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Let’s talk about how to make this easy Instant Pot Brown Rice recipe. All you need is 3 ingredients and this is an easy side dish for many meals.
With this super easy pressure cooker brown rice recipe, I can have brown rice in the instant pot which is made in half the time. Plus, I don’t have to watch it closely which is always a win for me.
And if you don’t have an Instant Pot, learn how to make brown rice in the microwave. You can even make white rice in the microwave. You will love this easy side dish with simple seasoning.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
You all know I have been loving my instant pot lately and I have been cooking up a storm making all kinds of quick and easy instant pot recipes with my new Instant pot.
These easy steps will make fluffy, tender brown rice turn out perfect every time.
Ingredients
You only need 3 ingredients to make this easy and delicious instant pot side dish recipe.
- Brown Rice – long grain brown rice not instant rice
- Water – I usually use water but chicken broth works great too
- Garlic Salt – I love using garlic salt in this recipe as it brings out the flavor in the rice but you can also use salt or minced garlic as well.
Seasoning Variations
Here are some of my favorite ways to season brown rice.
- Add in some garlic salt – So easy and it is full of flavor
- Sprinkle with salt and parmesan cheese. You might think this sounds like an odd combination but it is one of our favorites.
- Add Parmesan Cheese, milk and Garlic
- Add Garlic and Soy Sauce
- Add in Ground Beef for a One pot meal
- See How to Season Brown Rice for more ideas.
Step by Step Instructions
You are not going to believe how easy it is to make brown rice in the instant pot.
Step 1 – First place the brown rice in the pressure cooker and then pour in the water.
Step 2 – Next add in the garlic salt. Place the lid on top of your pressure cooker and set the value to the sealing position on the lid.
Step 3 – Press the manual or pressure cook button and cook for 22 minutes on high pressure. After this cook time, allow the pressure to release naturally from the instant pot.
Step 4 – Remove the lid from the instant pot. Fluff the rice with a fork and enjoy.
What is a Natural Release?
A natural release is when you leave the valve on the pressure cooker on the lid to the sealing position after the cooking time. Then the Instant Pot releases the pressure naturally without you doing anything at all.
When the pressure has been fully released from the Instant Pot, the float valve on the lid will drop and you will be able to open the lid at that time.
A natural release allows the cooking to stop gradually and this will make the rice softer and so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the insert.
A natural release can take 5-20 minutes depending on the ingredients and the amount of liquid that is in the pressure cooker.
Do You Need to Rinse Rice before Cooking?
I generally do not rinse my rice before cooking it in the instant pot and I have never had any issues with the texture or flavor of the rice. My rice turned out delicious without rinsing.
If you find that the rice is too gummy, then I recommend rinsing rice prior to cooking it in the instant pot.
To rinse, place the rice in the strainer and then run water through the rice until the water comes out clear.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few of my favorite recipes that I love to make or serve with this brown rice recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can freeze cooked brown rice. I love freezing cooked rice to heat up in no time at all for our dinners. You can find all my tips and tricks including how to reheat frozen rice in this post dedicated to How to Freeze rice.
This rice can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
I love making a big batch of brown rice (just double the recipe) on the weekend to eat with our dinners and lunches throughout the week. After it cooks, let it cool at room temperature and then store it in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
And if I don’t finish it off during the week, I just freeze the leftovers for a future meal.
I use 1 cup of brown rice to 1 ½ cup of water for this recipe. With this ratio, this recipe makes the perfect brown rice every time.
More Easy Rice Recipes
We love to hear from you. If you make this Pressure Cooker Brown Rice, please leave us a comment.
Instant pot Brown Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown rice (not instant rice)
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Salt
Instructions
- Place brown rice in the pressure cooker.
- Pour in water and add in the garlic salt.
- Add lid to pressure cooker and make sure the valve is set to sealing.
- Press the manual button and move the time to 22 minutes.
- Allow it to cook.
- Allow the pressure to be release naturally from the instant pot.
- Remove lid. Fluff with a fork and enjoy!
Great to hear! Thanks for sharing Cynthia 🙂
Hey Carrie,
I did it, i went and got an IP and I love it. I made the brown rice with the chicken verde in the instant pot. With 16oz of Salsa Verde plus i did add the 1/2 cup more of chicken broth to make sure that i had enough liquid. It was delicious with shredded cheese. With a chopped up avocado and extra cheese on my plate. Ohhh my goodness. Its the best Mexicano dish that I have ever made. I am looking forward to making it for my family. Since i am single i cant wait for them to come home for a dinner. Thank you. And did I say Thank you. You are awesome. I love you and you sister.
God bless you all.
Cynthia
From Michigan
Thanks for a fool proof way to cook brown rice!!!