How to Use the Rice Cooker Function on an Instant Pot to Make a Fluffy Steamed Takeout Style Garlic White Rice!
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
When I moved from the UK to the USA after getting married, I adjusted to the food here pretty well. I love American comfort food, I love the portion sizes, and I’ve learned to re-create so many things at home.
But one thing I miss with my whole heart is how easy it is in the UK to get genuinely good Indian food!
It is everywhere back home. Every village, every town, every late night. And here in the States, it isn’t quite the same and I haven’t yet found that perfect takeaway that tastes like home.
One of my favourite things to order in an Indian restaurant in England is the simplest dish on the menu. Just fluffy, fragrant, perfectly steamed white rice with a hint of garlic. It is not fancy, it is not complicated, but it is perfect with absolutely everything.
The trouble is that trying to look up how to cook rice in the Instant Pot can send you into total overwhelm. There are hundreds of articles, hundreds of videos, and more rice-to-liquid ratios than anyone needs to see before dinner.
And honestly, many of them overcomplicate something that does not need complicated at all.
So here is the truth. For white rice in the Instant Pot, you only ever need a 1:1 ratio. One cup of water to one cup of rice. It’s as easy as that!
And if you simply want to recreate that soft, garlicky, takeout-style steamed rice like I was missing so much, this is the method that works every single time. No fuss. No soaking unless your packaging calls for it. No twelve-step process. Just real food made simply.
And just a quick note before we go any further… no, you absolutely do not have to add the salt. This is simply how my family enjoys it, and I’d have to prise the salt out of my husband’s cold dead hands before he’d eat plain rice. Y
ou do whatever works for your own kitchen. I had no idea salt and oil in rice were such controversial topics online, but goodness, people certainly have strong opinions about it!
Making things like this at home quickly with my Instant Pot, means I’m able to stretch our food budget that little bit further and avoid expensive takeouts on busy nights.
Every penny saved helps us along baby step 2 of our debt free journey as a military family on a budget!
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
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As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So come into the kitchen with me and make this Easy Instant Pot Takeout Steamed Garlic White Rice the way we do in our home.
It is cosy, reliable, and perfect with curries, stews, stir fries, grilled meats, or even just a fried egg on top when you’re in a hurry!
Equipment
- Instant Pot with Rice Cooker function
- Measuring jug
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or spoon to fluff and serve
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Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6
- 2 cups white rice (washed or unwashed, follow your packaging instructions)
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Add the rice to the Instant Pot insert
Use washed or unwashed rice depending on the instructions on your packaging. Add the rice directly into the metal insert.
Step 2: Add the water
Pour in 2 cups of cold water. Give a quick stir to make sure no rice is stuck to the sides of the pot.
Step 3: Add the garlic and salt
Sprinkle the salt and spoon in the minced garlic. Stir gently if needed to distribute the garlic evenly.
Step 4: Close the lid and set to SEAL
Make sure the steam valve is set to SEAL, not VENT.
Step 5: Select the RICE function
Most Instant Pots cook white rice on LOW pressure for around 12 minutes using the preset RICE button. Press start.
Step 6: Natural Release for 10 minutes
Once the cooking cycle ends, let the pot sit for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
Step 7: Fluff and serve
Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a spatula or spoon, and serve immediately for perfect soft garlic steamed rice.
Make This Recipe With Me!
Sometimes it’s just easier to watch a video than read a recipe card isn’t it?! So here’s a quick tutorial on how to make this simple and delicious recipe at home and on a budget – thank you for joining me in the kitchen today!
Notes
- Rice to liquid ratio is always 1:1 for white rice in the Instant Pot.
- Garlic amount can be adjusted for personal taste.
- Cold water works best and helps the pot pressurise evenly.
- Using the Rice function prevents overcooking and creates that takeaway-style fluffy texture.
- If your packaging requires rinsing, rinse before measuring your 2 cups of rice.
Troubleshooting
Rice too mushy?
This usually means too much water was added or the rice was rinsed but not drained well. Measure carefully and shake out excess water after rinsing.
Rice too firm?
Add two tablespoons of water, put the lid back on, and steam on KEEP WARM for 5 to 10 minutes.
Rice stuck to the bottom?
Give a quick stir before cooking to make sure the grains are not clinging to the sides.
Garlic burnt?
If using fresh minced garlic that is very finely minced, you can stir it in after the cook time instead.
Storage
- Store cooked rice up to 3 days in an airtight tub in the fridge.
- Reheat with a splash of water in the microwave.
- Freeze cooked rice flat in freezer bags up to 2 months.
Serving Ideas
- Perfect with:
- Chicken curry
- Lentil daal
- Butter chicken
- Tandoori chicken
- Beef stews
- Stir fries
- Grilled meats
- Veggie bowls
FAQ
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Use the same 1:1 ratio for rice to water. Just make sure you do not fill the Instant Pot above the max line when the rice expands.
Can I use basmati or jasmine rice instead of regular white rice?
Yes. Both work beautifully. Follow the same 1:1 ratio and the same Rice function. Basmati will be a little fluffier and more separate, while jasmine will be softer and more fragrant.
Do I need to rinse the rice?
Follow your packaging. Some rice requires rinsing and some does not. If yours says rinse, make sure to drain well so you are not accidentally adding extra water to the pot.
Can I sauté the garlic first?
You can if you prefer a stronger garlic flavour. Use the sauté function for 30 seconds with a touch of oil, then add the rice and water. Just be sure not to brown the garlic or it may turn bitter.
What if my Instant Pot does not have a Rice button?
Select LOW pressure manually and set the timer for 12 minutes. Then use the same 10 minute natural release.
Can I use garlic powder instead of minced garlic?
Yes. Use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder per cup of rice. The flavour will be milder but still delicious.
Why does my rice sometimes stick together?
Certain brands of rice have higher starch levels. Rinsing (if your packaging allows it) helps reduce this. Also make sure to fluff gently after cooking rather than stirring.
Can I freeze cooked rice?
Yes. Freeze flat in a freezer bag, then reheat with a splash of water in the microwave. It freezes and reheats surprisingly well.
Easy Instant Pot Takeout Steamed Garlic White Rice Recipe!
November 24, 2025Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Use washed or unwashed rice depending on the instructions on your packaging. Add the rice directly into the metal insert.
- Pour in 2 cups of cold water. Give a quick stir to make sure no rice is stuck to the sides of the pot.
- Sprinkle the salt and spoon in the minced garlic. Stir gently if needed to distribute the garlic evenly.
- Make sure the steam valve is set to SEAL, not VENT.
- Most Instant Pots cook white rice on LOW pressure for around 12 minutes using the preset RICE button. Press start.
- Once the cooking cycle ends, let the pot sit for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
- Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a spatula or spoon, and serve immediately for perfect soft garlic steamed rice.
Video
Notes
- Rice to liquid ratio is always 1:1 for white rice in the Instant Pot.
- Garlic amount can be adjusted for personal taste.
- Cold water works best and helps the pot pressurise evenly.
- Using the Rice function prevents overcooking and creates that takeaway-style fluffy texture.
- If your packaging requires rinsing, rinse before measuring your 2 cups of rice.
Storage
- Store cooked rice up to 3 days in an airtight tub in the fridge.
- Reheat with a splash of water in the microwave.
- Freeze cooked rice flat in freezer bags up to 2 months.
Related Recipes:
Check out all our other Easy Instant Pot Recipes HERE!Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Takeaway
This Easy Instant Pot Takeout Steamed Garlic White Rice recipe is simple, budget friendly, dependable, and tastes exactly like the fluffy garlic rice I used to order back home in the UK. No guesswork.
No complicated ratios. Just a warm bowl of soft fragrant rice that goes with absolutely everything.
Keep this one bookmarked for your own weekly meals because once you try it, you’ll never stand at the stove babysitting rice again!
What to Read Next?!
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Last update on 2026-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
