If you love perfectly fluffy, fragrant rice without hovering over the stove, you’re going to adore this Instant Pot Jasmine Rice Recipe. This method transforms simple jasmine rice into a tender, aromatic marvel that’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it a game-changer for weeknight dinners or any time you want a comforting side with minimal fuss. The magic of the Instant Pot locks in moisture and enhances the delicate floral notes of jasmine, giving you rice that’s light, fluffy, and utterly satisfying every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Jasmine Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of key ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of texture and flavor, making your rice not just a side but a star in its own right.
- Jasmine rice: The heart and soul of the dish, prized for its subtle fragrance and lightly sticky texture when cooked right.
- Water: Essential for cooking, just enough to achieve that fluffy, tender consistency without sogginess.
- Butter (optional): Adds a velvety richness and a slight gloss to the finished rice, but feel free to skip if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the natural flavors and gives a gentle seasoning that makes the rice more flavorful.
How to Make Instant Pot Jasmine Rice Recipe
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Begin by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water. Swirl the grains gently with your hand, then drain and repeat until the water runs clear. This simple step washes away excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy and ensuring a light, fluffy texture.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot
Add the rinsed rice into the Instant Pot along with 1 1/4 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of butter if using, and a pinch of salt. The butter melts during cooking, enriching the rice, while the precise water ratio is key to achieving the perfect softness without wetness.
Step 3: Cook Under High Pressure
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Select the high pressure setting and cook for exactly 4 minutes. This quick, high-pressure cook is what locks in the jasmine’s signature aroma and tenderness.
Step 4: Natural Pressure Release
Once cooking finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This slow release helps the rice finish steaming gently, preventing it from drying out or sticking to the bottom.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Carefully quick release any remaining pressure, then open the lid. Using a fork, fluff the rice delicately to separate the grains without mashing. Your fluffy, fragrant Instant Pot Jasmine Rice is now ready to shine on your plate!
How to Serve Instant Pot Jasmine Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes amplify the visual appeal and taste of your jasmine rice. Try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions. A drizzle of toasted coconut flakes can add a wonderful tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the rice’s natural aroma.
Side Dishes
Instant Pot Jasmine Rice makes a perfect companion to a variety of dishes. Serve alongside spicy Thai curries, grilled teriyaki chicken, or sautéed vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal. It’s also a fantastic base for stir-fries and saucy dishes that need a soft, absorbent partner.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your rice presentation by shaping it with a mold or small bowl for an elegant touch. You can also mix in toasted nuts or finely diced colorful vegetables after fluffing to add texture and pops of color. For a festive flair, serve rice in edible lettuce cups or stuffed inside bell pepper halves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Jasmine Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the rice cools to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation, which can cause sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to keep rice on hand for longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the rice into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring day-old jasmine rice back to life, sprinkle a little water over the rice and cover it with a damp paper towel when microwaving. Heat in short intervals stirring gently to restore moisture and fluffiness. Alternatively, you can reheat it gently in a skillet with a touch of oil or butter.
FAQs
Can I use brown jasmine rice for this recipe?
Brown jasmine rice has a chewier texture and longer cooking time. This Instant Pot Jasmine Rice Recipe is optimized for white jasmine rice, so using brown will require more water and a longer cook time to achieve the best results.
Do I have to use butter in this recipe?
Butter is optional but adds a lovely richness and sheen to the rice. If you prefer, you can skip it or substitute with a mild oil such as coconut or vegetable oil.
Why do I need to rinse the jasmine rice?
Rinsing removes excess surface starch that can cause the rice to stick together or become gummy. It helps achieve fluffier, separate grains after cooking.
What if my Instant Pot doesn’t have a ‘rice’ setting?
No worries! Use the manual or pressure cook setting on high pressure for 4 minutes as instructed. The rice setting may vary between models, so this method guarantees consistent results.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the quantities, but be sure not to fill the Instant Pot beyond the halfway mark to allow proper pressure cooking and steam circulation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about a bowl of perfectly cooked jasmine rice, especially when it’s as effortless as this Instant Pot Jasmine Rice Recipe makes it. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a special meal, this recipe will quickly become your go-to staple. Give it a try and discover how little effort it takes to create rice that’s bursting with fragrance and perfect texture every time!
Print
Instant Pot Jasmine Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Instant Pot Jasmine Rice recipe provides a quick and effortless way to cook fluffy, perfectly tender jasmine rice with minimal effort. Using the Instant Pot, the rice is cooked under pressure, resulting in a beautifully aromatic and evenly cooked dish in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Add Ingredients to Instant Pot: Place the rinsed rice, water, butter (if using), and a pinch of salt into the Instant Pot liner.
- Set Cooking Parameters: Close the lid securely and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Select the ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ setting on high pressure and set the timer for 4 minutes.
- Pressure Release: When the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes to finish steaming the rice, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains, and serve hot.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice is essential for the best texture.
- Butter is optional but adds flavor and richness.
- For softer rice, you can increase water to 1 1/2 cups.
- Let the pressure release naturally to avoid rice sticking to the bottom.
- Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
