How to Make Rice - Instant Pot Rice FAQs
Cooking Rice in Instant Pot - Instant Pot Rice Recipes
Cooking rice is one of the most basic cooking skills that has been passed from generation to generation. However, have you ever tried cooking rice in a pressure cooker?
For basic rice recipes, to cook rice in an Instant Pot , add 1 cup of water for every cup of white or brown rice and 1/2 tsp salt. Now cook on manual at high pressure for 6 minutes.
It is important to pay attention to the directions for the specific recipe that you use because rice to water ratio and other ingredients will vary by recipe. This is important no matter what type of recipe you use, but even more important when using a pressure cooker.
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Is Rice Gluten Free?
Rice is naturally gluten free. However, it can become cross contaminated with other grains that are not gluten free during harvesting, processing and storage.
Rice that has been milled or brown rice may be exposed to barley or wheat while being transported to the facility.
This exposure usually occurs when these goods are being processed in shared facilities on the same transport truck.
If you are conscious about eating gluten free, it is best to purchase rice that has been specifically grown and processed for a gluten free facility or to clean the milled rice thoroughly before using.
How to Cook Rice
As with any recipe, it is important to be particularly mindful of the recipe measurements and directions when cooking rice in an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker.
Be sure to use the measurement of rice and water or other liquid called for in your recipe.
Instant Pot vs Rice Cooker
A rice cooker is a kitchen appliance that has been used for decades. The rice cooker works by cooking the rice in a pot that is housed inside of the appliance.
Once this unit is closed, an internal heat source will cook the product at a certain temperature until it is finished.
When using a rice cooker, it is important to be mindful of the directions and measurements because it is easy to burn or undercook the rice if not careful.
A rice cooker has a single purpose, to cook rice.
An Instant Pot, on the other hand , is a multi-functional appliance that can replace several appliances in your kitchen.
It works by cooking the product at a high temperature and pressure and then using a built-in timer to finish cooking it. If you are looking for a kitchen appliance that is multi-functional rather than solely a rice cooker, an electric rice cooker is the way to go.
Rice to Water Ratio
If a rice to water ratio is not listed in the recipe, it is good practice to always start with 1:1.5 or 2 parts water for every part rice.
It is important to do this because it can be difficult to recover from overcooked rice if you have used too much water.
However, it is a good rule of thumb to always find a recipe for the specific type of rice recipe you plan to cook as well as use a recipe that is for the method of cooking you plan to do.
Rice and Weight Loss
Many people use rice as a low-calorie option when trying to lose weight or maintain their current weight. This is because it does not contain any fat, cholesterol or sodium making it an excellent diet food.
It is important that you read the nutritional value of your rice before deciding to use it as a diet aid.
Most white rice has a similar caloric count but not all white rice contains the same amount of nutrients and minerals needed by your body every day. Brown rice , on the other hand, usually has more nutrients than white rice while having a similar caloric count when compared to white rice.
However, it is important to remember that brown rice will not contain all the essential nutrients needed for your body at one time. Eating a balanced diet with an array of different food groups and vitamins is the best way to maintain cardiovascular health and lose weight.
By following these simple cooking tips you will be able to cook rice like a professional and improve the look, taste and smell of your every day meals.
Rice is an essential part of many diets around the world and by following these simple steps you will be able to learn how to cook it in no time.
Types of Rice
There are many different types of rice available on the market. However, there are a few that stand out from the rest and include long grain white rice , jasmine rice , medium grain brown rice and sticky rice .
Long Grain White Rice
This is an all-purpose rice that works well in many different dishes. This type of rice is a good substitute for quinoa or another whole grain.
Long grain white rice provides variety to your diet while providing a flavor profile that takes on the seasonings of whatever recipe you're making. The best thing about long-grain white rice is that it can be used in many dishes from Asian food, fried rice and more.
Rice Noodles
Rice noodles are a great alternative to regular pasta when making Italian or Asian dishes. This is because they have a thicker, chewier texture that allows them to stand up to the flavors in many common sauces and spices.
Best of all, rice noodles cook in only minutes which means you will be able to make traditional pasta dishes in a fraction of the time.
Rice noodles come in a few different varieties and include: sweet rice noodles , somen, vermicelli and pad thai.
Black Rice
Black rice is a traditional food in many Asian countries. However, it has recently become popular in Western cooking because of its unique taste and texture. The grains of black rice are dark violet-colored which gives the base for this rice its dark purple hue.
This type of rice also has a nutty flavor with an earthy undertone which makes it a popular choice for many different dishes.
Rice is an excellent base for any meal because it contains essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are needed daily by the human body.
Without these essential nutrients, you will feel lethargic throughout the day leading to fatigue or not being able to focus at work or school.
By using rice in your everyday cooking, you can easily increase the nutritional value of any meal.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a great example of how adding rice to your cooking can improve the overall flavor. This dish involves cooking rice in a flavorful base such as chicken stock or vegetable broth and then spicing it up with different spices and aromatics like onion, garlic and celery.
The best thing about making rice pilaf is that you can add almost any vegetable or spice to the broth and rice. From sweet potatoes and cranberries to garlic and basil this dish can be transformed into something new every time you cook.
Rice is an essential ingredient in many popular dishes around the world including: stir fry, fried rice, risotto, paella and more. When learning how to cook rice it is important to understand the different types of rice and how each one will affect your end dish.
Arborio Rice
Arborio is a short-grain rice that is popular in Italian cooking. This type of rice has the ability to absorb flavor and is perfect for making risotto because it holds its shape even when cooked slowly over time with broth or stock.
The most common way to cook Arborio Rice is by first sautéing aromatic vegetables like onion and celery before adding Arborio rice to the pan. You can then deglaze the pan with white wine followed by slowly adding stock or broth.
The best way to ensure that your Arborio Rice comes out perfect is to watch it carefully throughout cooking, stirring every minute or so until cooked through.
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower Rice is a great substitute for traditional white rice. It is not actually rice, but is often substituted for rice when people are following a low carb diet or doing other types of diets.
This dish can be made by pulsing cauliflower florets in the food processor with some oil or butter until it resembles grains of rice.
You can then cook Cauliflower Rice in the oven, on the stove top, grill or even in an air fryer. The best part about Cauliflower Rice is that it works great with stir fry dishes and fried rice like pork fried rice or shrimp fried rice.
Angourie Rice
Angourie Rice, also known as Carolina Gold Rice is a type of rice that has been grown in the United States since the 18th century. This type of rice is very expensive, but can be found at most specialty grocery stores.
The grains are best known for their earthy flavor and nutty flavor.
This type of rice also have a creamy texture and can be cooked in much the same way as Arborio rice.
It is best to use a risotto method to cook Angourie Rice which includes adding stock or broth slowly while stirring continuously to create a creamy consistency.
Jasmine Rice
Jasmine Rice is a long-grained rice that has a sticky consistency when cooked. This type of rice is popular in Thailand and surrounding countries where it is grown because it absorbs flavor easily while still having the ability to retain its shape during cooking.
This type of rice can be used in almost any dish where you would cook regular white rice. Some examples are fried rice, chicken and rice soup, or even stuffed peppers.
To cook Jasmine Rice you can either cook it on the stove top, a pressure cooker or in a rice cooker. If using the stove top method you will want to simmer the rice with water for 15-20 minutes until all of the liquid is absorbed.
Instant Pot Brown Rice
If you have ever cooked brown rice, you know that it can take a long time to cook and often requires a lot of attention while cooking. This is because brown rice has the outer husk removed which provides all of the flavor.
Cooking brown rice in an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker reduces the normal cooking time and is a more efficient cooking method.
Cilantro Lime Rice
I love the combination of cilantro and lime, but it can easily become overwhelming. This is why I like to pair my cilantro and lime rice with a more mild flavor profile which includes black beans and avocados.
This side dish pairs great with Tex-Mex style dishes such as grilled shrimp tacos, steak fajitas or chicken quesadillas.
Wild Rice
Wild Rice is a type of rice that has been grown for centuries and was originally cultivated by Native Americans in the United States. This type of rice is technically not related to actual rice but is closely related to barley.
When cooking wild rice you will need more liquid than with regular white or brown rice because it takes longer to cook through. If you are cooking wild rice on the stove top you will want to use a 2:1 ratio of water to wild rice.
One cup of wild rice will need two cups of water or broth.
You can also cook wild rice in the Instant Pot by using the same ratio as for regular white rice along with some oil and butter added to prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
What is your favorite type of rice and how do you like to cook it? Let me know in the comments below!
Sushi Rice Recipe
Sushi rice is a type of short-grain white rice that has been seasoned with rice vinegar. It is best to make sushi rice right before you are going to use it or else the vinegar will start to break down the starch which can cause the grains to become mushy and sticky.
To properly cook Sushi Rice you should first rinse the rice to remove any excess starch and dirt.
Rinse the rice until the water is mostly clear before draining it off. Now you can cook with boiling water or simmer for 15-20 minutes.
The next step is to prepare sushi vinegar by combining rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a sauce pan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar and salt are dissolved then remove it from the heat.
Once your sushi vinegar is ready, combine it with the rice by placing the rice in a large flat bottomed bowl or pot before adding in about 2/3 cup of vinegar for every one cup of rice.
Stir to thoroughly coat each grain of rice before letting it cool to room temperature. You can speed up the cooling process by fanning the rice as you stir it.
Once your rice has cooled you can either use it immediately or keep it covered in a fridge for up to three days until you are ready to make sushi bowls, rolls, inside out rolls or nigiri.
Cooking Sushi Rice in a pressure cooker is very simple and a reliable cooking method.
Sticky Rice
Sticky rice is also known as "glutinous rice" and is a type of short-grain white rice that has been soaked in water for several hours or overnight before it is steamed.
The soaking process helps to soften the grains which makes them much easier to work with when making dishes such as sushi rolls, inside out rolls, shrimp siomai and many other dishes.
Soaking them overnight also helps to remove excess starch which prevents the cooked rice from becoming sticky.
A pressure cooker is a great cooking method for cooking sticky rice because it can be prepared quickly while keeping the texture of the grains more firm than with a stove top method.
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is probably one of the most popular types of rice worldwide and comes from India, Pakistan and Nepal. It is also called "Kees" or "Indian Rice."
Due to its unique aroma and flavor basmati rice is a staple in many dishes which often include other spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander and garam masala.
Basmati rice grains are slightly longer than other types of white rice which gives the cooked grain a soft fluffy texture. It also cooks up much more fragrant than any other type of white rice which is definitely part of the appeal for many people who enjoy eating it with their meals.
The pressure cooker is a great cooking method for basmati and other types of long grain rice since it cooks the grains evenly and helps prevent them from drying out while also locking in flavor so even though they are never soaked or prepared ahead of time you will still have perfectly cooked fragrant rice.
Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is the perfect accompaniment to many types of Thai and Indonesian food. It is also known as "Khao Mok Gai" which literally means "chicken fragrant rice."
To cook coconut rice you should use all wet ingredients along with white jasmine or basmati rice since these are the types of white rice which hold up best in the pressure cooker without being overcooked or turning mushy.
How to Make Fried Rice Recipe -
Fried rice is a very popular dish that is commonly served as an appetizer or side dish in many Chinese restaurants.
The process of making fried rice begins by quickly stir frying vegetables, tofu and/or chicken along with rice before mixing it together with soy sauce, fish sauce and other ingredients to give it its signature flavor.
After the flavors have been well combined you can serve it immediately or keep it hot in your rice cooker until your guests are ready to enjoy it.
You should also note that the best types of rice to use for making fried rice are short-grain white rices such as sushi rice, glutinous rice and sticky rice.
Fried Rice Using
Many people who enjoy eating fried rice either make it at home or order it from their favorite restaurants and the good news is that if you use a rice cooker or pressure cooker to prepare your ingredients then after they have been cooked you can easily transfer them into the rice cooker and proceed with your cooking process.
Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi fried rice is a simple, healthy and delicious dish that is made by quickly stir frying kimchi while simultaneously cooking the rice in the pressure cooker.
You should note that when making kimchi fried rice it is important to use a very spicy kimchi since its distinctive taste will go a long way in flavoring your entire dish.
The process of making kimchi fried rice begins by cooking your rice in a pressure cooker while stir frying your vegetables and/or protein before adding the kimchi into the mix.
Once everything has been well combined you can season it with soy sauce or fish sauce to give it a little more flavor and serve it hot right away so it is nice and fresh when your guests are ready to enjoy a little kimchi fried rice.
Shrimp Fried Rice
One of the most popular fried rice recipes in many Chinese restaurants is shrimp fried rice and with good reason. It is basically a simple recipe that anyone can make which includes cooking your short grain white rice when it has been added to your wok along with any vegetables, proteins and seasonings you want to add.
Depending on whether or not you like to use shellfish or meats like pork and beef in your fried rice you can either stir fry the ingredients separately and mix them into the cooked rice or cook everything together before mixing it together with soy sauce, chili powder, salt and other spices.
In addition to being a popular menu item at Chinese restaurants shrimp fried rice is also commonly prepared as a home cooked meal.
Barbeque Fried Rice
Another popular dish in many Chinese restaurants is BBQ fried rice which is also known as "Pork Fai Daeng" or "Hong Fei Yang." This type of fried rice begins by stir frying your vegetables in oil before adding in any ground meat along with the right blend of spices and seasonings.
After everything has been well stir fried it is then time to add your rice which you have just cooked in the pressure cooker. The last step will be to toss in some barbeque sauce which will give it that distinctive flavor along with a little bit of sweetness.
Once the barbeque sauce has been evenly distributed throughout the fried rice you can serve it immediately so it is nice and hot when your guests have arrived.
A tip for those who are planning to make barbeque fried rice as a home cooked meal is to cook the meat in advance, marinate it overnight and then store it in a refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
Chicken Fried Rice
Just like shrimp fried rice, chicken fried rice is another simple recipe that anyone can make at home using their pressure cooker. You should note that when making chicken fried rice it is important to use precooked meat since you do not want to overcook the protein which will happen if you try to stir fry it with your vegetables and/or rice.
Flavored Rice Recipes and Rice Casseroles
In addition to the fried rice dishes listed above, there are also a lot of flavored rice recipes that you can prepare in your pressure cooker. Some of these include Mediterranean rice, curry pilaf and Spanish rice .
While all three of these Mediterranean rice recipes require either a bit more time or some additional ingredients to get the perfect finish it is important to note that in general they are fairly simple dishes to make.
Mexican Rice Recipe
Another popular rice dish at Mexican restaurants is the famous Mexican rice recipe which usually includes protein, vegetables and/or spices.
Of course there are many different variations of Mexican rice depending on whether or not you want to include ground beef, chicken or pork in your dish, but if you are looking for something a little simpler then consider making this delicious basic recipe that can be made in any pressure cooker.
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
If you are in the mood for something a little more hearty to serve your family tonight then consider making chicken and rice casserole using your pressure cooker. This delicious dish requires just five minutes of preparation time, and a short cook time to cook everything through and it makes four servings.
Of course if you don't have that much time on your hands this recipe can also be cooked in a traditional oven but cooking it in your electric pressure cooker will save you the time of having to heat up your kitchen by using your oven for an extended period of time.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Another rice dish that can easily be cooked in your pressure cooker is chicken broccoli casserole which only takes a few minutes of preparation time, and a quick cook time.
Spanish Rice Recipe
Another great rice recipe that you can prepare in your pressure cooker is Spanish rice which is perfect for serving alongside enchiladas or fajitas.
You should note that while the preparation time for this dish may be longer than some other similar recipes, it will not require any additional cook time since you are using your pressure cooker to do most of the work for you.
Broccoli Rice Casserole
This recipe for broccoli rice casserole is perfect if you are looking to include more vegetables into your diet or serve a dish that the entire family will enjoy.
In general this dish contains all of the ingredients that you would expect from a broccoli rice casserole including fresh steamed broccoli, white rice and plenty of cheese as well as some pepperoni for extra flavor.
Like most rice casseroles, this recipe requires a bit of preparation time, but it only needs around 20 minutes of cook time in your electric pressure cooker before you can enjoy it with your family.
Rice Pudding
Another dish that you can make in your pressure cooker is rice pudding which is one of the simplest desserts you can make at home.
While this dish does require a bit more preparation time than some other recipes, it only requires around 30 minutes of total cooking and pressurizing time and makes six servings.
Rice Bowl Recipes
Another great way to turn your pressure cooker into a rice cooker is by making rice bowls which can be eaten as a simple meal or as an accompaniment to other recipes such as stir fry dishes.
There are many different types of rice bowl recipes that you can prepare in your pressure cooker including those with beef and broccoli, chicken and vegetables, pork and sweet potatoes and many more.
While the recipes mentioned above are some of the most popular rice dishes that can easily be prepared in an electric pressure cooker, you will find that there are more options available if you take the time to experiment.
So don't settle for eating boring meals when you can prepare delicious dishes such as Mediterranean rice, Chinese beef and broccoli rice bowl, ham fried rice or even a one pot Mexican chicken casserole in your pressure cooker.
Red Beans and Rice
If you are looking for a rice dish that contains more flavor and spice than plain white rice then consider making Louisiana red beans and rice instead.
This popular Cajun recipe is quick to prepare which includes chopping the vegetables and assembling everything in your inner pot before you cook it under pressure.
Once the ingredients have cooked together, you can serve them over rice for a dish that is packed with flavor.
When you want to make something other than your favorite takeout dish or standard recipe, turn to this pressure cooker red beans and rice recipe to give yourself another option.
Dirty Rice Recipe
Another great Cajun recipe that you can make in your pressure cooker is a dirty rice recipe which combines spicy sausage and chicken or ground beef to make a dish that is almost like a meal in itself.