Every time I use my Instant Pot, it feels like discovering a secret treasure. The ease with which it cooks brown rice makes me wonder why I ever bothered with stovetops. Brown rice—it’s like the understated hero of healthy eating, isn’t it? Perfect for those lazy evenings when you crave something wholesome yet effortless.
Steps
- Rinse 2 cups of brown rice thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer to remove excess starch that can make the rice sticky.
- Place the rinsed rice in a 6-quart Instant Pot and add 2½ cups of water.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to Pressure Cook on High for 20 minutes, allowing time for the pot to build pressure.
- Once cooking is complete, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for around 20 to 30 minutes.
- When the float valve drops, open the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked brown rice, thoroughly rinsed
- 2½ cups water
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1360 | Total Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 20mg | Total Carbohydrates: 286g | Dietary Fiber: 10g | Sugars: 2g | Protein: 28g | Vitamin D: N/A | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 4mg | Potassium: 600mg
FAQ
- Can I cook a smaller batch of brown rice in a 6-quart Instant Pot?
- It’s recommended to cook a minimum of 2 cups of rice in a 6-quart Instant Pot to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. If you have a smaller, 3-quart Instant Pot, cooking 1 cup of rice should work fine.
- Why should I rinse the brown rice before cooking it in the Instant Pot?
- Rinsing the rice removes surface starches that can cause the rice to become sticky and gummy when cooked. It’s best to rinse until the water runs clear to achieve perfectly fluffy rice.
- Is it necessary to let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally?
- Yes, allowing the pressure to release naturally helps the rice fully absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in fluffy and tender rice. Quick-releasing the pressure might leave excess water in the pot or result in undercooked rice.
- How should I store leftover Instant Pot brown rice?
- You can freeze leftover rice by spreading it on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freezing it for 2 hours. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it for up to 3 months. It reheats quickly in the microwave.
- What is the water-to-rice ratio for cooking brown rice in the Instant Pot?
- For every 2 cups of brown rice, use 2 1/2 cups of water. This ratio differs from stovetop cooking because the Instant Pot retains more moisture, requiring less water to cook the rice properly.
Tips
- Allow Natural Pressure Release: After the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally. This ensures the rice absorbs all the remaining water, resulting in fluffy and tender grains rather than mushy or water-logged rice.
- Cook Larger Batches: For even cooking and to prevent burning, cook at least 2 cups of rice in a 6-quart Instant Pot or larger. If using a smaller, 3-quart Instant Pot, 1 cup of rice might be sufficient.
- Rinse the Rice Thoroughly: Before cooking, rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear. This step removes excess starch that can cause the rice to become sticky and gummy.
- Freeze Extra Rice: If you have leftover rice, spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag to store for up to 3 months. This way, you have ready-to-use rice for future meals.
Equipment
- Instant Pot (at least 6-quart capacity)
- Fine mesh strainer
