Instant Pot Red Rice

Have you tried whole grain red rice? This delicious Instant Pot Red Rice is bursting with rich, nutty flavors and a delightful, hearty texture. It is easy to make and you only need 3 ingredients. The Instant Pot makes this rice recipe an easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe.

Not only does it pair perfectly with practically any protein, red rice is a powerhouse of essential nutrients and is heart healthy! You’ll love serving this ultra-tasty Instant Pot red rice with broiled pork chops, smoked chicken, Instant Pot shredded beef and so much more.

How to Cook Red Rice in the Instant Pot

This whole grain rice is not only colorful and flavorful, but it’s packed with nutrients making it a fantastic addition to your diet. With the convenience and speed of an Instant Pot, cooking red rice has never been easier.

As tasty as it is, red rice is so underrated compared to its other starchy cousins. However, its distinctive nutty flavor sets it apart. Its rich nutritional profile, high fiber content, and heart-healthy properties make it a nourishing choice that will keep you full and satisfied. Accompany that with how simple it is to make, and this Instant Pot whole grain red rice recipe will be on rotation in your kitchen year round!

Instant Pot Whole Grain Red Rice – Why This Recipe Works

• Only takes a few ingredients to prepare and incredibly simple to make.
• Pairs well as a side with practically everything.
• While it may take longer to cook than other rice varieties, it’s SO easy to set and forget in the Instant Pot (and so worth the extra time!)
• Red rice antioxidants may help reduce inflammation and support heart health, making it a healthier side dish option.
• It can be enjoyed all by itself or paired with your favorite proteins.

Red Rice Water Ratio

If you cook on the stovetop, the rice to water ratio is 1:1.5 (one cup rice to 1.5 cups of water). However, since the Instant Pot has a tight seal and water does not evaporate, you need close to a 1:1 ratio to cook instant pot red whole grain rice. Since the whole grain rice absorbs more water than grains like Basmati rice, I add an additional 2 tablespoons of water per cup of whole grain rice. 

Ingredients

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need for the Instant Pot Whole Grain Red Rice Recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details. 

• Lundberg Whole Grain Red Rice
• Broth or Water
• Butter
• Salt

How to Cook Red Rice in the Instant Pot

Here is a brief overview of the Instant Pot red rice recipe, but make sure you scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details.

1. Place the rice, water (or broth), and salt in the Instant Pot.
2. Secure the lid and place the valve in the sealed position.
3. Cook the rice on high pressure.
4. Allow the Instant Pot to do a natural release for 10 minutes, then release the rest of the pressure manually. It’s ok if you get distracted and you don’t do a manual release, the rice will get slightly more tender. 

Variations

Whole grain red rice is a nutritious and versatile grain, and you can play around with a variety of flavors to complement or enhance its natural nutty taste. Here are some ideas for recipe variations using your base recipe as a starting point:

Herbed Red Rice:

• Add: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
• Pair With: Grilled chicken or blackened halibut.

Mexican Style Whole Grain Rice:

• Add: Diced onion and garlic (saute it first as we did in our Spanish rice), then add a diced jalapeno and a sprig of cilantro.
• Serve With: Pork fajita bowl or chicken mole enchiladas.

Cheesy Instant Pot Red Whole Grain Rice:

• Stir In: Grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese after cooking.
• Pair With: Creamy paprika chicken and our pomegranate pear salad.

Mediterranean Instant Pot Rice:

• Add: Diced tomatoes, olives, capers, and a sprinkle of oregano.
• Serve With: Halibut Provencal or salmon piccata.

Asian-Inspired Red Rice:

• Add: Soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, sesame oil, and sliced green onions will give this rice an Asian flair.
• Serve With: Pork satay or teriyaki meatballs.

I could go on and on with variations to this easy whole grain red rice recipe, but you get the picture. You can check out our recipes for sprouted brown rice pilaf or our quinoa pilaf for more ideas.

Experiment with different spices, herbs, chopped veggies, or dried fruits and nuts to make the dish your own.

If you like this rice, check out our wild blend rice.

Tips for Success

• Whole grain red rice absorbs more water than some other rice grains. For every 1-cup of whole grain rice, you need 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water.
• Make sure the ‘keep warm’ setting is turned off. If “keep warm’ is on and you leave the rice sitting too long, it will stick to the bottom of the pot.
• Pressure release: When the timer is done, let the Instant Pot do a natural release for 10 minutes, then press the release valve on the pressure cooker to let out all the steam. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful Tools

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• Instant Pot
• Measuring cups

Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love:

• Red Beans and rice is a true southern classic, coming straight from Louisiana! This dish is big on flavor, but easy on your time. Made with red beans and andouille sausage.
• These healthy turkey meatballs are made with lean ground turkey and simple seasonings, making them a weeknight dinner favorite.
• These Instant Pot Country Style Ribs make tender, juicy, perfect ribs with the ease of the Instant Pot and we are all about it. The magic of high pressure cooking transforms boneless pork ribs into a rich, tender and meaty meal in record time!
• This Instant Pot refried beans recipe is quicker and easier than cooking the dish on a stovetop. It’s a great way to make a large batch of beans that you can use in a variety of meals!

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