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Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice

Name: Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 57 min
Ingredients: 1 cup brown rice; 1 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons minced garlic; 1 onion (peeled and diced); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Optional: Salt and pepper (to taste)

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: June 20, 2021

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Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice is amazing and loaded with flavor. If you want a great way to make delicious brown rice, this is one of my favorites.

There is nothing better than a dish of fluffy rice, and so easy to make in the Instant Pot, and within minutes, you can have a great side dish.

I love a great rice side dish, and nothing is easier than making it in the Instant Pot.

If you have not made rice in your Instant Pot, it’s amazing, and you don’t even need to watch the stove while it boils up. It’s a total hands-off side dish, and it’s amazing.

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.

What Is Brown Rice?

The base of this dish is brown rice, which is a whole grain, and considered much healthier than white rice. This is one of the reasons why it has gained popularity over the past few years.

The only difference between brown and white rice is in brown rice; the hull is still present.

Because the hull is still on the rice, brown rice needs a longer cooking time than white rice.

This is why the Instant Pot is ideal for cooking it up!

Can You Cook Brown Rice In Instant Pot

Absolutely! Cooking brown rice in an Instant Pot is not only feasible, but it can also yield excellent results. This method is efficient, hands-off, and versatile, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The high-pressure environment of an Instant Pot allows the rice to cook faster than traditional stovetop methods while maintaining its nutritional integrity and delivering a perfectly tender and chewy texture.

Moreover, using an Instant Pot minimizes the risk of your rice getting burnt or sticking to the pot bottom. With the help of an Instant Pot, you can enjoy perfectly cooked brown rice in less than half an hour, making it a staple in your health-conscious meal plan. The process is as simple as rinsing the rice, adding it to the pot with the right amount of water, setting the cooking time, and then letting the Instant Pot do its magic.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice

Brown Rice
Onions
Olive Oil
Water or Broth
Minced Garlic
Butter
Salt & Black Pepper

How To Make Instant Pot Garlic Brown Rice

Add the oil to your Instant Pot, and press the saute button. When the oil is hot (about 30 seconds), add the onion and saute for about 3 minutes, or until the onions are soft.

Then add the butter and rice, and mix, into the onions. You are basically cooking the rice to bring out the flavor. Saute for about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and vegetable broth, and mix well.

Add 22 minutes at high pressure to time. Make sure the vent is sealed and do a natural release.

Pro Tips

Here are some professional tips for cooking brown rice in an Instant Pot:

Rinse the Rice: Always rinse your brown rice under cold water before cooking. This removes dust, dirt, and excess starch that can make your rice stick together or become gummy.
Natural Release: Always allow the Instant Pot to release pressure when cooking rice naturally. This extra time helps the rice to fully absorb the water and finish cooking, resulting in a better texture.
The ratio of Rice to Water: The optimal ratio for brown rice is 1 cup of rice to 1.25 cups of water. However, the exact ratio can vary slightly based on the specific type of rice and your personal texture preference.
Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your rice. Adding a bit of salt enhances the natural flavor of the rice. You can cook your rice in broth or stock instead of water for extra flavor.
Cooking Time: Brown rice typically needs 22-24 minutes to cook under high pressure in an Instant Pot, followed by a natural release period of 10-15 minutes. However, the exact time may vary slightly depending on the specific type of rice and how soft you prefer your rice.
Keep it Warm: If you’re not serving the rice immediately, you can use the ‘Keep Warm’ function on your Instant Pot. This will keep your rice at a safe temperature without overcooking it.
Storing Leftovers: Cool any leftover rice as quickly as possible (within an hour) and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it thoroughly before serving. You can also freeze cooked rice for up to one month.

Do I need to soak the brown rice in the Instant Pot before cooking it?

No, you don’t need to soak the brown rice before cooking. However, it is recommended to rinse the rice to remove any excess starch.

Can I cook other types of rice in the Instant Pot?

You can cook many different types of rice in the Instant Pot, including white rice, basmati rice, jasmine rice, and wild rice. The water ratio and cooking times may vary.

Why is my rice still hard after cooking?

If your rice is still hard after cooking, it may be due to insufficient water or not enough cooking time. The general water-to-rice ratio for brown rice is 1.25:1, and the cooking time is 22-24 minutes at high pressure.

What is the ‘Natural Release’ method?

Natural Release means allowing the pressure to gradually decrease after the cooking time ends. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes and helps to complete the cooking process without overcooking the rice.

How much rice can I cook at once in the Instant Pot?

It’s recommended not to fill the Instant Pot more than half full when cooking foods that expand, like rice.

Can I flavor the rice while cooking it in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can add seasonings, herbs, spices, or even cook the rice in broth for added flavor.

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