If you’ve made rice in your Instant Pot and found it’s still a bit crunchy or al dente when done cooking, there are a few common reasons why this can happen.
Not Enough Water
The most common reason Instant Pot rice comes out crunchy is that there simply wasn’t enough water used. Rice expands as it cooks, absorbing the surrounding liquid. If there isn’t enough liquid for the rice to fully hydrate and soften, it will retain a little bit of crunchy texture.
As a general rule, you should use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water when cooking rice in the Instant Pot. So for every 1 cup of dry rice, add 1 cup of water. Some people prefer to use a bit more water, such as 1 1/4 cups per 1 cup of rice, to ensure the rice comes out soft and fluffy.
Keep in mind that different types of rice have different absorption rates. Long grain white rice typically requires a little less water than short grain or brown rice varieties. Refer to the package instructions for specific ratio recommendations.
Not Enough Cooking Time
Another reason your Instant Pot rice may come out undercooked is if it didn’t cook for long enough. Different programs on the Instant Pot require different minimum cooking times for the pressure to build and the contents to cook through.
For white rice, make sure to set the Instant Pot to cook at high pressure for at least 5 minutes. The natural pressure release time afterward also contributes to continued cooking and softening of the rice.
Brown rice requires even more time to soften fully, usually around 15-20 minutes at high pressure. Other rice like wild rice or rice blends may also need additional cooking time.
Refer to the time suggested in any rice package directions, and adjust the cook time on your Instant Pot as needed. Adding at least 5 extra minutes is a good way to ensure tender rice.
Incorrect Water-to-Rice Ratio
Using the right proportions of rice and water is key for pressure cooked rice. If the ratio is off, the rice may not fully hydrate and soften.
In general, a 1:1 ratio of rice to water is recommended. However, some people find a ratio of 1 cup rice to 1 1/4 cup water gives better results, as the extra water ensures the rice is not underhydrated.
Here are suggested rice to water ratios for common rice varieties:
| Rice Type | Rice:Water Ratio |
|---|---|
| Long Grain White | 1:1 to 1:1 1/4 |
| Jasmine | 1:1 to 1:1 1/4 |
| Basmati | 1:1 to 1:1 1/4 |
| Brown Rice | 1:1 1/4 to 1:1 1/2 |
| Short Grain White | 1:1 to 1:1 1/4 |
| Wild Rice | 1:1 1/2 to 1:2 |
Keep in mind that rice expands to about 2 to 3 times its raw size after cooking. So 1 cup of dried rice will yield 2-3 cups cooked. Make sure not to overfill your Instant Pot with uncooked rice!
Natural Pressure Release Wasn’t Used
Releasing the pressure immediately after cooking rice can sometimes cause it to be underdone in the center. Using the natural pressure release method allows residual heat and pressure to continue gently cooking the rice.
After the cooking time is complete, simply wait for the float valve on the Instant Pot to drop on its own, about 10-15 minutes typically. This helps ensure tender, fluffy rice with no crunchy pieces.
Older Rice Was Used
Rice that has been stored for a long time can dry out and lose moisture content. Very old, stale rice may not soften fully even with the correct rice to water ratio and cooking time.
For best results, use rice that is less than 6 months old. Check the sell by or use by date on the package. Properly stored rice in an airtight container will stay fresh for up to 1 year.
Rice Was Disturbed Too Soon
It’s important not to prematurely disturb the rice before the cooking time is complete. Opening the lid releases steam and pressure, and stirring the rice can cause uneven cooking.
Resist the urge to open the lid and check on the rice as it cooks. Wait the full cooking time, then allow the pressure to release naturally. After opening, use a fork to gently fluff the rice.
Wrong Instant Pot Program Was Used
The Instant Pot has several different function keys and pre-set programs. Be sure to select the right one for cooking rice.
“Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode should be used, not “Rice”. The Rice program is actually designed for cooking porridge, not rice.
Set the Pressure Cook or Manual program to High Pressure with the correct cook time, generally 5 minutes for white rice and 15-20 for brown. The Rice program won’t allow pressurized cooking and could result in crunchy rice.
Condensation on the Lid Fell Back into Rice
During pressure cooking, condensation collects on the inner surface of the Instant Pot lid. When releasing pressure, some of that hot liquid can drip down onto the rice.
Stirring the rice after cooking will help evenly redistribute any moisture. You can also carefully dab any beads of liquid on the lid with a towel before removing the lid after cooking.
Cooking Container Was Too Small
It’s important to choose an appropriately sized cooking container for the amount of rice you’re making. If the pot is too small, the rice won’t have enough space to expand and absorb water properly as it cooks.
A general rule is to use a pot that’s at least 3 times the volume of the uncooked rice. For example, for 1 cup of dried rice that will expand to 3 cups cooked, choose at least a 3 quart cooking pot.
A pot that is too tight can limit water uptake and cause crunchy rice. Use a container sized proportional to the rice quantity.
Thick, Heavy Pot Was Used
The material and thickness of the cooking pot can impact how evenly rice cooks and absorbs water. Thick or heavy pots retain heat well but may cause uneven cooking.
For best results, choose a lightweight, thin cooking pot like stainless steel. Avoid thick ceramic or stoneware vessels which cause temperature variances.
The Instant Pot inner pot works well, or opt for a stainless steel rice cooker insert designed to fit in the Instant Pot.
Not Enough Steam Escaped After Cooking
If the float valve doesn’t properly drop after cooking, it may prevent excess steam from escaping the pot. Steam condensation needs to be released for the pressure to fully come down.
If rice is still crunchy, try manually turning the pressure release handle to Venting to ensure the pot depressurizes completely. Let the steam release for 5-10 minutes to prevent undercooked rice.
Rice Wasn’t Rinsed Before Cooking
Washing rice before cooking removes excess starch on the surface of the grains. This helps prevent the rice sticking together. For tender, separated grains, be sure to rinse rice thoroughly before adding to the Instant Pot.
Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under running water, stirring the rice until the water runs clear. Then add the rinsed rice to the pot along with fresh cooking water.
Incorrect Type of Rice Was Used
Not all varieties of rice cook the same, even under pressure. Short or medium grain rice varieties often become softer compared to long grain.
Some types of rice like arborio and sushi rice contain more starch and are meant to be stickier. These may never get perfectly tender in an Instant Pot.
Opt for long grain white or brown rice which achieve the best, fluffiest texture when pressure cooked. Jasmine and basmati rice also do well.
Water Was Added Incorrectly
There are a couple methods for adding water to rice in the Instant Pot, and the wrong technique can inhibit even cooking.
The pot-in-pot method involves putting the rice and water directly in a bowl, then placing the bowl in the Instant Pot. This can prevent water absorption.
For best results, add rice and water directly to the Instant Pot inner pot, not in a separate dish. Make sure liquid is well distributed over the surface of the rice.
Conclusion
Achieving tender, fluffy rice in the Instant Pot is easy when you use the right ratios, cooking times, and methods. Making sure to sufficiently hydrate the rice as it cooks under pressure is key.
Starting with fresh, rinsed long grain rice, a 1:1 water ratio, 5-20 minutes under high pressure, and allowing natural pressure release results in perfect rice every time. Avoid prematurely opening the lid, and gently fluff with a fork after cooking for individual grains.
With the right troubleshooting, your Instant Pot rice will come out soft and delicious, not crunchy or underdone. Experiment to find the ideal times and water amounts for your preferred rice varieties.
The convenience of the Instant Pot lends itself well to cooking up batches of white and brown rice. With a little practice, you’ll be making restaurant-quality rice at home in no time!
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Rice
- Use 1 cup water per 1 cup rice
- Allow at least 5 minutes cook time at high pressure
- Let pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes
- Fluff rice gently with a fork after cooking
- Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch
Common Reasons for Crunchy Rice
- Not enough water
- Incorrect water to rice ratio
- Quick pressure release used
- Cooking time too short
- Old rice was used
- Heavy or too small cooking pot
- Rice was disturbed before done
With the right techniques and troubleshooting, you can make tender, fluffy rice in your Instant Pot every time! Let the rice fully hydrate and steam, resist opening the lid until pressure releases naturally, and use the suggested rice to water ratios. In no time, you’ll be an Instant Pot rice pro. Enjoy the convenience of batch cooking rice for use all week long in a variety of dishes. Perfect rice with no hassle is possible with the Instant Pot!