Instant Pot Parboiled Rice

Learn how to cook parboiled rice with 5 different cooking methods. Get perfectly fluffy Instant Pot parboiled rice in 6 minutes!

Do you remember the year when grocery store shelves were empty of nearly everything?

I went to the store to pick up rice (basmati rice and jasmine rice are my favorites), and the shelf was empty. The only option that was left was parboiled rice.

I’d honestly never been in that situation before, and given the nature of events, I bought that bag and figured I’d learn how to cook it when the time came.

Well, that time came, and wouldn’t you know that making parboiled rice is just as easy as making any other rice!

WHAT IS PARBOILED RICE?

Parboiled rice isn’t a variety of rice, but a form of cooking. Parboiled rice, also known as converted rice, means it has been partially boiled within its husk.

After harvesting, processors soak, steam, and thoroughly dry the rice. They then remove the hull, and the result is parboiled rice.

Parboiled rice has a higher resistance to insects and fungi, making it a great rice for long-term storage.

And parboiled rice retains more original vitamins and minerals found in whole grain rice while reducing the cooking time. It is NOT precooked rice – you still have to cook it, but it does take less time.

PARBOILED RICE VS WHITE RICE OR BROWN RICE

Brown rice is light brown in color, and white rice is white in color. Parboiled rice tends to be yellowish or gold because of the way the rice has been partially boiled within the husk.

The flavor of parboiled rice lands right in between the neutral flavor of regular white rice and the nutty taste of brown rice.

You can find parboiled rice in different grain lengths, such as extra long grain, long grain, medium grain, and even short grain.

The smaller the grain of rice, the more sticky and compact it will be. Long-grain parboiled rice will be the fluffiest rice among the options.

Keep reading to learn how to parboil rice in the Instant Pot!

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE PAR BOILED RICE

You only need three ingredients to make this easy par boiled rice recipe:

• Uncooked Parboiled Rice. All of the types use the same cooking method and time.
• Water. Different grains will need different amounts of water.
• Salt. Or add other spices as desired.
• Butter or Olive Oil (optional). This helps the finished rice separate into nice grains rather than turning out clumpy or sticking together.

HOW TO COOK PARBOILED RICE (INSTANT POT)

Different lengths of grain require different amounts of water, so be sure to check the package of rice before making par boiled rice, including Instant Pot parboiled rice.

• Most extra-long grain parboiled rice will require 2 ¼ cups of water for every 1 cup of rice,
• Medium grain parboiled rice will need 2 cups of water for 1 cup of rice.

Step 1: Measure the water and rice into the Instant Pot. Add ¼ to 1 teaspoon of salt for every one cup of rice you measure. Stir.

Step 2: Cook the rice. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the pressure valve to SEALING, and cook the rice on high pressure for 4 minutes. Let the pressure valve release naturally.

Step 3: Fluff the rice and stir in butter or olive oil if desired. Serve warm.

HOW TO PARBOIL RICE (ON THE STOVE)

Bring the water to a boil in a large heavy saucepan. Stir the rice into the boiling water, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the rice simmer until all the water is absorbed. Do not stir during the cooking process!

Once the rice has absorbed all of the water, fluff with a fork. Stir in butter or olive oil if desired.

PARBOILING RICE (IN THE MICROWAVE)

Combine the water and rice together in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 minutes. Reduce the power setting on the microwave to 50% power, then microwave the rice for 20 minutes. Let the rice stand for 5 full minutes before fluffing and serving. Stir in butter or olive oil if desired.

HOW TO MAKE PARBOILED RICE (IN THE SLOW COOKER)

Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Combine the rice, water, and salt in the slow cooker and stir. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 – 2 ½ hours. Fluff the rice and stir in butter or olive oil if desired.

HOW TO COOK PARBOILED RICE (IN A RICE COOKER)

Combine rice and cold water in the rice cooker bowl. Cover and press the cook button. Do not open the lid while it is cooking and let the rice cooker do its magic. Fluff rice with a fork when finished and stir in butter or olive oil if desired.

LEFTOVER INSTANT POT PARBOILED RICE

Fridge: Cooked Instant Pot parboiled rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Measure cooked rice into 4-cup portions and place in a quart-sized freezer-safe plastic bag or reusable bag. Squeeze out all the air, seal the bag, and label and date the contents. Freeze the rice lying flat overnight first, to maximize freezer space.

To Thaw Frozen Rice: Allow frozen rice to thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or chicken stock to keep the rice from becoming sticky and dry when reheating.

INSTANT POT PARBOILED RICE VARIATIONS

When parboiling rice, you can make a few simple swaps to switch up the flavor.

• Use chicken broth or beef broth in place of some or all of the water.
• Add tomato paste (and salt) for red-colored rice and deep tomato flavor.
• Add turmeric (and salt) for yellow rice and an earthy flavor.

I use Bare Bones Broth. The benefits of this broth include: instant broth mix; easy to store in pantry; great if you don’t use broth often, but want it on hand; high in protein and nutrients. Use this discount code TIFFANY05660. The discount value is 15%.

SERVE WITH PARBOILED BASMATI RICE

Now that you have your quick parboiled rice, use it in one of these yummy recipes:

• Vegetable Fried Rice
• Stuffed Bell Peppers
• Stretched Ground Beef
• Spanish Rice
• Rice pudding

Or use it as a simple side dish for Spatchcock Chicken or Maple Glazed Pork Chops.

MACRO-FRIENDLY PARBOILED RICE

Rice is a great staple carbohydrate to use when building a plate. (Remember, your body needs carbs as a source of energy!) And as a bonus, it’s perfect for prepping ahead of time!

Parboiled rice retains many of the nutrients found in brown rice due to the parboiling method, so although it is not the whole grain rice like brown rice, it is still a great option.

Whether you’re chasing kids, studying for tests, driving teens around, or managing a law firm, your body needs energy!

There are two things to consider when it comes to carbohydrates:

1. Quality matters. It’s easy to overeat potato chips, but hard to overeat baked potatoes!
2. Balance matters. You need the right ratio of carbs to fats to proteins (aka macros).

Want to learn more about macros, nutrition goals, and accurately tracking what you eat? Grab my free guide here to start achieving your real body goals by eating the foods you love.

PAR BOILED RICE FAQS

MORE EASY RICE RECIPES

• Instant Pot Lemon Rice
• Brown Rice
• Instant Pot Yellow Rice
• How to Make Cauliflower Rice
• Autumn Rice Pilaf