Instant Pot Fried Rice

Rice is so underrated! You can do so much with it, it’s inexpensive and most people love it. My ham and pineapple fried rice, mango fried rice and garlic turmeric rice are some of my favorites.

This instant pot fried rice uses minimal ingredients with minimal prep needed. Simply cook the rice in the instant pot, add the rest of your ingredients directly to the rice and you’re ready to enjoy. 

What instant pot do you use?

I have the Instant Pot 6qt Duo Pressure Cooker. I have honestly never used any other setting than “pressure cook.” We make all sorts of things in our Instant Pot like Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup,  Macro Friendly Chili and Instant Pot Chicken Stroganoff. We have had this instant pot for years without any issues and I would suggest it for this instant pot fried rice recipe.

How to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom of the instant pot ..

I tested this extensively for cooking rice in the instant pot. The trick is when you start the instant pot fried rice is you have to TURN OFF the KEEP WARM button. When you turn on the instant pot the KEEP WARM button automatically turns on. Turn that bad boy off. This keeps the rice from sticking to the bottom. You’ll still have a little bit of sticking but trust me .. nothing like you’d have if you left it on. Trust me .. lesson learned. 

Can I make this is I don’t have an instant pot?

This recipe is specifically written for the instant pot. If you do not have follow the instructions below. 

1. To a medium pot place 2 cups uncooked basmati and 4 cups water. Stir. 

2. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the rice to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and allow the rice to simmer for 10-12 minutes. Leave the lid on the pot.
After your rice has finished cooking, remove it from the heat and leave it to stand for 5 minutes. Keep the lid on the pot. Then, fluff the rice gently using a fork.

3. Transfer the rice to a large pan or wok. Add the remaining ingredients the same as directed in the instant pot fried rice instructions but in your large pan instead.

What kind of protein would you add to this?

This instant pot fried rice recipe is great with Air Fryer Blackened Chicken, Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken, Air Fryer Sesame Chicken or Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon. You could also add cooked ground turkey, chicken or beef directly to the instant pot with the rice. Top with some additional coconut aminos to add flavor to the cooked meat. 

Does everything go in uncooked?

Once you have cooked the rice and fluffed it in the instant pot you will add pre-heated veggies, raw eggs, and the sauce ontop once the eggs have cooked. Follow the instant pot fried rice recipe instructions. 

Is this good for meal prep?

Great for meal prep! Eat alone, add a protein source as mentioned above. You could even add this instant pot fried rice to a wrap with some chicken. 

This recipe is gluten free and dairy free.

Ingredients and Substitutes:

These are the main ingredients and substitutions. See recipe card below for full ingredients list and instructions for Instant Pot Fried Rice.

Basmati Rice: I am using 2 cups (180 grams) of uncooked basmati rice. You can use any rice you’d like for this recipe. The time in the instant pot is basmati specific. 

Frozen Riced Cauliflower: you can rice your own cauliflower but I prefer to just buy it frozen and pre-riced to save time. This recipe is using a 12 oz. frozen bag. 

Frozen Mixed Veggies: you can use any combination of vegetables you’d like. This recipe uses a frozen 12 oz. bag of mixed vegetables which include carrots, corn, peas, green beans and lima beans. 

Sauce: the sauce is a combination of coconut aminos which are a soy sauce substitute, garlic powder, ground ginger and toasted sesame oil. You can use soy sauce or tamari and untoasted sesame oil. 

Eggs: once the vegetables are mixed in with the rice you will turn the instant pot to saute and cook the eggs. This recipe uses 1 whole egg and 1/3 cup egg whites. You can use 2-3 whole eggs or all whites. 

Toppings: top with additional coconut aminos or soy sauce, chopped green onions, sesame seeds, sriracha, red pepper flakes and your favorite protein. 

How to make this Instant Pot Fried Rice

Cook the rice

Add the uncooked rice and water to the instant pot. Stir. Place the lid on the instant pot and turn the release valve to sealed. Set on manual or pressure cook for 4 minutes. IMPORTANT: turn off the KEEP WARM button. Once the rice has cooked for 4 minutes let it sit for 8 minutes with the lid still on. At 8 minutes quick release and open the lid. 

Prep the veggies

While the rice cooks, microwave the cauliflower according to the package instructions to warm. You can steam the frozen vegetables or just simply add them to a warm bowl of water to defrost. 

Make the fried rice

Add the warmed vegetables to the cooked basmati rice and mix to evenly combine. Once combined push the rice to the side so you have a small opening to the bottom of the instant pot to cook the eggs. 

Cook the eggs

Turn the instant pot to SAUTE. Spray the opening with nonstick spray or sesame oil and pour in the eggs once the bottom is hot. Scramble with a spatula until cooked through. Once cooked mix in with the rice. 

Add the remaining ingredients

Add the coconut aminos, ground ginger, garlic powder and sesame oil to the rice and stir to combine. 

Serve with toppings

Serve and top with sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, sriracha or chopped green onions. Pair with your favorite proteins. 

Ideas to serve with this dish

This instant pot fried rice is terrific as a side dish paired with some of our favorite protein recipes:

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken, Air Fryer Sesame Chicken, Air Fryer Blackened Chicken

What is a serving size?

It is always recommended you weigh your final dish and divide by the number of servings for the most accurate measurements as they can change from person to person for many reasons. 

This instant pot fried rice recipe makes 10 servings at approximately 160 grams per serving. 

Check out some of our other easy instant pot recipes!

• Instant Pot Shredded Beef
• Instant Pot Chicken Stroganoff
• Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
• Macro Friendly Chili