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Instant Pot Red Rice

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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.

Three bowls of Instant Pot Whole Grain red rice topped with parsley.

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!

A bag of Lundberg red rice next to a wooden scoop with rice.

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: red rice, chicken broth, butter, and salt. Recipe for Instant Pot Whole Grain Red 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
Rinsing red rice under running water.

Red rice in an instant pot with chicken broth.

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:

Mexican Style Whole Grain Rice:

Cheesy Instant Pot Red Whole Grain Rice:

Mediterranean Instant Pot Rice:

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.

Chopsticks with a bite of Instant Pot Whole Grain Red 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

Does red rice take longer to cook?

Yes, whole grain rice like red rice, wild rice, and brown rice, will take longer to cook than other types of rice.

Should red rice be soaked before cooking?

It isn’t necessary to soak the rice before cooking. If you do soak the rice, it will not take as long to cook, but you really don’t save any time since the soaking adds to the time.

How do you know when red rice is cooked?

When the rice is done cooking, it will have a firm, yet tender texture and it will be slightly chewy. You should be able to fluff the rice grains easily with a fork. If there’s still liquid in the bottom of the Instant Por, just turn the pressure cooker to simmer for a few minutes until all of the water evaporates. 

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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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A bowl of red rice topped with parsley.

Instant Pot Whole Grain Red Rice

Lundberg whole grain red rice keeps a chewy, firm texture after it is cooked and it has a wonderful nutty flavor. It takes a little longer to cook but the Instant Pot makes it quick and easy. You will smell a lovely, nutty, popcorn aroma as the rice cooks.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 32 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 104kcal
Author: Dahn Boquist

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Lundberg whole grain red rice
  • 2-¼ cups water or broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional

Instructions

  • Place the rice, water (or broth), and salt in the Instant Pot.
  • Secure the lid and place the valve in the sealed position.
  • Cook on high pressure for 28 minutes.
  • Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then release the rest of the pressure manually.

Notes

Whole grain red rice absorbs more water than some other rice grains. For every 1-cup of red 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.

Cooking times for high altitudes:

  • Over 2000 feet= 29 minutes
  • Over 3000 feet = 31 minutes
  • Over 4000 feet = 32 minutes
  • over 5000 feet = 34 minutes
  • over 6000 feet = 35 minutes

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 429mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

Dahn Boquist

Dahn is a retired nurse, recipe creator, home cook, baker, and self-proclaimed foodie. She loves creating in the kitchen and cooking for family and friends. She lives in Washington State with her husband and dog. When she isn't cooking or baking, you can usually find her spending time with her grandchildren or exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

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Recipe Rating




angiesrecipes

Wednesday 9th of August 2023

Using butter and broth to cook rice is definitely the way to go. The rice turned out really great, Dahn. angiesrecipes http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com

Dahn Boquist

Wednesday 9th of August 2023

Thanks Angie, I'm glad you liked it.

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