Instant Pot Basmati Rice Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

Why is my Instant Pot basmati rice so sticky? ›

Steam the Rice: If the rice is too sticky and you've already fluffed it, you can try steaming it for a few minutes. Place the rice back in the Instant Pot with the lid on, but with the Instant Pot turned off. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the steam to help separate the grains.

Soak the Rice: High quality rice needs proper soaking and this helps in retaining the aroma and helps the grains expand to the fullest, upon cooking. You will get longer, fluffier and more aromatic rice grains.

This often means your rice wasn't properly washed before cooking. rinse your rice until the water runs clear. as sign that extra starch which makes rice mushy has.

Place the lid on top of your rice cooker and adjust the settings according to the instruction booklet. Basmati rice will take 12 minutes to cook. Once the rice is finished cooking, the appliance will automatically transition to warming mode, so your rice won't burn if you turn your attention to something else!

Medium- and long-grain varieties of rice, like basmati and jasminem don't clump together as much when they cook and therefore aren't usually used for sticky rice.

The washed Basmati rice has a lighter and fluffier texture. Each grain is separate from the other. On the contrary, the unwashed Basmati rice gets slightly sticky after cooling down.

Technically speaking, basmati rice does not need to be soaked before cooking; you'll have fully cooked rice if you follow the directions below and omit the soaking. However, the rice will look similar to jasmine rice (see photo above, left).

Starch is what makes cooked rice sticky and gummy, so for fluffy rice, it is important to remove the starch. Use the right amount of cooking liquid. The ratio of basmati rice to cooking liquid (water or broth) is 1 cup of rice to 1 ½ cups of liquid. Any more or less will affect the texture of the rice.

Second, let the rice rest after cooking for at least 10 minutes with the lid on before serving. This resting time helps cook off the last of the steam and makes the rice fluffier, with distinct grains.

Why should I soak basmati rice? ›

Soak: I soak basmati rice for 30 minutes and then discard the water. This will help the rice cook faster, making the grains plumper and fluffier. After soaking, I rinse the rice under cold running tap water and then cook it. This helps get rid of any excess starch that leaks out.

It has so much more flavor and depth compared to white or brown rice. This recipe can easily be adjusted depending on how many serving you desire. If you want to increase the amount, just remember the magic rice to water ratio: 1 cup of rice to 1 ½ cups of water. This will give you the best basmati rice every time!

Basmati rice has a unique nutrient profile that may provide several health benefits. It is lower in calories and glycemic index than many other types of rice. Whole-grain basmati rice is said to be healthier than refined white rice. It is high in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals.

The correct rice to water ratio is 1 : 1.5 (1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water). Most people use 1 3/4 cups of water or even 2 cups of water, AND they rinse the rice which makes it waterlogged and makes the mushy rice problem even worse.

Cooked rice can feel sticky for a couple of reasons: too much water may have been used and/or the rice may not have been rinsed before cooking. Rinsing rice before cooking is a must to wash off excess starch. Otherwise, the cooked starch will create a sticky consistency, instead of the coveted fluffy, separate grains.

When the rice overcooks and absorbs excess water, the grains can split open, increasing the starchy and sticky texture. From my experience, there's a relatively small threshold of how mushy rice can be before you can throw in the towel and restart the cooking process.

If your rice has absorbed too much liquid, the grains may have split and the starches may have given the rice a soft, gluey consistency. One way to fix that? Add even more liquid. Pour in some milk, a dash of vanilla, and spoonful of sugar, and suddenly your mushy rice is a rich rice pudding.

Two Key Factors for Perfect Rice-Cooker Rice

First, rinse your rice under running water before transferring it to the rice cooker; this washes away excess starch and helps make the rice less sticky. Second, let the rice rest after cooking for at least 10 minutes with the lid on before serving.