Instant Pot Basmati Rice

Basmati Rice – A Pantry Essential

Basmati rice is my go-to for everyday meals and special dishes like biryani and pulao. Its long, slender grains cook up beautifully fluffy and separate, with a naturally fragrant, slightly nutty aroma that makes any dish feel a little extra special.

It’s perfect for soaking up curries and dals, and also works great in fried rice or as a base for meal prep. Whether you're making a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, basmati rice brings a comforting yet elevated touch to the table.

Let’s Talk Basmati: My Favorite Go-To Picks

The right basmati rice can truly elevate your dish, whether it's a comforting bowl of dal and rice, a flavorful pulao, or a festive biryani.

One of my go-to choices is Kohinoor Extra Long Grain Basmati Rice. It’s aromatic, cooks up beautifully fluffy, and works especially well in layered rice dishes. I usually find it at Indian grocery stores.

Other great options to try are Zafrani Reserve and Dawaat—both have that signature aroma and texture that makes basmati rice so special.

How To Prep Basmati Rice

Start by rinsing the rice under cold water using a fine mesh strainer; it helps remove excess starch and makes draining super easy.

If I’m making biryani or pulao, I always soak the rice for about 20 minutes. These dishes call for grains that stay separate and fluffy, so a short soak helps.

For plain steamed basmati rice, soaking isn’t necessary. But if you choose to soak it, keep it under 20 minutes. Soaking it too long can make the grains too soft and lead to a mushy texture after cooking.

How to Cook Instant Pot Basmati Rice - 2 Methods!

Method 1: Pot-in-Pot (PIP) - This method is great for cooking up to 2 cups of rice. The rice is placed in a separate bowl over a trivet inside the Instant Pot and can be cooked with just water in the main pot.

Optionally, you can cook it along with another dish like curry or dal at the bottom of the pot. Pressure cook time may vary depending on the main dish, typically 4 to 10 minutes, with a 5 to 10-minute natural release. For example, pair with Chicken Curry (8 mins cook + 10 mins NPR) or Spinach Dal (5 mins cook + 5 mins NPR).

Method 2: Direct in Main Pot - Best for cooking more than 1.5 cups of rice directly in the Instant Pot insert. Use a 1:2 water ratio for 1.5 cups and 1:1 for 2 cups or more. Pressure cook for 5 minutes on low, followed by a quick release.

Tip: Remove the inner pot promptly after cooking to prevent overcooked or dry rice, especially with smaller quantities.

Method 3: One Minute Pressure Cook– It may sound surprising, but this method works beautifully. Add 1 cup of rice, 1 and a half cups of water, and a teaspoon of salt to the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 1 minute, then allow a full natural pressure release, which usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes before gently fluffing.

Instant Pot rice takes a little trial and error, but once you find your sweet spot, it’s so worth it

Why Perfect Instant Pot Basmati Rice Can Be Tricky

There’s no one-size-fits-all method because basmati rice varies by brand, grain thickness, and age, all of which affect how it cooks. On top of that, everyone has different preferences for rice texture: soft, firm, dry, or fluffy.

I’m sharing a few variations below, but you may need to experiment a little to find your perfect balance. And I’d love to hear what works for you and which brand you’re using!

Tips for Biryani, Pulao, and Khichdi

• For Biryani – Soak extra-long grain basmati rice for 20 minutes to reduce starch and help the grains cook up long and fluffy. A 1:1 rice-to-water ratio works well since marinated chicken or veggies release additional moisture during cooking.
• For Pulao and Cumin Rice – Rinse the rice thoroughly and drain. If you skip soaking, use a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio and cook on low pressure for 5 minutes with a quick release. Move the inner pot to a trivet right after cooking to prevent overcooking, then let it rest before gently fluffing with a fork or silicone spatula.
• For Khichdi or Pongal – These soft, comforting dishes work best with short-grain rice. Use a 1:3 rice-to-water ratio and cook using the Instant Pot’s Rice setting or low pressure until soft. Adjust the water based on the variety and consistency you prefer.

Tip: If the top layer of rice in your biryani or pulao looks slightly undercooked, gently fluff it and close the lid for 5 more minutes on Keep Warm. The residual heat will finish the job!