We love making Instant Pot brown rice because it’s consistently foolproof and turns out perfectly every time. Use a 1:1 ratio of brown rice to water and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes to produce fluffy, well-separated grains without worrying about boiling over or sticking to the bottom of a pot.
If you’ve ever made brown rice on the stove and had it bubble over or stick, the Instant Pot method eliminates those concerns. It’s ideal when feeding a crowd or when you want to free up stove space for other dishes. This method works reliably for both short- and long-grain brown rice with just a small adjustment to the release method for long-grain varieties.
Quick method summary: Combine 1 cup brown rice with 1 cup water (or broth) and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes in the Instant Pot.
Top tips from the kitchen
Always rinse your rice: Rinse brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove dust and excess surface starch. This step yields fluffier, less gummy rice.
1:1 ratio works for most brown rice: A 1:1 ratio of water to rice produces great results with both short-grain and long-grain brown rice when using the Instant Pot.
You can double the batch: We tested 1 cup rice with 1 cup water and 2 cups rice with 2 cups water — both worked well in a standard Instant Pot without changing the cook time.
What type of brown rice can you cook in the Instant Pot?
This Instant Pot method works with both long-grain and short-grain brown rice. We tested both and found a small difference in how you finish the pressure release:
- Short-grain brown rice: Short-grain rice tends to be starchier and becomes soft, slightly sticky, and tender when cooked. Cook for 20 minutes on high pressure and then quick release the pressure.
- Long-grain brown rice: Long-grain rice is less starchy and finishes with a drier, more separate texture. Cook for 20 minutes on high pressure and allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
Storage
To store Instant Pot brown rice, transfer the cooked rice from the Instant Pot to a shallow container and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place the rice in an airtight container and refrigerate. Stored this way, brown rice will keep for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze brown rice?
Yes. Freezing cooked brown rice is an excellent way to keep a ready supply on hand. Cool the rice completely, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen, adding a splash of water if needed to restore moisture.
More rice recipe inspiration
Try different flavored rice preparations using the same basic Instant Pot technique: swap water for broth to boost flavor, or use coconut milk for a creamy coconut rice variation. This base method is versatile and adapts well to many cuisines and recipes.
Foolproof Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe
With a simple 1:1 water-to-rice ratio, brown rice cooks in the Instant Pot with a 20-minute high-pressure cycle. Prep takes about 10 minutes; total time is roughly 30 minutes including release.
Prep: 10 mins Cook: 20 mins Total: 30 mins Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice (short-grain or long-grain)
- 1 cup water (or broth for more flavor)
Instructions
- Place the brown rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes surface starch and any dust.
- Transfer the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot and add the water or broth. Stir gently to ensure all rice is covered.
- Close and seal the lid. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 20 minutes.
- After the cook cycle ends:
- Long-grain brown rice: Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
- Short-grain brown rice: Perform a quick pressure release immediately after cooking.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, taste and adjust seasoning if desired, and serve.
Tips & Notes
- Feel free to double or triple the recipe; the cook time remains the same in a standard Instant Pot.
- For extra flavor, replace all or part of the water with vegetable or chicken broth.
- If rice seems dry after reheating, stir in a little water and heat gently to restore moistness.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 160 kcal, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 3 g, Fat: 1 g, Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used for general guidance only.
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