If you’ve tried cooking brown rice in your Instant Pot and ended up with mushy, overcooked grains, you’re not alone. Many home cooks have trouble getting brown rice just right in a pressure cooker. The good news is that with a few simple tips and tricks, you can get perfect brown rice every time from your Instant Pot.
What Causes Mushy Brown Rice in Instant Pot?
There are a few common culprits that can lead to mushy, overcooked brown rice in an Instant Pot:
- Not enough liquid – Brown rice requires more liquid than white rice to cook properly. If there isn’t enough moisture in the pot, the rice can overcook and get mushy.
- Too much liquid – On the flip side, too much liquid will also lead to mushy rice as it will continue to cook and soak up water, even after the cooking time is up.
- Incorrect cooking time – Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. Not cooking brown rice long enough can leave underdone, crunchy grains. But cooking it too long results in mushy rice.
- Incorrect pressure release – Releasing the pressure too quickly after cooking doesn’t allow the rice to continue steaming and developing flavor. But keeping the rice under pressure for too long overcooks it.
- Old or low quality rice – Older brown rice or low quality varieties are more likely to turn mushy when cooked.
How to Cook Perfect Brown Rice in Instant Pot
Follow these tips for foolproof brown rice every time:
Use the Right Rice to Liquid Ratio
The typical rice to water ratio used for white rice of 1:1 does not work well for brown rice in the Instant Pot. Brown rice needs more liquid to account for the extra bran coating on the grains.
The best ratio for brown rice in an Instant Pot is:
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice : 1 1/4 cups water
- Or a 1:1.25 rice to water ratio
This ratio steams the rice perfectly without leaving it overcooked or mushy.
Allow Natural Pressure Release
Another key step is to allow the pressure to release naturally after the cook time is up. Do not try to quick release the pressure by turning the steam release valve.
Allowing the pressure to come down naturally over 10-15 minutes gives the rice time to finish steaming and developing its texture and flavor.
Set Proper Cook Time
Brown rice takes much longer to cook than white rice. The cook time will vary slightly for different Instant Pot models.
For most Instant Pots, the ideal cook time for brown rice is:
- 22 minutes on manual/high pressure
Set a timer for 22 minutes, and allow pressure to release naturally after time is up. This ensures tender, fluffy grains with the right amount of chew.
Use Fresh, High Quality Rice
Old or low quality brown rice is more likely to turn mushy and overcooked, even with the right recipe. If possible, use fresh rice that is less than 6 months old.
High quality, specialty brown rice varieties like jasmine or basmati brown rice will hold their shape better through the pressure cooking process.
Do a Water Test
When venturing outside the standard 1:1.25 rice to water ratio, it’s a good idea to do a quick water test before cooking to ensure you have the right amount of liquid:
- Add rice and water to Instant Pot inner pot based on recipe.
- Press your finger gently down on top of the uncooked rice until it touches the water.
- The water level should come up to just below the first knuckle of your finger.
- Add a bit more water if needed until it reaches this point.
Rinse the Rice
Giving brown rice a quick rinse before cooking can help wash away excess starch on the surface that could make the rice gummy or mushy.
Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under running water for 30 seconds, swirling the rice with your hands. Then add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot.
Fluff the Rice After Cooking
After allowing pressure release, use a fork to gently fluff the cooked brown rice. This evenly redistributes moisture and ensures the grains stay nice and separate.
Avoid stirring too vigorously, as this can crush the rice and turn it to mush.
Tips for Perfect Brown Rice Every Time
Follow these extra tips for foolproof brown rice in Instant Pot:
- Use a glass or ceramic Instant Pot insert instead of nonstick – The sugars in brown rice can sometimes stick to and burn on nonstick pots.
- Add a bit of oil or butter – A small amount of fat helps keep the grains nicely separated.
- Skip the rice cooker function – For some models, manual or pressure cook mode works better.
- Don’t pack rice down – Gently add rice to the pot; don’t pack it down densely.
- Add spices and seasonings after – Flavorings added before cooking can sometimes inhibit water absorption.
- Check rice texture after 5 minutes – If rice is still crunchy or underdone, put lid back on for natural release for a few more minutes.
Common Brown Rice to Water Ratios
Here are some other rice to water ratios you can try for brown rice in Instant Pot:
| Brown Rice Amount | Water Amount | Rice to Water Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 1 1/4 cups | 1:1.25 |
| 1 1/2 cups | 1 3/4 cups | 1:1.25 |
| 2 cups | 2 1/2 cups | 1:1.25 |
| 3 cups | 3 3/4 cups | 1:1.25 |
| 4 cups | 5 cups | 1:1.25 |
As long as you stick to the 1:1.25 ratio, allow for natural pressure release, and use recommended cook times, you’ll get perfect brown rice every time!
Troubleshooting Mushy Brown Rice
If your brown rice is still turning out mushy, here are some steps to try:
Not Enough Liquid
Increase water by 1/4 cup at a time until rice is no longer mushy or undercooked. Proper hydration is key for pressure cooked brown rice.
Too Much Liquid
Reduce water by 1/4 cup increments if rice is overcooked with too much moisture.
Undercooked
Increase cook time by 2-3 minutes if rice is still crunchy or hard after initial cook time. Let pressure release naturally after each test.
Overcooked
For mushy overcooked rice, reduce cook time by 2-3 minutes. Be sure to use natural pressure release.
Improper Release Method
If rice is gooey or mushy, only use natural release rather than quick release to allow rice to finish developing texture.
Old or Low Quality Rice
Switch to fresh, high quality brown rice like specialty brown basmati or jasmine rice varieties, which hold up better in pressure cooking.
Too Much Stirring
Gently fluff rice with a fork rather than stirring vigorously, which can crush the grains.
Nonstick Insert
The sugars in brown rice can cause sticking on nonstick pots. Switch to stainless steel or ceramic insert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should brown rice be washed before Instant Pot?
Washing brown rice briefly before pressure cooking can help rid the grains of excess surface starch that could make the rice gummy. Give rice a quick 30 second rinse and drain well before adding to the pot.
Can you let brown rice sit after Instant Pot?
It’s best to avoid leaving cooked brown rice sitting in the Instant Pot insert after cooking. Residual heat can continue cooking the rice and make it overcooked and mushy. Transfer rice to a serving bowl shortly after cooking for fluffy, perfectly steamed grains.
How long does Instant Pot brown rice last?
Properly stored, cooked brown rice will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to cool rice quickly after cooking by spreading it out on a sheet pan before refrigerating. Store rice in an airtight container and use within 3-5 days.
Is brown or white rice healthier?
Brown rice is often considered healthier than white rice since it is less processed and contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, white rice may be easier to digest for some. Both can be healthy options when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Delicious Instant Pot Brown Rice Recipes
Once you’ve mastered cooking fluffy, perfectly steamed brown rice in your Instant Pot, try out these delicious recipes:
Coconut Brown Rice
Give your brown rice a tropical twist by cooking it in coconut milk instead of water. Bonus points for topping with toasted coconut flakes!
Brown Rice Salad
Incorporate protein and veggies by turning Instant Pot brown rice into a hearty salad. Top with your favorites like avocado, beans, grilled chicken, feta and fresh herbs.
Brown Rice Bowls
Build wholesome brown rice bowls with sauteed or roasted vegetables, marinated tofu, chicken or shrimp. Top with a fried egg for extra protein.
Brown Rice Porridge
For a creamy, comforting breakfast, cooked brown rice with extra liquid to make a savory porridge. Top with an egg, nuts, fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey.
Brown Rice Burrito Bowls
Mix up Mexican night by swapping in brown rice. Top with your favorite south of the border flavors like spiced beans, salsa, guacamole and Cotija cheese.
Lentil Brown Rice Soup
Incorporate brown rice into soup by adding lentils and broth to the cooking liquid. Simmer until rice is tender for a hearty, healthy soup.
Conclusion
Achieving perfectly cooked, fluffy brown rice in Instant Pot just takes a few simple tricks. Using the correct rice to water ratio, natural pressure release method, and ideal cook times will ensure your brown rice turns out right every time. Test out different amounts of liquid or cooking durations if you still end up with mushy results. With the proper techniques, you’ll be able to whip up dishes from coconut brown rice to lentil brown rice soup in your Instant Pot with ease.