This Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe takes the guesswork out of cooking whole grain rice. In less than 30 minutes, you'll have fluffy, tender brown rice that's ready to enjoy as a side dish, in a stir fry, or for meal prep. It's hands-off, consistent, and so much easier than stovetop cooking.
Updated September 2025: This post has been refreshed with new cooking tips, storage instructions, and FAQs to help you get perfect brown rice every time. The recipe was originally posted on January 13, 2020.
Here's what readers have to say about this recipe:
Reader Katrina, commented: "I am brown rice girl too!!! I will have to try your version!! Thank you for sharing!! ★★★★★"
Another reader Calysta, commented: "This is right on time Lakita! Grains act up with my and my instant pot! Glad to have these clear instructions! ★★★★★"
Jump to:
I first fell in love with brown rice back in college when my favorite Tallahassee stir-fry spot let me build my own bowl. I always chose brown rice as the base, and it paired perfectly with chicken, zucchini, mushrooms, and a ginger sauce. Now, I make it at home in the Instant Pot, simple, stress-free, and just as comforting.
Before You Cook, Read This
Here's what you need to know before making this recipe:
- Rice-to-water ratio: 1 cup brown rice to 1 ¼ cups water works best for fluffy grains.
- Instant Pot size: Recipe tested in a 6-quart Instant Pot. Cooking time remains the same for 3-quart or 8-quart.
- Oil matters: Adding a small amount of oil keeps the rice from sticking.
- Serving size: This recipe makes about 4 cups of cooked rice. Double the recipe if needed, no change to cook time.
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 ¼ cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon oil (olive oil or neutral cooking oil)
Instructions
- Add the brown rice and water to the Instant Pot. Stir in the salt and oil.
- Place the lid on, making sure the steam release valve is set to sealing.
- Select Manual/Pressure Cook and set the time for 24 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Notes
- Yields about 4 cups cooked rice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze cooled rice in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooked rice in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Spread rice on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag.
- Reheating: Add 1 tablespoon of water per cup of rice, cover, and microwave until warmed through.
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Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot Brown Rice is versatile and goes with just about anything! Try it with:
- Hibachi Vegetables
- Garlic Green Beans
- Southern Mustard Greens
- Your favorite stir fry or grain bowl
FAQs
Not for this recipe. The Instant Pot cooks it perfectly without rinsing.
Yes! Keep the cook time the same (24 minutes + 10-minute natural release).
If mushy: use slightly less water next time. If undercooked: add 2-3 tablespoons water, re-seal, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
This recipe is tested with long-grain brown rice. Short-grain may need slightly less water.
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Green Beans
- Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
- Sweet and Spicy Instant Pot Meatballs
Cooking brown rice doesn't have to be intimidating. With this Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipe, you'll get fluffy, foolproof rice every single time, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or your favorite soul food side dishes.
If you try this recipe, don't forget to leave a star rating below and tag @simplylakita on Instagram so I can see your creations!
💌 From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking!
Calysta says
This is right on time Lakita! Grains act up with my and my instant pot! Glad to have these clear instructions!
LaKita says
Thank you! I only cook rice in the IP now because it is perfect every time!
Katrina Adams says
I am brown rice girl too!!! I will have to try your version!! Thank you for sharing!!
LaKita says
Thank you and please do 🙂
Mila says
This looks wonderful! I always skip brown rice because I can never get the texture quite right. I'm going to have to try it in the IP!
LaKita says
Thank you! The IP makes such a difference and it is the perfect texture, try it!
Aly Michell says
Glad I am not the only one who skips washing brown rice (I'm lazy tbh). Just had brown rice yesterday gonna make more today with some soaked beans I've had laying around. Time to pop out the Instant Pot!
LaKita says
Yes!! I always skip that part for that very same reason and it still comes out perfect. This will go great with some beans!
Jayne Rain says
I always shy away from brown rice, but this recipe makes it look so easy and yummy. I will be making some tomorrow.
LaKita says
Thank you! This recipe makes the process so much easier!
Desirée says
Needed this!! Thanks for sharing!
LaKita says
You are welcome! Enjoy!
Marta says
Gimme all the rice! I love that you've reduced the longer-cooking brown rice and developed it to take the same time as regular steamed white rice. Now I don't have to wait forever to get my favorite side dish.
LaKita says
Thank you! I don't know how I made it so long without cooking with a pressure cooker!