Name: Perfect Jasmine Rice in Instant Pot
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Jasmine Rice (Rinsed thoroughly and drained); 2 cups Water (Room temperature); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (To taste, adjust after cooking if needed)

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Perfectly tender, fragrant, and slightly chewy — this Perfect Jasmine Rice in Instant Pot is the kind of simple comfort food that makes weeknight dinners feel special. With minimal fuss, the Instant Pot turns plain jasmine rice into fluffy perfection every time, delivering the ideal bed for stir-fries, curries, and roasted proteins. Fun fact: jasmine rice gets its floral aroma from natural compounds called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, which smell faintly like popcorn or pandan leaves. If you love experimenting with rice, also try our fragrant alternative for different textures: Instant Pot basmati rice. This recipe is quick, family-friendly, and forgiving — perfect for cooks of all levels. Let’s get cooking and make a pot of rice you’ll want to serve every day.

What is Perfect Jasmine Rice in Instant Pot?

What exactly is “Perfect Jasmine Rice in Instant Pot”? Think of it as jasmine rice that behaved itself and emerged from the pressure cooker light, separate, and aromatic — no clumps, no gummy mess. Why the playful name? Maybe because I once charmed my picky nephew with a bowl and heard him mumble that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” which, in the world of rice, might just be true. Is it magic? Not really — it’s good technique and the reliable environment of the Instant Pot. Try it and see why this simple staple earns rave reviews on repeat dinners.

Why You’ll Love This:

Fluffy, fragrant highlight
The rice is tender, slightly sticky at the right degree, and smells amazing thanks to jasmine’s natural aroma — perfect to scoop up sauces and gravies.
Cost-saving and convenient
Making rice at home costs pennies compared to takeout, and a batch lasts for multiple meals. The Instant Pot reduces babysitting time, so you save energy and effort.
Versatile flavor pairings
A simple pinch of salt is all you need, but top it with toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or a drizzle of soy sauce or coconut milk for extra depth of flavor. For a different method to compare textures, check out our guide to stovetop jasmine rice.

Make this rice tonight — it’s fast, fragrant, and ready to become your new dinner staple.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy, delicious, and satisfying because it uses very little hands-on time. Preparation is simple — rinse the rice, add water, set the Instant Pot, and let it do the work. You’ll get tender grains with a slightly chewy bite and a wonderfully fragrant finish in about 20 minutes active time and 10 minutes of natural release.

Preparation and cooking time

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time (pressure): 5 minutes
Natural pressure release: 10 minutes
Total time: approximately 20–25 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups jasmine rice — rinsed thoroughly and drained
2 cups water — room temperature
Salt to taste — start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust after cooking if needed

Directions

Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
Combine rinsed rice, water, and salt in the Instant Pot. Spread the rice evenly, pour the water over, and sprinkle salt on top. Do not stir.
Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes. Ensure the valve is sealed. Use the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on high.
Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before opening the lid. After the 5-minute cook time completes, let the Instant Pot sit untouched for 10 minutes to naturally release pressure, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining steam and open the lid.
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. Gently fluff to separate the grains; avoid vigorous stirring which can make rice gummy. Serve immediately with your favorite mains.

Perfect Jasmine Rice in Instant Pot

What to Serve With:

Stir-fried vegetables and tofu with a garlic-soy glaze for a quick vegetarian meal.
Thai green curry or red curry to soak up the fragrant sauce.
Grilled or roasted chicken, beef, or pork with a simple marinade.
A crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to add brightness and texture.
Drinks: jasmine tea, iced green tea, or a light lager to complement the fragrant rice.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Rinsing matters: Rinse until the water runs nearly clear to remove surface starch that causes clumping.
Rice-to-water ratio: For standard jasmine rice in an Instant Pot, a 1:1 ratio works well. If your rice is older and drier, add an extra tablespoon of water.
Don’t stir after adding water: Stirring can release starch and create gummy pockets.
Use natural release: Letting the pot sit for 10 minutes of natural pressure release finishes the cooking gently and preserves texture.
Flavor boosters: Replace part of the water with coconut milk for a creamy variation, or add a teaspoon of butter or oil to make grains silkier.
Avoid overcooking: Keep to the 5-minute high-pressure cook — longer times can turn rice too soft.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Cool leftover rice quickly, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Spread rice in a shallow layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Use a microwave with a sprinkle of water and a loosely covered bowl to trap steam, or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water in a covered pan over low heat. Fluff after reheating to restore texture.
Food safety: Do not leave cooked rice at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.

FAQs

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and cook in the Instant Pot. Use the same 1:1 rice-to-water ratio and keep the pressure cook time the same. Ensure the total rice amount stays below the pot’s max fill line.

Do I need to soak jasmine rice before cooking?
Soaking is optional. Rinsing well is more important. Soaking for 10–20 minutes can make grains slightly plumper but is not necessary for Instant Pot cooking.

What if my rice is mushy?
Mushy rice usually means too much water or overcooking. Next time reduce water by 1–2 tablespoons or ensure pressure release timing is followed exactly.

Can I use brown jasmine rice in the Instant Pot?
Brown jasmine rice requires a longer pressure cook time (about 22–25 minutes) and a higher water ratio (about 1 1/4 cups water per cup rice). It also benefits from a natural release.

How do I make the rice more fragrant?
Use high-quality jasmine rice and rinse gently. For extra aroma, toast the dry rice in a skillet for a minute before rinsing, or cook with a few crushed pandan leaves or a small knob of ginger.

Conclusion

This Perfect Jasmine Rice in Instant Pot recipe is a small but mighty kitchen win — effortless, reliably delicious, and endlessly versatile. It’s a great base for family dinners, meal prep, and weeknight transformations. If you’d like another trusted take on Instant Pot jasmine rice for comparison or extra tips, check out this well-tested Instant Pot Jasmine Rice Recipe and see which method you prefer. Share a bowl with someone you love and enjoy the comfort of perfectly cooked rice.