This Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice takes a simple pantry staple and turns it into a flavorful, aromatic side dish in minutes. Nutty brown rice is perfectly cooked and infused with savory garlic, making it a versatile addition to weeknight dinners, meal prep bowls, or any meal that needs a hearty, healthy base.

Bowl of Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice garnished with fresh herbs.
Save This Recipe Form

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & I will send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from me on occasion!

This Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice is a quick, flavorful side that pairs perfectly with any meal. Nutty brown rice is infused with garlic for a simple, aromatic dish that’s easy to prepare.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and easy: Ready in minutes with minimal prep and effort.
  • Flavor-packed: Garlic infuses every grain for a savory, aromatic side.
  • Healthy and wholesome: Nutty brown rice provides fiber and nutrients.
  • Versatile: Pairs perfectly with stir-fries, roasted veggies, or proteins.
  • One-pot cooking: Minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.

If you are looking for even more Easy Instant Pot Rice Recipes, some of my favorites are INSTANT POT CHICKEN AND RICE, INSTANT POT FARRO, INSTANT POT WILD RICE, and INSTANT POT BROWN RICE.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice on kitchen table.
  • Brown Rice: Nutty brown rice forms a hearty, wholesome base
  • Onions: Diced onions add sweetness and depth of flavor
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil for sautéing aromatics and adding richness
  • Water or Broth: Liquid for cooking rice and enhancing savory flavor
  • Minced Garlic: Garlic adds aromatic, savory, and flavorful notes throughout
  • Butter: Adds creaminess and enriches the cooked brown rice
  • Salt & Black Pepper: Seasoning to enhance and balance overall flavors

How To Make Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice

Sautéing diced onions in olive oil in the Instant Pot until soft and translucent.

Step One: Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add olive oil. Once hot, stir in the diced onions and cook for about 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent.

Toasted brown rice and butter mixed with onions and garlic in the Instant Pot, then cooking under high pressure with vegetable broth.

Step Two: Add the butter and brown rice to the sautéed onions, stirring to coat the rice and toast it for about 5 minutes to enhance its flavor. Stir in minced garlic and vegetable broth, then close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 22 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening.

Bowl of Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice garnished with fresh herbs

Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice Recipe Tips

  • Rinse the rice first: Rinsing removes excess starch and prevents mushy rice.
  • Sauté for flavor: Toasting the rice with onions, garlic, and butter enhances its nuttiness.
  • Use broth for extra flavor: Vegetable or chicken broth adds depth compared to water.
  • Natural pressure release: Keeps rice tender and prevents it from sticking to the pot.
  • Customize seasoning: Add herbs, spices, or a dash of soy sauce for variety.

Storing Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked rice for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Bowl of Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice garnished with fresh herbs

Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice Recipe Faqs

Can I use instant brown rice instead? Yes, but reduce the cooking time and water according to the package instructions.

Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, simply use olive oil instead of butter and vegetable broth.

Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Bell peppers, peas, or carrots can be added during sautéing.

How do I prevent rice from sticking to the Instant Pot? Sauté the rice first in oil or butter, and use the natural pressure release method.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients, but make sure not to exceed the Instant Pot’s max fill line.

Don’t Forget To Pin!

Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!​

Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice

Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Make Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice easily! Nutty, flavorful brown rice infused with garlic is a healthy, simple side dish perfect for any meal.

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 1 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, stir in the diced 1 medium onion and cook for about 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
  • Then add the 1 cup brown rice and 2 tablespoons butter and mix it all in; continue to saute, to toast the rice for about 5 minutes.
  • Then add the 1 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons garlic and mix well.
  • Add the lid to your Instant Pot, and set the manual high pressure for 22 minutes. Make sure the lid is sealed. Do a natural release when the timer beeps.
  • Fluff with a fork.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Ladle

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 52mgPotassium: 185mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 176IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg

Share this recipe

We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!