Does Finger Measuring Rice Work in an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot has a fantastic reputation as a rice cooker.

But the results still depend on what goes INTO the pot. So we return to the age-old question: does finger measuring rice work in an Instant Pot?

You may have heard that the finger trick needs to be adapted when you pressure-cook rice. But does the pot have a guideline for how much rice and water to add when cooking? Can you cook rice using stock in an Instant Pot?

Find out all the secrets to making Instant Pot rice below!

Jump to:

The Rice Finger Trick: What Is It and Does It Really Work?
Does the Rice Finger Trick Work for Instant Pot Rice?
Instant Pot Rice: Water Ratios, Cook Times, and Tips
Troubleshooting Common Instant Pot Rice Problems
Does Finger Measuring Rice Work in an Instant Pot: Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts

The Rice Finger Trick: What Is It and Does It Really Work?

Cooking rice can be tricky. Too much water and you end up with a mushy mess. Not enough and the grains are hard and crunchy.

Enter the rice finger trick: a simple hack that promises perfectly cooked rice every time, with no measuring cups needed.

It works for all our Instant Pot rice recipes. It's a game-changer in the kitchen. So what's the secret?

Who Created The Rice Finger Trick?

The origins of the rice finger trick are a bit murky.

Some say it's an ancient Chinese secret passed down through generations. Others claim it was invented by a busy mom who didn't have time to measure.

My detective skills tell me that it was probably invented by numerous different moms across regions where rice was a staple dish—a very long time ago.

Step-By-Step Guide

Want to try the rice finger trick for yourself? Here's a step-by-step guide:

Measure your rice: Use about ½ cup of uncooked rice per person. Pour it into your pot.
Rinse the rice: Run cold water over the rice, swishing it around with your hand. Drain and repeat until the water runs clear. When you rinse rice, it removes excess starch.
Add water: Level the rice, then place your index finger straight down until it touches the top of the rice. Add water until it reaches your first knuckle, about 1 inch above the rice.
Cook the rice: Cover the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 18-20 minutes. Don't peek.
Let it rest: After 18-20 minutes, remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows any remaining water to be absorbed.
Fluff and serve: Uncover and fluff rice gently with a fork. Serve your perfectly cooked grains and enjoy.

Does the Rice Finger Trick Work for Instant Pot Rice?

So, the rice finger trick works on the stovetop. But what about in an Instant Pot? Can this hack help you achieve the perfect pressure cooker rice?

Does The Rice Finger Trick Work In An Instant Pot?

The rice finger trick can absolutely be used for Instant Pot rice. Try it when making my Spanish rice with chorizo or brown rice & cashew salad. You just need to make a few small adjustments.

Because the Instant Pot uses pressure to cook, less water evaporates during the process. This means you'll need to use a little less water than you would on the stovetop.

Here's how to modify the rice finger trick for your Instant Pot:

Rinse the dry rice and pour it into the Instant Pot insert.
Place your index finger on top of the rice. Add water until it reaches just below the first knuckle, about ¾ inch above the rice.
Close the lid, set the vent to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes (when you want to cook white rice) or 22 minutes (brown rice).
Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

How to make tasty pots of rice in your new Instant Pot

Want to take your Instant Pot rice to the next level? Try these tasty tips:

Toast the rice: Before adding water, sauté the rice in a little oil until lightly toasted for a nutty flavor.
Broth is better: Swap out the water for chicken, beef, or vegetable broth for an extra flavor boost.
Spice it up: Stir in a pinch of saffron, a cinnamon stick, or a bay leaf before cooking for fragrant, flavorful rice. Citrus juice is also a great choice: try my Instant Pot lemon rice.
Go coconuts: For rich and slightly sweet rice, use coconut milk in place of water. Perfect with Thai curries.
Herb it up: After cooking, stir in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or green onions for a pop of freshness.

Instant Pot Rice: Water Ratios, Cook Times, and Tips

Mastering the art of cooking rice in an Instant Pot can totally change your kitchen game.

But to achieve rice perfection, you need to nail the water-to-rice ratio and cooking times.

What is the water-to-rice ratio in an instant pot?

The general rule of thumb for Instant Pot rice is a 1:1 ratio of rice to water. This means for every 1 cup of rice, you add 1 cup of water. This water ratio works for most long-grain white rice varieties like jasmine or basmati.

However, for shorter-grain rice or brown rice, you'll need to use a little more water. For short-grain white rice, use 1 ¼ cups water per 1 cup rice. For brown rice, go with 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups water per cup of rice.

Pressure Cooking Rice Time & Ratio

Here are the cooking times for different types of rice in the Instant Pot:

White rice: 3 minutes on high pressure + 10 minutes natural release
Jasmine rice: 4 minutes on high pressure + 10 minutes natural release
Basmati rice: 4 minutes on high pressure + 10 minutes natural release
Brown rice: 22 minutes on high pressure + 10 minutes natural release
Wild rice: 30 minutes on high pressure + 10 minutes natural release

Remember, these times don't include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. Factor in an extra 5-10 minutes for that.

Find a full guide to rice types from the team at Bon Appétit here!

How to add more flavor to rice

Plain rice is fine, but why settle for fine when you can have fabulous, fluffy rice? Here are some easy ways to add more flavor to your Instant Pot rice:

Use broth: Substitute chicken broth for the water for an instant flavor boost. Beef and vegetable broth are also great choices; see my Instant Pot brisket broth rice as Exhibit A!
Add aromatics: Instant Pot jasmine rice is a treat: check out our recipe for Instant Pot turmeric jasmine rice for golden, delicious results!
Toast the rice: Use the sauté function to toast the rice in a little oil before adding liquid for a nutty flavor.
Season after cooking: Stir in a pat of butter, a squeeze of lime, or chopped fresh herbs after cooking.

Troubleshooting Common Instant Pot Rice Problems

Instant Pots are supposed to make cooking rice easier. But sometimes, things still go wrong.

If you've ever ended up with mushy, crunchy, or burnt rice from your pressure cooker, you're not alone. Here are some common Instant Pot rice problems and how to fix them.

The rice sticks to the bottom of the inner pot.

Stuck-on rice is usually caused by not using enough water or cooking the rice too long.

To prevent sticking, be sure to use the correct water-to-rice ratio and set the cooking time according to your type of rice. You can also try spraying the pot with cooking spray (explained here by the team at The Spruce Eats) before adding the rice and water.

If your rice is already stuck, don't panic. Remove the inner pot from the Instant Pot and let it soak in warm, soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing it.

What If My Rice Is Too Hard With a 1:1 Ratio?

If your rice is coming out crunchy or undercooked, you probably didn't use enough water. As a general rule, use 1 cup of water per 1 cup of rice. For brown or wild rice, increase the water to 1 ¼ cups per cup of rice.

It's also important to let the rice steam after cooking. Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before opening the lid. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture.

What If My Rice Is Too Mushy?

Sticky rice is an art form, but mushy rice is usually a result of using too much water.

Stick to a 1:1 ratio of water to rice, and be sure to use the correct cooking time for your type of rice. White rice only needs 3-5 minutes of cooking time at high pressure.

If your rice is already mushy, you can try salvaging it by spreading it out on a baking sheet and popping it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to dry it out a bit.

Burn Warning Trouble Shooting

The dreaded Instant Pot burn warning. It's every Instant Pot user's nightmare. If you see this message, it means there's not enough liquid in the pot, or the contents are too thick. To avoid a burn warning when cooking rice:

Use the correct water-to-rice ratio
Make sure the rice is spread in an even layer and not clumped together
Add a little extra water if cooking on high pressure for longer than 5 minutes
Make sure the sealing ring and valves are clean and in good condition

If you do get a burn warning, release any pressure, open the lid, and give everything a good stir. If the rice isn't burnt, you can try adding a little more water and restarting the cooking time.

Does Finger Measuring Rice Work in an Instant Pot: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you measure rice in an Instant Pot with your fingers?

You can measure rice in an Instant Pot using your finger. Just add a little less water than usual (to about ¾ of the way up the knuckle on your finger), as less water evaporates during pressure cooking.

Does the finger trick work for any amount of rice?

The rice finger trick works with any quantity of rice, although the type of pot can affect the results. If you're unsure about the water level, most modern rice cookers come with a guideline.

Does the rice button on Instant Pot work?

Yes! The Instant Pot rice cooker button delivers fantastic rice every time, provided you follow the instructions for cooking rice in an Instant Pot closely.