Instant Pot Jasmine Rice Recipe – A Fluffy and Easy Rice

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of perfectly cooked jasmine rice. With its delicate floral aroma and soft, slightly sticky texture, this fragrant rice variety is a staple in many cuisines worldwide, particularly in Southeast Asian dishes. Whether you’re serving it alongside a spicy curry, a stir-fry, or as a base for a nourishing grain bowl, jasmine rice has a way of elevating any meal. However, achieving that restaurant-quality texture—light, fluffy, and evenly cooked—can be tricky when using traditional stovetop methods. That’s where the Instant Pot comes to the rescue. If you’ve ever struggled with rice that turns out too mushy, undercooked, or stuck to the pot, this Instant Pot Jasmine Rice recipe is a game-changer.

By using pressure cooking, you eliminate all the guesswork, ensuring perfect rice every single time. The best part? It’s completely hands-off. No stirring, no monitoring, no risk of a scorched bottom layer—just press a button and let the Instant Pot do the work.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a reliable side dish with minimal effort. It’s also a fantastic addition to meal prep, as jasmine rice stores well in the fridge and can be reheated easily for quick meals throughout the week. Plus, since the Instant Pot cooks rice faster than traditional methods, you’ll save both time and energy.

Aside from convenience, the flavor and texture of jasmine rice shine when cooked in the Instant Pot. Each grain remains separate yet tender, making it the ideal accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re preparing a simple dinner at home or making a large batch for a family gathering, this recipe guarantees consistently fluffy results with just the right balance of moisture.

Now, let’s dive into what makes this recipe so effective and how you can customize it to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

Cooking jasmine rice can be tricky—too much water makes it mushy, too little leaves it undercooked. That’s why the Instant Pot is the perfect tool for this task. It uses precise pressure and even heat distribution to ensure each grain cooks uniformly, resulting in fluffy, restaurant-quality rice every single time. Let’s explore the key reasons why this recipe is foolproof.

1. The Instant Pot Eliminates Guesswork

Traditional stovetop methods require constant monitoring to prevent the rice from boiling over or burning at the bottom. With the Instant Pot, you just set it and forget it. The machine’s pressure-controlled environment locks in moisture, cooking the rice evenly without needing any intervention.

2. The Perfect Water-to-Rice Ratio

Unlike stovetop cooking, where water evaporates unpredictably, the Instant Pot seals in all the moisture, ensuring every grain absorbs just the right amount of liquid. For jasmine rice, the ideal ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1 cup of water—a much lower ratio than traditional methods require. This results in light, separate grains instead of a sticky or mushy consistency.

3. No Soaking Required

Many traditional rice recipes recommend soaking jasmine rice before cooking to improve texture. However, in the Instant Pot, soaking is unnecessary because the pressure-cooking process quickly hydrates the grains, delivering perfect fluffiness without extra steps.

4. Fast and Consistent Results

Cooking jasmine rice on the stovetop takes around 20 minutes, not including the time needed to bring water to a boil. The Instant Pot slashes that time in half, cooking the rice in just 3 minutes of high pressure, plus a 10-minute natural release to lock in moisture. The result? Perfect rice, every time, with minimal effort.

Tips for the perfect Instant Pot Jasmine Rice recipe:

• Rice Rinsing: Rinse the rice thoroughly to avoid clumping and stickiness.
• Avoid Overcooking: Stick to the 5-minute cook time to prevent mushy rice.
• Avoid Stirring the Rice Before Cooking: Unlike stovetop methods, you should not stir jasmine rice after adding it to the Instant Pot. Stirring can cause the grains to release excess starch, leading to a sticky or mushy texture. Instead, simply spread the rice evenly across the bottom of the pot after adding the water.
• Meal Prep: Make a larger batch to use in different meals throughout the week.
• Keep Cooked Rice Warm and Fresh: If you’re not eating the rice immediately, you can use the Instant Pot’s “Keep Warm” function to maintain the temperature without overcooking it. For long-term storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.

Variants of the Instant Pot Jasmine Rice Recipe

Jasmine rice is versatile, and the Instant Pot makes it easy to experiment with different flavors and textures. Here are several variations to try, whether you’re looking for a richer taste, a healthier alternative, or a unique twist.

1. Coconut Jasmine Rice

If you love creamy, slightly sweet rice, this variation is perfect. It pairs well with Thai and tropical dishes.

How to make it:

• Replace half the water with full-fat coconut milk.
• Add a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness.
• Stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or butter for a rich flavor.
• Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.

This version is fantastic with grilled seafood, curries, or tropical fruit salsas.

2. Garlic Butter Jasmine Rice

For a savory, buttery flavor, try this garlic-infused version.

How to make it:

• Before cooking, sauté 3 minced garlic cloves in 1 tablespoon of butter using the Instant Pot’s “Sauté” function.
• Add the rinsed rice and stir for 30 seconds before adding water.
• After cooking, mix in an extra tablespoon of butter and freshly chopped parsley.

This version works beautifully as a side for steak, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.

3. Turmeric & Spiced Jasmine Rice

A fragrant, golden-colored rice perfect for pairing with Mediterranean or Indian dishes.

How to make it:

• Add ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric and ½ teaspoon of cumin to the water before cooking.
• Include a bay leaf or a cinnamon stick for extra depth.
• After cooking, mix in chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

This variation pairs well with grilled meats, chickpea curries, or yogurt-based sauces.

FAQ about Instant Pot Jasmine Rice Recipe

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever struggled with stovetop rice, this Instant Pot method is the solution you need. It takes out the uncertainty, ensuring a consistent texture and flavor every single time. Plus, the time-saving benefits make it a must-have recipe for busy cooks.

Cooking jasmine rice in an Instant Pot is a game-changer. It’s quick, effortless, and guarantees perfectly fluffy rice every time. No more guesswork, no more overcooked or undercooked grains—just tender, aromatic rice that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight meal, meal prepping for the week, or cooking for a special occasion, this method ensures you get the best results with minimal effort.

Now that you mastered rice cooking, here is a delicious Mango sticky rice recipe for your dessert!