Cooking brown rice has never been easier! Instant Pot brown rice makes the most deliciously light and fluffy brown rice pilaf ever.

Instant Pot to the rescue again!

When I first posted about the Instant Pot (and pressure cooking in general) over six months ago, I wondered if all the world would still be enamored with the Instant Pot come mid-year.

I haven’t done any type of scientific research, but judging by the number of requests I get for Instant Pot/pressure cooking recipes, I’d say the love is still going strong.

A white dish full of cooked brown rice pilaf, with an Instant Pot in the background.

I use my Instant Pot and stovetop pressure cooker all the time. Several times a week, at least – and often I have both going simultaneously around dinnertime. I’m a huge fan (or perhaps just a big pressure cooking nerd), and that’s an understatement.

Here is a growing list of my favorite pressure cooker recipes.

I’ve been making simple Instant Pot brown rice for months now (1 1/4 cups liquid + 1 cup brown rice + pinch of salt for 22 minutes, natural release), but a few weeks ago I wanted to elevate the already delicious brown rice just a touch to go with this tender grilled salmon (heads up: that right there is a perfect combo for dinner).

A white dish full of cooked brown rice and orzo pilaf.

Taking a minute to quickly sauté onions or shallots in butter, lightly toasting the rice and using broth instead of water, takes every day brown rice (that’s pretty stellar in the Instant Pot already) and makes it a million times better.

And it’s not really any harder than my usual brown rice system. This Instant Pot brown rice pilaf is good stuff and pairs well with so many dishes.

Brown rice is deliciously wholesome, but it can be a bit tricky to cook perfectly so it’s fluffy and tender (anyone who’s had to eat crunchy nubbins of brown rice due to inept cooking is totally feeling me on this issue, am I right?).

Pressure cooking the brown rice into a pilaf (basically adding a bit more flavor) is the perfect solution to all brown rice woes.

What are you using your Instant Pot for these days? 

One Year Ago: Healthier Chocolate No-Bake Cookies
Two Years Ago: Fresh Strawberry Gelato {i.e. Italian Ice Cream}
Three Years Ago: Grilled Honey Chicken and Veggie Kebabs

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Instant Pot Brown Rice Pilaf

4.44 stars (80 ratings)

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup finely diced onion or shallot
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups long grain or basmati brown rice
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions 

  • Add the butter to the insert of the InstantPot and select the saute function. When the butter melts, add the onion and salt. Cook, stirring often, until the onions is starting to turn translucent, 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the rice and cook for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly.
  • Stir in the garlic and broth.
  • Secure the lid. Select Manual and decrease the time to 22 minutes.
  • After the cook time is over, let the pressure naturally release. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pressure Cooker: this recipe can easily be made in a stovetop pressure cooker. Decrease the cooking time to 22 minutes.
Serving: 1 Serving, Calories: 221kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 252mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g

Recipe Source: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe