Instant Pot parboiled rice is one of the easiest types of rice you can make. It won’t turn to mush, it won’t dry out, it cooks faster than brown rice, and it’s healthier than white rice. This parboiled rice recipe includes methods for cooking in the pressure cooker (Instant Pot), stove-top, and microwave!

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, 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 retains more original vitamins and minerals found in rice, but also reduces the cooking time versus whole grain rice. It is NOT precooked rice – you still have to cook it, but it does take less time.
Keep reading for my easy method for making Instant Pot parboiled rice.

Instant Pot Parboiled Rice vs. White Rice
Regular rice is made of different rice varieties, and you’re likely familiar with white rice like basmati rice or jasmine rice. Parboiled rice isn’t a variety of rice, but a form of cooking. You can find parboiled rice in different grain lengths such as extra long grain, long grain, medium grain, and even short grain.
Instant Pot Parboiled Rice vs. 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.
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.
Ingredients to Make Par Boiled Rice
You only need three ingredients to make this easy recipe:
- Uncooked Parboiled Rice. (All of the types use the same cooking method and time. Different grains will need different amounts of water.)
- Water
- Salt (or spices as desired)
- 1 Tbsp butter or olive oil (optional)
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, and 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 tsp 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 serve warm.
Parboiled 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!
Parboiled 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.

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.
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 serve.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat 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 laying 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. Adding a splash of water or chicken stock may help the rice texture from becoming sticky and dry when reheating.

Cooking Tips for Instant Pot Parboiled Rice
- Long-grain parboiled rice will give you a fluffy texture.
- Short-grain parboiled rice will give you a sticky texture.
- Add olive oil or butter to the finished rice if you want the rice to be less clumpy and have more individual rice grains.
Instant Pot Parboiled Rice Variations
- 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 flavor
- Add turmeric (and salt) for yellow rice and flavor

FAQs for Instant Pot Parboiled Rice
Is parboiled rice healthy?
Yes, this grain has many health benefits including more vitamins and nutrients than traditional white rice because its been partially boiled within its husk. It may also be beneficial for gut health and have less of an impact on blood sugar than brown rice or white rice. Parboiled rice has a higher resistance to insects and fungi, making it a great rice for long-term storage.
What are dishes to make with parboiled rice?
Fried Rice, Stuffed Bell Peppers, and Stretched Ground Beef are the recipes that first come to mind. You can also make rice porridge or rice pudding, make Spanish Rice, or just use it as a simple side dish to Spatchcock Chicken or Maple Glazed Pork Chops.
More Easy Rice Recipes

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Parboiled rice is one of the easiest types of rice you can make. It won’t turn to mush, it won’t dry out, it cooks faster than brown rice, and it’s healthier than white rice. This parboiled rice recipe includes methods for cooking in the Instant Pot, stove-top, and microwave.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Sides
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Measure the water and rice into the Instant Pot. Add ¼ to 1 tsp of salt for every one cup of rice you measure. Stir.
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.
3. Fluff the rice and serve warm.
Notes
- Different grains need different amounts of water.
- Long-grain parboiled rice will give you a fluffy texture.
- Short-grain parboiled rice will give you a sticky texture.
- Add olive oil or butter to the finished rice if you want the rice to be less clumpy and have more individual rice grains.
Nutrition
- Calories: 49
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