Instant Pot Minute Brown Rice

Got a box of instant brown rice sitting in your pantry? You can turn it into a hot side dish in about 20 minutes, and your Instant Pot does most of the work.

I started making rice this way on nights when every burner on my stove was already busy with something else. It’s also great for an RV, a dorm room, or anywhere counter space is tight. Add the rice and water, press a button, and you’re done.

Quick note before you start: this recipe is for instant or Minute brand brown rice, not regular brown rice. Regular brown rice needs more water and a much longer cook time. If that’s what you’ve got, my Instant Pot brown rice recipe is the one to use instead.

If you’ve got white Minute Rice instead of brown, check out my one minute pressure cooker rice with vegetables recipe. It uses the same type of rice, just with veggies mixed in.

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Tips for the Best Instant Pot Minute Brown Rice

Skip the rinse. Instant brown rice is already processed to soak up liquid fast. Rinsing it washes away some of that coating and throws off your ratio.

Know your model’s minimum batch size. Most Instant Pots need a set amount of liquid just to reach pressure. Since this recipe uses a 1:1 ratio, that minimum also sets your smallest batch of rice. So if your model needs 1 cup of liquid, you have to use 1 cup of rice too. Save any extra cooked rice for later.

Use the right button for your model. Some Instant Pots say “manual,” others say “pressure cook.” Either one works as long as you set it to high pressure.

Swap in broth for extra flavor. Plain water works fine, but chicken or vegetable broth adds a lot more flavor for almost no extra effort.

How to Make Minute Brown Rice in the Instant Pot

Add the rice, water, and salt to the stainless steel liner of your Instant Pot. I use a 6-quart model and skip rinsing the rice first.

Close the lid and turn the steam valve to sealing. Press the manual or pressure cook button and set the time to 5 minutes on high pressure.

The pot needs a few minutes to come up to pressure before the timer even starts counting down. That part’s normal, so don’t worry if nothing seems to be happening yet.

Once the timer beeps, turn the valve to venting for a quick release. I like to use the handle of a wooden spoon so steam doesn’t blast my hand.

When the pin drops, open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. It’s ready to serve right away.

How to Store Leftover Brown Rice

Let the rice cool a bit, then move it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

You can freeze it too. I portion mine into small bags or containers so I can grab just what I need later.

To reheat, add a splash of water and warm it in the microwave or in a pan on the stove. That extra liquid keeps the rice from drying out.

Instant Pot Minute Brown Rice

5 from 2 votes

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Author: Kimberly Vargo

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Come To Pressure: 8 minutes minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 Servings

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How to Video

Ingredients

• 2 cups instant brown rice, unrinsed
• 2 cups water
• ½ teaspoon salt, optional

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Instructions

 

• Add the rice, water, and salt (if using) to the stainless steel liner of the Instant Pot.
  2 cups instant brown rice

  2 cups water

  ½ teaspoon salt
• Close the lid and turn the steam release valve to sealing. Press the manual or pressure cook button and set the time to 5 minutes on high pressure.
• When the timer beeps, carefully turn the valve to venting for a quick release. Once the pin drops, open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.

Notes

1. This recipe is for instant or Minute brand brown rice, not regular uncooked brown rice. Regular brown rice needs a longer cook time and a natural release.
2. Skip rinsing the rice. Instant rice is processed to absorb liquid quickly, and rinsing can throw off the water ratio.
3. Check your Instant Pot’s manual for the minimum amount of liquid your model needs to come to pressure. Since this recipe is a 1:1 ratio, that minimum also sets your smallest batch size. Make at least that amount and save any extra cooked rice for later.
4. Store leftover rice in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 163kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 301mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.02gCalcium: 13mgIron: 3mg

Common Questions

Does this method work for regular brown rice?

No. Regular brown rice needs more liquid and a much longer cook time with a natural release. This method only works for instant or Minute brand brown rice.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes, as long as you stay at or above your Instant Pot’s minimum liquid amount. Cut the rice and water in half, keeping the same 1:1 ratio, and use the same 5-minute cook time. If half puts you below your model’s minimum, make the minimum amount instead and save the extra rice for later.

What if my Instant Pot won’t come to pressure?

Your model likely has a minimum amount of liquid it needs to pressurize, and since the ratio here is 1:1, that also sets your smallest batch of rice. Make at least that minimum and save any extra cooked rice for later instead of trying to scale down further.

Also check that the lid is locked and the sealing ring is seated correctly, since that’s another common reason a pot won’t come to pressure.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can. Just double the rice and water and keep the cook time at 5 minutes. The pot will just take a bit longer to come up to pressure and release.

What to Serve with Instant Brown Rice

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Instant Pot Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy

Instant Pot Teriyaki Meatballs

Instant Pot Mongolian Chicken