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Fluffy rice, seasoned perfectly and then flavored with garlic and fresh herbs, turns out beautifully every single time, thanks to the Instant Pot! Garlic and Herb Rice is full of amazing flavor and is a terrific side dish that can be served any time of year.
This rice is terrific served with Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs or Oven Baked BBQ Chicken for a weeknight meal, and perfect for Sunday supper.
In This Post
If you’re a fan of the Instant Pot craze, you have to try this dish! It’s simple to make, but it’s packed with flavor. The best part is how tender the rice turns out when it’s cooked in the pressure cooker.
It’s hard to resist a bowl of perfectly seasoned rice, especially for my sons, who could eat it every day. That’s why I was thrilled to discover that rice can be cooked in the Instant Pot in less than 20 minutes.
Using this “hands-off” cooking method, I can focus on preparing other dishes for my meal, which saves me a lot of time. Plus, this inexpensive side dish is incredibly versatile – you can add a variety of flavors to rice, so let your imagination run wild!
To get great results, make sure you use the right amount of water for the amount of rice you’re cooking. As a general rule, one cup of rice needs one cup of water for the Instant Pot. Also, be sure to spread the rice evenly across the bottom of the pot, whether you’re using wild rice or basmati rice. By following these tips, you’ll have a tasty and satisfying meal in no time!
I love having a go-to recipe that can be made for every season, is easy to make, and one that I know my family and friends will enjoy. This Instant Pot Garlic and Herb Rice recipe does all those things wonderfully!
Tips For The Best Instant Pot Rice
- Use the right rice-to-water ratio: For long grain rice, use a 1:1.25 ratio of rice to water. This will ensure that the rice cooks properly and doesn’t become too mushy or dry.
- Consider adding cooked wild rice: If you want to add some texture and variety to your dish, mix in some cooked wild rice. This will also increase the nutritional value of your meal.
- Adjust cooking times for brown rice: If you’re using brown rice instead of white rice, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time.
- Explore flavors from other parts of the world: Add some variety to your garlic and herb rice by incorporating flavors from Indian and Pakistani cuisine, such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander. This will give your dish a unique and delicious twist.
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Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, you can use brown rice instead of long-grain rice in this recipe. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio to ensure that the brown rice cooks properly. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time than white rice.
Yes, you can add vegetables to the Instant Pot along with the rice for a complete meal. Just make sure to adjust the water and cooking time accordingly based on the type of vegetables you’re using.
Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs in this recipe. However, keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh herbs, so you’ll need to use less of them. As a general rule, use ⅓ the number of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs.
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.
Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. This will give your rice a savory, rich flavor that pairs well with garlic and herbs. Just keep in mind that the sodium content in chicken broth is higher than in water, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.
Need ideas of what to serve with Instant Pot Garlic and Herb Rice? Try these recipes:
- Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Grilled Lemon Chicken
- Balsamic Brown Sugar Pork Roast in the Crock Pot
- Sheet Pan Hamburger Steak with Mushrooms and Onions
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt (or less if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley – chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives – chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Place rice in a strainer and rinse under running water until water runs clear, 3-4 minutes. Add water, rinsed rice, garlic and olive oil to Instant Pot and stir. Secure lid on pot. Select RICE button (it will set to 12 minutes) and close steam valve.
- Once timer goes off, do a quick release on steam valve. Carefully, remove lid and fluff rice with a fork. Add in parsley, chives, salt and butter, gently mixing into rice. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store cooled leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Nutrition
Want To Know More About Using The Instant Pot?
If you are new to cooking with an Instant Pot or just don’t know where to start, I’ve got something to help. I’ve put together a helpful guide with tips and recipes to get you using the Instant Pot like a pro!
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Sarah
This was easy to make and came out perfect! I used chicken broth instead of water and then omitted the added salt.
Thank you for the great rating!
~Donya
Alexis
Absolutely delicious. Even my son loved it, and he usually cannot stand the taste of rice. Thank you so much!