge difference from your recipe. Do you think it’s still okay to use your measurements? I hate to mess it up and waste the rice.
Cooking rice in an instant pot is not the same as stovetop. With an instant pot it uses much less water so you need to follow the recipe. For white rice the ratio is 1 cup rice to 1 cup water.
Can the recipe be halved? If so, is the water lessened as well? Same cooking time though, right? I feel the same about Brown rice and would love incorporating into our meals. Thank you.
Yes! Halve the rice, halve the water and same cooking time – you got it!
We have Price Rite here and they beat Costco on the rice prices but the Costco light brown rice is honestly so good, I’ll probably just buy it again anyway.
Thanks Tabitha!
If you have a Trader Joe’s in your area, try their brown jasmine rice. I made it in my instant pot and love it! It freezes really well too.
Ooh, I’ll have to see. TJ’s isn’t close, but if brown jasmine is good, I’ll price compare that against basmati!
My number one goal is to NOT GET LAZY and let everything I learned in Grocery Bootcamp go by the wayside. I was extremely skeptical at first and thought I had trimmed every ounce of fat from my budget and boy was I wrong. Every time I thought about taking a short cut or not doing part of the assigned homework I thought about what I had paid for the class (which in retrospect was just a pittance) and decided it was just plain stupidity if I paid and then didn’t take advantage of what was offered — sort of like going out for a meal, ordering exactly what I wanted and then not eating it. Seriously, I trimmed my budget by 40% and, if anything, we have seen an improvement in what I am buying and preparing. I got lazy in October and for the first time since completing the course went over budget. I just need to keep that in mind. And as a by the way comment, this has allowed us to accelerate payment of debts and by May first the only bill we will have is our mortgage. After we build up our savings a bit, we will double up on payments on it.
Holy smokes Charlotte – what an amazing testimonial!! I’m so glad you posted it here. 🙂 Can I share this on the GBB page as well?
Absolutely.