Making instant pot basmati rice takes one simple trick most recipes skip: getting the rice-to-water ratio right for a sealed pot, not an open one. Below is the method I use every time, plus a no-soak shortcut and a delay-start option if you're not around when it's time to cook.
Jump to:
What Is Basmati Rice?
Basmati rice is a long, slender-grained, aromatic rice traditionally grown on the Indian subcontinent. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a fragrance that sets it apart from other long-grain varieties, which is why it's become a pantry staple well beyond India.
Why the Instant Pot Changes the Water Ratio
On the stovetop, basmati rice is usually cooked in an open pot with roughly double the water, because so much evaporates as steam escapes. The Instant Pot seals shut, so almost no water is lost during cooking, which means you need much less of it. Use a stovetop ratio in the Instant Pot and you'll end up with mushy, waterlogged rice.
Basmati Rice to Water Ratio (Instant Pot)
Important: Turn OFF the "Keep Warm" setting for all three methods below, it dries out and toughens the rice.
| Soak Method (recommended) | No-Soak Method | Delay-Start Method | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soaking time | 20-60 minutes | None | 20 minutes |
| Rice : water ratio | 1 : 1 | 1 : 1.25 | 1.5 : 2.25 |
| Pressure cook (high, sealed) | 4 minutes | 4 minutes | 4 minutes |
| Natural pressure release | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
How to Scale This Recipe
The ratio stays the same no matter how much rice you're cooking, just keep it proportional. Cooking and natural-release times don't change even for larger batches.
| Basmati rice (soaked) | Water | Oil/ghee | Salt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 1 cup | 1 tsp | ¼ tsp |
| 2 cups | 2 cups | 2 tsp | ½ tsp |
| 3 cups | 3 cups | 1 tbsp | ¾ tsp |
| 4 cups | 4 cups | 4 tsp | 1 tsp |
For the no-soak ratio, multiply your rice amount by 1.25 to get the water amount.
Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe
This is the method I recommend and the one in the recipe card below: soak, then pressure cook. It gives the most consistently fluffy, separate grains.
- Rinse and soak. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear. Soak for 20-60 minutes, then drain.
- Add to the pot. Add the drained rice, water, oil or ghee, and salt to the Instant Pot in a 1:1 rice-to-water ratio.
- Seal and set. Close the lid, turn the valve to sealing, and select Manual/Pressure Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Turn off Keep Warm. This one step prevents dry, gummy rice.
- Release naturally. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release whatever's left.
- Fluff and rest. Open the lid, fluff with a fork, and let it sit a couple of minutes before serving.
Prefer not to soak, or want to set it and walk away? See the No-Soak and Delay-Start variations in the Notes section of the recipe card below.
Tips for Perfect Basmati Rice
- Rinse well. Rinsing 2-3 times removes surface starch that causes sticky rice.
- Soak if you have 20 minutes. It improves both texture and flavor, and shortens cooking time.
- Add fat. A teaspoon of ghee, butter, or neutral oil keeps grains separate and stops rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Keep Warm stays off. Leaving it on dries the rice out and makes it stickier over time.
- Adjust texture with water, not time. Less water gives firmer, more al dente rice; more water gives softer rice. The cook time stays at 4 minutes either way.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to steam the grains back to fluffy.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's not required, but it helps. Soaking removes excess surface starch, separates the grains, and lets the rice absorb some water before cooking, which makes it softer from the inside out. It also shortens the pressure-cook time and helps preserve the rice's natural aroma.
Any good-quality basmati works well with this method, look for it at a well-stocked grocery store, Costco, or an Indian or Asian grocery store. Aged basmati (often labeled as such) tends to cook up fluffier and more fragrant than younger rice.
Yes, but it needs more water and a much longer cook time. Use a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio and pressure cook on high for 22-25 minutes with a natural release, since the bran layer takes longer to soften.
This usually means too much water, too little rinsing, or the Keep Warm setting was left on. Cut back on water slightly, rinse until the water runs clear, and always turn Keep Warm off as soon as cooking finishes.
Yes. Use a stackable insert or oven-safe bowl on a trivet with 1 cup water in the outer pot, and cook the rice and water at the same 1:1 ratio inside the insert. Pressure cook on high for 6-7 minutes with a natural release, since indirect heat takes a bit longer.
This comes down to preference. I like mine non-sticky, with separate grains, soft but not mushy, and fluffy. If you prefer firmer rice, use slightly less water next time; for softer rice, add a bit more.
What to Serve with Basmati Rice
- Lobia (Black Eyed Peas Curry)
- The Best Instant Pot Black Beans
- Rajma Chawal (Rajma Masala)
- Easy Instant Pot Spinach Dal
Instant Pot Basmati Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe
- 1 cup Basmati Rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon oil or ghee
- ¼ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear. Soak for 20-60 minutes, then drain.
- Add the drained rice, water, oil or ghee, and salt to the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and select Manual/Pressure Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Turn OFF the Keep Warm setting.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, fluff with a fork, and let sit a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- No-soak version: Skip soaking; use a 1:1.25 rice-to-water ratio instead. Same cook time and release.
- Delay-start version: Use 1.5 cups rice to 2.25 cups water, add rice/water/oil/salt without soaking, set Pressure Cook (high) for 4 minutes with a 20-minute Delay Start, then release naturally for 5 minutes.
- To scale up, keep the rice-to-water ratio the same; cook time and natural release time don't change.
- For brown basmati, use a 1:1.5 ratio and cook on high pressure for 22-25 minutes.
- See the full post for storage, reheating, and troubleshooting tips.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
Sandhya says
the basmati rice just came out so perfect.. so grainy, so aromatic and just the way I wanted it.. Thank you so much for this recipe..
Jyoti Behrani says
Great! I am so glad you liked my recipe 🙂