Imagine a side dish so incredibly fluffy, so rich and aromatic, that it transforms your entire meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Our Instant Pot Buttery Basmati Rice is not just a recipe—it's a culinary shortcut that will make you look like a professional chef in just 15 minutes! Whether you're a busy home cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof method guarantees restaurant-quality rice that will have your family and guests begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot inner pot. Pour in 4 cups of water and add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Cut the butter into small cubes and distribute evenly over the top of the rice. The butter will melt during cooking and create a rich, luxurious texture.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing position. Select the "Rice" setting or manually set to high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle completes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes. This helps the rice absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
- After 5 minutes, carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure by turning the valve to venting.
- Open the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring the melted butter is evenly distributed throughout the grains.
- Let the rice rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow any remaining steam to distribute evenly.
- Serve hot as a side dish or base for your favorite Indian-inspired meals.
Tips
- Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which prevents clumping and ensures each grain remains separate and light.
- Use cold water when rinsing to help maintain the rice's delicate texture and prevent breaking the grains.
- Distribute butter cubes evenly across the rice before cooking to ensure a consistent, rich flavor throughout.
- Resist the temptation to stir the rice during cooking—this can make the rice gummy and compromise its texture.
- The natural pressure release is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked rice, so be patient during this step.
- Fluffing the rice with a fork after cooking helps separate the grains and distribute the melted butter evenly.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a few whole spices like cardamom pods or a cinnamon stick during cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
