Flavorful Instant Pot Garlic Rice Recipe for Quick Weeknight Meals

Garlic rice done in under 10 minutes? Yes — try this Instant Pot garlic rice recipe!

This simple Instant Pot garlic rice rivals restaurant versions and is ready in about ten minutes. Using a pressure cooker makes the process fast and foolproof. Ready to learn how to make fluffy, flavorful garlic rice in your Instant Pot? Let’s get started in the bistro kitchen.

What You Need For This Recipe

A short list of pantry staples is all you need to make this pressure cooker garlic rice. Gather the following before you begin:

• Rice – long-grain rice works best; Basmati or Jasmine both make great results.
• Fresh garlic – 2–3 cloves, or more if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
• White onion – one small onion, finely chopped.
• Vegetable oil – for sautéing. You can use sunflower, olive, avocado, or rice oil.
• Butter – unsalted butter, plant-based butter, or margarine to enrich the flavor.
• Water – for cooking the rice.

The precise ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.

How To Make Instant Pot Garlic Rice

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté to warm the inner pot. Add vegetable oil and butter once the pot is hot.
2. Meanwhile, finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and stir constantly until they soften and become translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
4. Rinse the long-grain rice until the water runs clearer, then add it to the Instant Pot and stir to coat the grains with the garlic and onion mixture.
5. Pour in the water. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, then press Cancel on the Instant Pot.
6. Secure the lid and set the pressure cooker to cook for 5 minutes. When the cooking cycle finishes, either perform a slow (natural) release for 5 minutes and then quick release, or quick release immediately if you’re short on time.
7. Open the lid, fluff the rice gently with a spoon or ladle, and serve right away.

Note: Some cooks skip the short natural release and do a quick release immediately; both methods work—natural release can give a slightly softer texture.

Can You Make Garlic Rice Ahead

Yes — garlic rice can be prepared ahead and stored for later use. How you store it depends on when you plan to serve it.

For short-term use, refrigerate in an airtight container and consume within 1–2 days. For longer storage, freezing is the best option and keeps the rice usable for several weeks with minimal quality loss.

How To Store Garlic Rice

Store cooked rice safely to avoid bacterial growth. Do not leave cooked rice at room temperature for extended periods.

• Refrigerator – Cool the rice to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag. Use within 24–48 hours for best texture and flavor.
• Freezer – For longer storage, cool completely, pack into freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze. Use within 1 month for best results; it can be kept longer but moisture and texture may degrade.

How To Reheat Rice

Always reheat rice until it’s steaming hot throughout (165°F / 74°C). Here are convenient methods depending on the equipment you have:

• Instant Pot – Use the Sauté function with a little oil, add rice, and stir frequently until heated through.
• Wok or skillet – Heat over medium, add oil to prevent sticking, add the rice, and stir until evenly warmed. Increase heat briefly if needed once the rice loosens from the pan.
• Air fryer – Place rice in a small ovenproof dish, spray lightly with oil, heat at 320°F (160°C) for a few minutes to warm, then increase to 360°F (180°C) for a short finish. Timing varies with quantity and whether frozen.

More Pressure Cooker Rice Recipes To Try

If you enjoy making rice in a pressure cooker, consider trying other easy, flavorful recipes such as cilantro-lime rice, basmati rice, mushroom risotto, fried rice, or mushroom rice for variety.

Instant Pot Garlic Rice

Yield:
2

Prep Time:
3 minutes

Cook Time:
5 minutes

Additional Time:
2 minutes

Total Time:
10 minutes

Make restaurant-worthy garlic rice in an Instant Pot. This recipe is done in 10 minutes with delicious results.

Ingredients

• 1¼ cups Basmati rice
• 1¼–1½ cups water
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1–2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add the vegetable oil and butter.
2. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. When the butter has melted, add the onion and garlic and stir until they become translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Rinse the rice and add it to the Instant Pot, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic.
4. Add 1¼ cup of water and let it come to a simmer, then press Cancel.
5. Close the lid and cook on pressure for 5 minutes. Allow a short natural release (about 5 minutes) or quick release immediately.
6. Open the pot and fluff the rice with a ladle.
7. Serve immediately.

Notes

• If you’re short on time, quick release the pressure when the timer ends.
• This method also works in other electric pressure cookers such as the Crock-Pot Express.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 370Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 126mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 3g

Please note: Nutrition information is provided for guidance and may not be completely accurate.