Instant Pot Brown Rice (long grain or basmati) - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

FAQs

Is brown basmati rice better than brown long-grain rice? ›

Brown basmati rice is also comparable to other types of brown rice. While both white and brown versions of basmati rice provide vital nutrients, brown basmati rice contains more fiber, phosphorus, zinc, and B vitamins. Brown basmati rice is also lower on the glycemic index.

Add 1 cup water + 1 cup rinsed brown rice to Instant Pot. Secure lid, press Pressure Cook – High, and set to 20 minutes.

Basmati rice is cooked with a 1.5 to 1 ratio of water to rice and long grain with a 2 to 1 ratio. Long grain takes a few minutes longer to cook as well. So yeah, they'll both cook but the basmati will be overcooked by the time the long grain is done.

Instant rice has simply been cooked and dehydrated so it cooks quicker than long grain rice. Feel free to use them interchangeably. Looking for some delicious rice recipes?

Did you know that basmati rice cooks in less than half the time as long grain brown rice? BEFORE YOU START: Determine what rice you have and read the "Before You Start" in the notes below.

Brown basmati rice is actually the same thing as white basmati rice, only its outer bran layer hasn't been polished off. This means it has a stronger, nuttier flavor. It also makes it a whole grain, meaning it's more nutritious (more on that later).

Transfer rice to rice cooker. Add 2 cups water for every 1 cup brown rice. Cook 50 minutes or until rice is fluffy and tender. Let stand for another 10 minutes before serving.

To cook brown rice on the stovetop, a good rule of thumb is to follow a 2 to 1 ratio of water to rice; so, for 1 cup of rice, you would use 2 cups of liquid. When in doubt, check the package directions for the optimal ratio for short-, medium-, and long-grain.

"While instant brown rice is slightly pre-cooked and then dehydrated (and this does result in a loss of some nutrients), the difference is inappreciable," says Monica Auslander Moreno, MS, RD, LD/N, nutrition consultant for RSP Nutrition.

Now, looking at the cooking-time chart in the IP recipe book, I see that basmati is supposed to cook for 4-8 minutes, while the brown rice cooks for 22 minutes.

Why is basmati rice better than long grain? ›

Basmati rice has a unique nutrient profile that may provide several health benefits. It is lower in calories and glycemic index than many other types of rice. Whole-grain basmati rice is said to be healthier than refined white rice. It is high in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals.

Aged, long grain basmati rice needs more liquid than other types of basmati rice. You want it to be firm, each kernel separate, but soft enough to break easily between your fingers. Not adding salt. Not adding salt to rice is the equivalent of not adding salt while boiling pasta.

True to its name, long-grain rice is slim and lengthy, nearly four to five times longer than it is wide. This type of rice includes American long-grain white and brown rices, Basmati rice, and Jasmine rice, and produces distinct firm grains that stay fluffy and separate after cooking.

If the heat is too high, the water evaporates before the rice has a chance to fully cook. If you don't add enough water, the rice ends up dry and crunchy. And if you don't cook the rice long enough, it gets soft on the outside but doesn't cook through.

As a result, brown rice is higher in magnesium and other minerals. It also has more fiber. For example, a cup of white long-grain rice contains just one gram of fiber, whereas a cup of brown rice contains four. As a point of reference, you're shooting for between 25 and 30 grams of fiber each day.

Lundberg Family Farms Organic Long-Grain Brown Rice

Their organic long-grain brown rice is one of the best on the market, as it's certified organic, certified gluten-free, and non-GMO verified. It's also free of any additives and contains only one ingredient — organic long-grain brown rice.

Nutrition-wise, both jasmine and basmati contain just trace amounts of fat and will give you a little protein boost, but basmati has a lower glycemic index (around 57-67 to jasmine's 68-80 range), meaning it raises blood sugar more slowly and creates a better effect of fullness.

Brown rice provides similar amounts of calories and carbs to white rice, which has had the bran and germ removed. However, the brown variety is slightly higher in fiber and protein ( 4 , 5 ). Both fiber and protein promote feelings of fullness and can help you maintain a moderate weight.