This Instant Pot Jasmine Rice Recipe Is Hassle-Free + Cooks in Just 5 Minutes
We'll be the first to admit that cooking rice requires some guesswork, from nailing the ratio of grains to liquid to knowing when it's actually done. So, after looking into other methods for cooking fluffy rice, we've found that the Instant Pot does the trick in less time and in a much easier manner! Thanks to this multi-use machine's ability to trap in steam and heat, a long-grain variety like jasmine rice can cook in as little as 5 minutes. We also spoke to a rice expert who shares the key ingredient that adds a touch of richness to the rice. Ready to turn this simple side into the star of your dinner table? If so, keep reading for tips on how to cook jasmine rice in an Instant Pot and five ways to infuse it with more flavor!
What makes jasmine rice so special?
Of all the rice varieties you can choose, jasmine rice's taste and appearance makes it a true standout. Just ask Brita Lundberg, chief storyteller and fourth generation farmer at Lundberg Family Farms (an organic rice brand), who describes it as having a "fluffy texture, buttery flavor and popcorn-like aroma." This rice's long grains are also less prone to clumping together and absorb plenty of yummy sauce from your main dish. Plus, 1 cup of cooked jasmine rice offers 6 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber, a nutrient duo that helps you feel fuller and aids digestion. These are all excellent reasons to buy a bag of jasmine rice to cook in no time in your Instant Pot!
How the Instant Pot helps cook this rice faster
Jasmine rice usually needs up to 20 minutes to simmer so the liquid fully evaporates. But, you can reduce the cooking time simply by preparing Instant Pot instead. This machine features a pot and lid that generates lots of steam and pressure to quickly cook foods like rice. When it comes to jasmine rice, the appliance cooks the grains in 5 minutes with a couple clicks of a button. Afterwards, the pressure can be released from the machine so that the rice is ready to serve. (Click through to these time-saving recipes for Instant Pot Brussel Sprouts and Instant Pot Collard Greens.)
Chef’s secret to livening up jasmine rice
For an extra tasty jasmine rice, Lundberg places fat in the pot with the grains before cooking them. “To separate the rice kernels and add a bit of decadence to any variety, try using two tablespoons of butter or oil per 1 cup of rice,” she says. "You can use olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, truffle oil — the options are endless!” Give the rice mixture a good stir and then allow the machine to take care of the rest.
How to cook jasmine rice in an Instant Pot
Lundberg's simple method for Instant Pot Jasmine Rice creates the perfect starchy side for any meat or vegetable dish. A 1:1 ratio of water or broth to rice ensures the grains absorb all of the liquid. Though, you can pour an extra ¼ cup of liquid over the grains before cooking for a creamy, pilaf-like consistency. (If you don't have an Instant Pot, try this hack for cooking rice in the oven to achieve steamy and flavorful grains.)
Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
Ingredients:
1 cup jasmine rice, preferably rinsed
1 to 1¼ cups water or broth
2 Tbs. butter or oil
Pinch of salt
Directions:
Yield: approximately 3 cups cooked rice
Combine rice, water or broth, salt and butter or oil in Instant Pot.
Close lid, set valve to “sealing” and set Instant Pot to “high". Allow rice to cook 5 minutes.
When 5 minutes have passed, let pressure naturally release 10 minutes before quick-releasing remaining pressure.
Once all pressure is released, open lid and fluff rice grains with fork. Transferring rice to serving bowl. Enjoy!
5 ingredients that flavor up jasmine rice
Lundberg notes you can enhance the rice's taste by mixing these ingredients into the grains before or after cooking them. Yum!
1. Garlic
Stir in raw or sautéed minced garlic for a deliciously pungent kick.
2. Ginger
Infuse the rice with a warm and fragrant flavor using fresh ginger.
3. Turmeric
A pinch of turmeric gives the rice an earthy taste and a golden hue.
4. Citrus zest
Sprinkling lemon or lime zest onto the grains provides them with a sweet, citrus zing.
5. Green onions
The sharp flavor and crunchy texture of sliced green onions makes it a worthy add-in for rice.
For more ways to use and enjoy rice, read these stories below!
Don’t Throw That Leftover Rice Out: Fry It Up Into a Delicious, Unusually Healthy Side Dish
Top Hair Loss Doctor Explains How Rice Water Can Help Reverse Thinning + Add Shine
