Soft, fluffy, and fragrant — this Instant Pot jasmine rice is a staple in my kitchen. It cooks up beautifully every time and pairs well with just about anything, from stir-fries to curries or even a simple fried egg on top. Whether you’re prepping a weeknight meal or building a big dinner spread, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
The Beauty of Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of perfectly cooked rice. For me, jasmine rice hits the sweet spot — light, soft, just the right amount of chew, and that unmistakable aroma. With the Instant Pot, you get restaurant-level results without the guesswork or constant monitoring. It’s almost too easy.
Jasmine rice is naturally fragrant and cooks into tender, individual grains with a slight stickiness that’s perfect for scooping with chopsticks or piling under saucy dishes. And once you get this method down, it’s as fuss-free as pushing a button.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
- It’s foolproof and fast. Just a quick rinse, a bit of salt, water, and a press of the button. Five minutes of prep, a short cook time, and you’re done.
- It rivals takeout rice. That soft, slightly sticky texture you get from your favorite Asian restaurants? This gives you that same result at home.
- It’s the ultimate blank canvas. Jasmine rice goes with anything — stir-fries, curries, grilled meats, veggie bowls. You can even dress it up on its own with a little seasoning or a fried egg.
- It stores well. Leftovers hold up beautifully in the fridge for up to five days, making it perfect for meal prep or tossing into a quick fried rice later in the week.
Why the Instant Pot Works So Well
Let’s be honest — stovetop rice can be hit or miss. One second too long and you’ve got mush. Not enough water? Crunchy. But the Instant Pot? It gets it right every time.
- Pressure cooking speeds everything up while locking in steam and heat, so every grain cooks evenly.
- It’s not just for rice. One pot, endless uses — from stews and soups to curries and even desserts.
- No babysitting. Toss everything in, seal the lid, and walk away. It’ll beep when it’s ready.
Key Tips for Perfect Jasmine Rice
1. Rinse the Rice Thoroughly
Don’t skip this! Rinsing gets rid of excess surface starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy or clumpy. Just run cold water over the rice in a fine mesh strainer or bowl until the water runs clear.
2. Use the Right Water Ratio
For jasmine rice in the Instant Pot, a 1:1 ratio of rice to water is key. That’s one cup of water for every cup of rice. It might sound off if you’re used to stovetop cooking, but trust the process — the Instant Pot doesn’t allow water to evaporate like open cooking does.
Note: If you’re cooking jasmine rice on the stovetop or in a regular rice cooker, you’ll want to use a 1:1.5 ratio instead.
3. Add a Little Salt
Even just 1/4 teaspoon of salt goes a long way in enhancing the natural flavor of the rice. It also helps keep the texture in check.
4. Use Cool Water
Start with cold or room temperature water. Hot water can overcook the outer layers before the inside is fully done, leaving you with uneven rice.
5. Stick with White Jasmine Rice
This recipe is specifically designed for white jasmine rice. Substituting with brown rice or basmati will need different water ratios and cook times, so results may vary.
What to Serve with Jasmine Rice
This rice is as versatile as it gets. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
- Poke bowls. Think sushi-style bowls topped with raw fish, sriracha mayo, and crunchy veggies.
- Burrito bowls. Layer with chipotle-style chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, and guac.
- Asian stir-fries. Serve under sweet and sticky orange chicken or a quick beef and broccoli stir-fry.
- Just as it is. Sprinkle with furikake or toasted sesame seeds and enjoy on its own — seriously, it’s that good.
Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
Soft, sticky, and aromatic, this Instant Pot jasmine rice is a simple and quick addition to any Asian-inspired main course, weeknight dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice, uncooked
- 1 cup cool water
- ¼ teaspoon fine table salt
Instructions
- Place the rice in a fine mesh colander. Rinse under cold running water while stirring, aiming to remove as much of the starchy residue as possible. Continue rinsing until the water runs mostly clear.
- Drain the rice thoroughly so there's no excess water dripping from the colander, as this can affect the water-to-rice ratio.
- Add the rice to the Instant Pot along with 1 cup of fresh water and the salt. Secure the lid, set the vent knob to the sealed position, and pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a manual release.
- Fluff the rice and serve hot. See below for serving suggestions
Notes
- Measure rice and water precisely, as even small deviations can affect the result.
- Unwashed rice will result in a more starchy texture; more water may also be needed if skipping the rinse.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Jasmine rice pairs well with Asian stir-fries.
- Leftovers are great for making fried rice.
- A sprinkle of furikake adds extra flavor to fluffy jasmine rice.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 51Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 135mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 1g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much jasmine rice can I cook at once in the Instant Pot?
You can easily double or even triple the recipe, as long as you maintain the 1:1 ratio. Just make sure not to fill past the halfway line of your Instant Pot for safety.
Can I use broth instead of water?
Absolutely. Using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Why is my rice too soft or mushy?
Chances are the rice wasn’t rinsed properly, or the water ratio was off. Be sure to use a 1:1 ratio and rinse thoroughly.
Can I freeze jasmine rice?
Yes! Let the rice cool completely, portion it into freezer bags or containers, and freeze. When ready to eat, reheat gently with a splash of water.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Microwave with a damp paper towel on top or reheat in a covered pan with a splash of water over low heat until warmed through.
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