Fluffy Instant Pot Brown Rice in 20 Minutes

Instant Pot Brown Rice – a clear, step-by-step guide to making perfect brown rice in your Instant Pot every time.

It’s surprisingly simple and produces consistent, fluffy brown rice that pairs wonderfully with curries, stir-fries, and any dish that needs a wholesome grain base.

Is rice healthy? That question sparks plenty of debate.

I grew up in a family where rice was served at nearly every meal. In my region of India, rice fields were abundant — my grandfather was a farmer — so rice was simply part of daily life. Because of that upbringing, I never questioned rice’s role in our diet when I was young.

Despite that, I never became a big fan of rice. While everyone around me reached for white rice, I often preferred roti (flatbread) and would skip rice when I could. Back then all the rice we ate was white; brown rice wasn’t something I encountered until later.

That led to the common question: which is better — brown or white rice?

Both white and brown rice are carbohydrate-rich. White rice is essentially brown rice with the bran and germ removed. Because brown rice retains the whole grain, it usually provides more fiber, vitamins, and minerals and is often considered the healthier choice.

On the other hand, some studies suggest white rice can be easier to digest and gentler on the gut for certain people.

So which side do you take: brown or white?

I still cook white rice regularly at home because my partner prefers it, but since getting an Instant Pot, brown rice has become a staple for me. It’s easy to prepare in the Instant Pot and I enjoy it often with Asian-style meals or vegetable curries.

At restaurants I usually choose brown rice except when I want dal the traditional way—in which case I’ll go for white rice out of habit. For many other dishes, brown rice adds a pleasant nutty texture and pairs especially well with saucy curries and stir-fries.

Before the Instant Pot, I struggled to cook brown rice perfectly on the stovetop. It demanded constant attention and I didn’t like standing over the pot. The Instant Pot changed that: no babysitting and reliable results every time. Below is the method I use regularly and recommend because it’s simple and consistent.

About this Instant Pot Brown Rice

✓ Easy to make in the Instant Pot

✓ Foolproof method for consistently perfect brown rice

✓ Minimal hands-on time—add ingredients, set the cook time, and let the Instant Pot do the rest

Ingredients

This recipe uses just four basic ingredients:

• Brown rice – Use your preferred variety: long-grain, jasmine, or short-grain brown rice will all work. The recipe below uses standard brown rice measurements.
• Olive oil – A small amount of oil improves texture and adds subtle flavor. You can substitute any neutral oil if preferred.
• Salt – Enhances the rice’s flavor; optional but recommended.
• Water – Needed to cook the rice. Use the ratio indicated in the recipe for best results.

You can flavor the rice with additional spices such as turmeric, paprika, or a bay leaf for subtle variation, but this basic version is intentionally simple and versatile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I halve this recipe?

Yes. For half the batch, use 1 cup brown rice (about 195 g), 1.25 cups water (about 10 oz), 1 teaspoon oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. The pressure cooking time remains the same.

Will this method work with all kinds of brown rice?

I have tested long-grain brown jasmine and short brown rice varieties with this method and had consistent success. Brown basmati should work similarly using the same ratios; if using a different brand or an older bag of rice, you may want to rinse and test a small batch first.

Method

1. Rinse the brown rice under running water until the water runs clearer. Drain well and transfer the rice to the Instant Pot’s inner pot.

2. Add the measured water to the pot along with the olive oil and salt. Stir briefly to combine.

3. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the pressure valve is set to sealing. Select High Pressure and set the cook time to 24 minutes.

4. When the cooking time finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for best texture. After the pressure has released, open the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Serve the rice hot with your favorite curry, vegetable stir-fry, or protein. Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated gently with a splash of water.

If you try this Instant Pot brown rice, please rate and share any adjustments you make. Your feedback helps refine the method for others.

This post has been updated from the recipe archives, first published in June 2018.