Brown rice is a healthy, nutritious, and versatile grain that can be enjoyed as a side dish or the main course. It is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to cook brown rice, look no further than your Instant Pot. The Instant Pot is a multi-purpose electric pressure cooker that will make cooking brown rice a breeze. In this article, we will guide you through the quick and easy steps of cooking brown rice in an Instant Pot.
Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
1 cup of brown rice
1 ½ cups of water or vegetable broth
¼ teaspoon of salt (optional)
Equipment:
Instant Pot
Measuring cup
Measuring spoons
Rice paddle or fork
Glass bowl or silicone mold (optional)
Prepare the Brown Rice
Start by rinsing the brown rice under cold water. Rinsing removes any excess starch and impurities. Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Let it soak for 15 minutes. Soaking the rice helps to soften the grains and reduce cooking time.
Set Up Your Instant Pot
Now it’s time to set up your Instant Pot. Plug it in and make sure the inner pot is clean and dry. Insert the trivet that came with your Instant Pot. The trivet keeps the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot and helps with even cooking.
Add the Rice and Water
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the Instant Pot’s inner pot. Add water or vegetable broth to the pot, ensuring that the liquid is at least one inch above the rice. For added flavor, you can add a quarter teaspoon of salt.
Cooking Time and Settings
Secure the Instant Pot’s lid, ensuring that the sealing ring is properly in place. Set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function, depending on your model, and set the cooking time to 22 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time starts.
Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release its pressure for 10 minutes. This means leaving the Instant Pot undisturbed and not turning the pressure release valve.
Quick Pressure Release
After 10 minutes of natural pressure release, you can perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the pressure release valve from “Sealing” to “Venting.” Be cautious of the hot steam that will be released. Once the float valve drops, indicating that all the pressure has been released, it is safe to open the lid.
Fluff and Serve
Using a rice paddle or fork, fluff the cooked brown rice gently. Fluffing separates the grains and prevents them from sticking together. Serve the cooked rice as a side dish or incorporate it into your favorite recipes.
Tips and Variations
Here are some additional tips and variations to help you get the most out of cooking brown rice in an Instant Pot:
1. Serving Sizes:
The recipe shared above is for one cup of brown rice, which yields about 2 cups of cooked rice. Adjust the recipe as needed to accommodate your desired serving sizes.
2. Soaking Time:
Soaking the rice for 15 minutes is recommended, but not mandatory. If you’re short on time, you can skip the soaking step, but the cooking time may need to be increased by a few minutes.
3. Liquid Options:
While water is commonly used to cook rice, you can also use vegetable broth or other flavored liquids to enhance the taste of your brown rice. Experiment with different liquids to find your preferred flavor.
4. Flavoring:
Besides salt, you can add other herbs, spices, or seasonings to the rice before cooking. For example, you can try adding a bay leaf, a clove of garlic, or some onion powder for added flavor.
5. Toppings and Mix-ins:
Once the rice is cooked, feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings and mix-ins. Some popular options include chopped herbs, toasted nuts, sautéed vegetables, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
6. Storing Leftovers:
If you have leftovers, allow the rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Brown rice can also be frozen for longer storage. To reheat, simply thaw and microwave or steam until warmed through.
In conclusion, cooking brown rice in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy process that yields perfectly cooked grains every time. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy fluffy and nutritious brown rice as a side dish or incorporate it into your favorite recipes. So go ahead and give it a try!