Instant Pot Brown Rice

Name: Instant Pot Brown Rice
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups brown rice (I used brown basmati); 5 cups water; 4 Tbsp butter (optional); 2 tsp salt (optional)

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Instant Pot brown rice is my new favorite side! It’s so easy, hands-off, and delicious! Tastes better than stovetop cooked rice! Try my Instant Pot frozen chicken recipe and add some steamed vegetables to make a delicious meal.

One of my goals this year 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 subtle switch from white rice to brown rice.

Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of brown rice. It takes way too long to cook and it tastes like cardboard.

But then I made Instant Pot brown rice and fell in love!

To be fair, I’m not sure if the awesome flavor is 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

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 than it being too small.

A good rule of thumb is whatever the cooking time is, that’s 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 44 (ish) 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.

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).

Easy Brown Rice in the Pressure Cooker

An up close view of a wooden spoon with a spoonful of brown rice on it. In the background is the 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 pot 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 and flip the pressure release valve and open up the pot to perfectly cooked brown rice.

Really, it’s the multi-tasker’s saving grace.

Here’s What You Need

This is an overview of an Instant Pot with brown rice and water and butter in the pot.

This Instant Pot brown rice recipe calls for:

Brown rice
Water
Butter (optional)
Salt (optional)

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 bag for just 1¢!! (Get your penny bag of salt on this page.)

Notes on Ingredients

Water. You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.
Flavor. If you’d like a bit of variety in flavor, you can add different herbs to your liking.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1. Combine all the ingredients in the Instant Pot and stir gently.

Brown rice grains are inside an Instant Pot.

Step 2. Hit “pressure cook” or “manual” and make sure “high pressure” is selected.

Step 3. Set the time for 22 minutes.

This Instant Pot Brown rice is ready! There is a wooden spoon inside the pot to stir and fluff the rice.

Step 4. When the timer goes off, turn the pressure release valve to quickly release the pressure. Serve warm.

How to Freeze Instant Pot Brown Rice

Instant Pot brown rice is ready and in a white bowl with a spoon next to it and herbs sprinkled on top.

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).

Brown rice – or any rice for that matter – freezes BEAUTIFULLY.

Step 1. I measure 4 cups into plastic 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 bookshelves. 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 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!

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?

According to GoodRx Health, brown rice is more nutrient-dense than white rice. 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. After rinsing, drain the rice and put it in

Are You Looking for a Main Dish to Serve With Your Brown Rice?

If you’re left wondering what you should cook and serve with your side dish of brown rice, here are a few suggestions and my personal favorites:

Instant pot whole chicken is shredded on a white plate.

Other side dishes that pair nicely with your fluffy brown rice:

Black beans in a large bowl with a wooden spoon in it.

More Instant Pot Rice Recipes