Leftover Rice in an Instant Pot
This simple recipe transforms cold, dried-out leftover rice into fluffy, moist rice that tastes freshly made. Using the Instant Pot, you can quickly reheat and rehydrate your rice with just a few ingredients, making it a perfect side dish and a great way to reduce food waste.
Equipment
- Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
- Trivet or steamer basket (optional – helps prevent sticking)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork (for fluffing the rice)
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover cooked rice preferably refrigerated and slightly dried out
- ½ cup water or low-sodium broth for extra flavor; adjust slightly based on your rice’s dryness
- ¼ teaspoon salt optional, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon butter or olive oil optional, for added richness
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot:
- Ensure the inner pot is clean.
- If desired, place a trivet or steamer basket at the bottom to keep the rice from sticking.
- Add the Rice:
- Transfer the 2 cups of leftover rice into the Instant Pot.
- Use a fork to gently break up any clumps.
- Add Liquid & Seasonings:
- Drizzle ½ cup of water (or broth) evenly over the rice.
- Sprinkle in the salt and add the butter or olive oil if using. Give a gentle stir to distribute the seasonings.
- Pressure Cook:
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position.
- Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the timer for 3 minutes on high pressure.
- Release Pressure:
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the steam release valve to “Venting.”
- Wait until all the steam has been released and the pin has dropped before opening the lid.
- Fluff & Serve:
- Open the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the rice, ensuring the moisture is evenly distributed.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or incorporate into another recipe.
- Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes (plus approximately 5–7 minutes for pressure build-up and release)
- Total Time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pressure Cooking / Steaming
- Cuisine: Versatile/Global
- Diet: Gluten-Free; can be Vegan (omit butter if desired)
- Keywords
- leftover rice, Instant Pot, pressure cooker, reheated rice, rice revival, quick side dish, food waste, easy recipe
- Nutrition
- Based on 3 servings (per serving values are approximate for plain rice without added butter):
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~200
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: ~150 mg (will vary based on salt/broth used)
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Notes
Best with Day-Old Rice: Refrigerated rice works best since it tends to be drier and benefits most from added moisture.
Liquid Adjustments: If your rice is especially dry, you can add a little more water or broth. Conversely, reduce the liquid slightly if your rice is very moist.
Flavor Variations: For extra flavor, stir in chopped herbs (like cilantro or parsley), a splash of soy sauce, or a squeeze of lime after cooking.
Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to add too much liquid or extend the cooking time excessively to prevent mushy rice.
Leftover Use: This method is a great way to salvage leftover rice from any meal—perfect as a quick side dish or a base for stir-fries and rice bowls.
Liquid Adjustments: If your rice is especially dry, you can add a little more water or broth. Conversely, reduce the liquid slightly if your rice is very moist.
Flavor Variations: For extra flavor, stir in chopped herbs (like cilantro or parsley), a splash of soy sauce, or a squeeze of lime after cooking.
Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to add too much liquid or extend the cooking time excessively to prevent mushy rice.
Leftover Use: This method is a great way to salvage leftover rice from any meal—perfect as a quick side dish or a base for stir-fries and rice bowls.