Making Easy Instant Pot Fried Rice at home can seem like a daunting task, especially when you think about achieving that perfect crispy texture and deep, savory flavors. But don’t worry — with the help of your Instant Pot, you can create the best fried rice ever in just a fraction of the time, with less fuss and more flavor.
This easy Instant Pot fried rice recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or when you have a craving for that delicious, takeout-style dish but don’t want to leave the house. Ready in 30 minutes, it delivers everything you love about traditional fried rice — savory, fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, vegetables, and a hint of sesame oil — with minimal prep and cleanup.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Fried Rice?
The Instant Pot is the key to making fried rice in a fraction of the time. Here’s why using the Instant Pot for this recipe is such a great idea:
◉ Quick cooking time: The Instant Pot cooks rice in just a few minutes, saving time compared to traditional stovetop methods.
◉ One-pot meal: Everything is cooked in one pot, minimizing the mess and hassle.
◉ Perfect texture: With the precise cooking settings, your rice will come out tender and fluffy every time, without any of the sticky mess that can occur with stovetop frying.
◉ Flavor retention: The Instant Pot seals in flavors, ensuring each grain of rice absorbs the rich seasonings, giving it a more aromatic and flavorful finish.
◉ Consistency: Unlike stovetop methods, where the risk of overcooking or burning the rice is high, the Instant Pot provides consistent, reliable results.
What You’ll Need for Instant Pot Fried Rice
To make this easy Instant Pot fried rice, you only need a handful of ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
Key Ingredients
◉ Jasmine rice: This long-grain rice is ideal for fried rice because it has a light, fluffy texture and won’t turn mushy. If you prefer, you can also use basmati rice.
◉ Eggs: The eggs add richness and flavor, creating that classic fried rice texture.
◉ Vegetable oil: For sautéing the garlic and ginger and ensuring that the rice fries evenly. You can also use sesame oil for a deeper flavor.
◉ Garlic: Minced garlic is essential for the savory aroma of fried rice.
◉ Ginger: Fresh ginger adds an aromatic, slightly spicy flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
◉ Soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish from becoming too salty. Tamari or coconut aminos can be used for a gluten-free alternative.
◉ Frozen mixed vegetables: This typically includes peas, carrots, and corn. You can customize it with whatever veggies you like, such as bell peppers, edamame, or broccoli.
◉ Green onions: A fresh garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and color to the dish.
◉ Sesame oil: For that signature fried rice flavor and fragrance.
◉ Salt and pepper: To taste.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Fried Rice
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Instant Pot fried rice. These instructions are simple to follow and will guide you through every step, ensuring a perfectly executed dish.
Step 1: Cook the Rice
The key to successful fried rice is starting with properly cooked rice.
Add the rice: Add 1½ cups of rinsed jasmine rice and 1½ cups of water to the Instant Pot. Add a pinch of salt.
Cook under pressure: Close the lid and set the vent to Sealing. Select the Pressure Cook/Manual setting and cook for 4 minutes on high pressure.
Release pressure: Once the cooking cycle ends, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After that, perform a quick release to let out the remaining steam.
Fluff the rice: Open the lid carefully, fluff the rice with a fork, and transfer it to a large plate or tray. Let it cool. If you’re in a hurry, you can place it in the fridge or freezer to speed up the chilling process.
Pro Tip: The rice needs to be cool to fry properly. Freshly cooked rice will be too soft and sticky to give you that perfect fried rice texture.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Set to sauté mode: Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Cook the eggs: Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour them into the hot oil. Scramble them until just set, but not overcooked.
Remove the eggs: Transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside. Wipe the Instant Pot liner clean with a paper towel.
Pro Tip: Don’t let the eggs cook too long. You want them soft and fluffy, not dry. They will cook more when mixed with the rice.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Add oil: Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the Instant Pot.
Sauté aromatics: Once the oil is hot, sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Be sure not to let them burn.
Step 4: Fry the Rice
Add veggies: Toss in your frozen vegetables and sauté them for a couple of minutes until they’re heated through. Move them to one side of the pot.
Fry the rice: Add the cooled rice in two batches. Let the rice sit undisturbed for a minute to get crispy before stirring. Stir for another minute to combine.
Pro Tip: For crispy fried rice, let it sit without stirring for 1–2 minutes before tossing it. This mimics the technique used in stir-frying at high heat.
Step 5: Add the Seasonings
Flavor it up: Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce and 1½ teaspoons of sesame oil. Stir well to coat the rice evenly.
Add eggs and green onions: Stir in the scrambled eggs and sliced green onions. Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or sesame oil if needed.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about Instant Pot fried rice is how customizable it is. You can easily switch up ingredients based on your preferences, dietary restrictions, or what’s in your pantry. Here are a few ideas to give your fried rice a twist:
Protein Additions
Chicken: Dice some cooked chicken or sauté chicken pieces with the vegetables for a complete meal.
Shrimp: Add cooked shrimp for a seafood twist. Add shrimp after sautéing the vegetables to prevent overcooking.
Tofu: For a vegetarian option, sauté pressed tofu cubes with the vegetables for a savory addition.
Pork: Thinly sliced pork or ham can be added for a heartier dish.
Vegetable Add-ins
Broccoli: Add some steamed or lightly sautéed broccoli for an extra crunch.
Bell peppers: For a pop of color, dice red or yellow bell peppers and stir them in with the vegetables.
Spinach: Fresh spinach can be stirred in at the end for extra nutrients.
Corn: Frozen or fresh corn adds a natural sweetness to the dish.
Edamame: Frozen edamame can be tossed in with the peas for an extra protein boost.
Flavor Variations
Kimchi Fried Rice: For a bold, spicy kick, stir in some chopped kimchi after frying the rice.
Pineapple Fried Rice: Add some fresh or canned pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory Thai-style fried rice.
Spicy Fried Rice: Add a bit of chili sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to kick up the heat.
Curry Fried Rice: Sprinkle in some curry powder for an exotic twist on the traditional fried rice.
Pro Tip: Always taste your fried rice before serving. Adjust the seasonings as needed by adding more soy sauce, sesame oil, or a dash of pepper. Fried rice is best when seasoned to your taste!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Fried Rice
Instant Pot fried rice is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and mains to make a full feast. Here are some options for serving:
Protein Pairings
Hibachi Chicken: Pair your fried rice with grilled hibachi chicken and drizzle with a bit of yum yum sauce for an authentic hibachi meal.
Grilled Shrimp: Serve alongside some perfectly grilled shrimp for a quick seafood option.
Hibachi Steak: If you love a hearty meal, serve the fried rice with a side of hibachi-style steak.
Vegetarian Options
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter side, serve your fried rice with steamed broccoli, carrots, or zucchini.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup would complement the dish perfectly, adding a light broth to balance the fried rice.
Sauces and Dips
Yum Yum Sauce: A creamy and slightly sweet sauce that pairs wonderfully with fried rice.
Ginger Dipping Sauce: This flavorful sauce is perfect for dipping your fried rice and other sides.
Sweet and Sour Sauce: For a tangy, flavorful dip to enhance your fried rice experience.
Pro Tip: If you’re serving this dish as part of a larger spread, consider making extra fried rice as it reheats beautifully and can easily be served as leftovers.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This dish makes excellent leftovers and is ideal for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Storage Instructions
Fridge: Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze fried rice for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Reheating Tips
Microwave: To reheat, add a splash of water or soy sauce, cover, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
Stovetop: Heat the rice in a pan with a bit of oil over medium heat. Add a splash of water if needed to help steam and rehydrate the rice.
Pro Tip: When reheating fried rice, try not to overcook it. You want it to stay fluffy, not dry.
FAQs On Instant Pot Fried Rice
Why is my Instant Pot not good at rice?
If your rice turns out too mushy or undercooked in the Instant Pot, it’s often due to incorrect water-to-rice ratios, using the wrong type of rice, or not rinsing the rice well before cooking. To ensure perfect rice every time, use a 1:1 water-to-rice ratio for white rice (adjust for other types like brown rice), rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, and let the pressure release naturally for best texture.
Can I use instant rice for fried rice?
Instant rice can be used for fried rice in the Instant Pot, but it’s not the ideal choice. Instant rice has a softer texture and doesn’t hold up as well under stir-frying. For better fried rice texture, use regular long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati, as they retain their structure better when fried.
How do you cook rice in the Instant Pot?
To cook rice in the Instant Pot, simply rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, then add it to the Instant Pot with water (generally a 1:1 ratio for white rice). Seal the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 3–4 minutes. Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure and fluff the rice with a fork.
Can you use instant rice for hibachi?
While you can technically use instant rice for hibachi, it’s not recommended for the best texture. Traditional hibachi fried rice benefits from day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that’s chilled, as it firms up and helps achieve that crispy, non-mushy texture when stir-fried. Instant rice may not provide the same results.
Can I make fried rice with leftover rice in the Instant Pot?
Yes, leftover rice works great for making fried rice in the Instant Pot. The rice will be firmer and drier, which is perfect for achieving that classic fried rice texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook rice in the Instant Pot and chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours before using it for fried rice.
Instant Pot Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
1½ cups jasmine rice, rinsed
1½ cups water
2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
2 eggs, whisked
1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1½ tsp sesame oil
3 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Rice
Add rinsed jasmine rice and water to the Instant Pot. Add a pinch of salt.
Close the lid, set the vent to Sealing, and select Pressure Cook/Manual on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
Fluff the rice with a fork and spread it out on a large plate to cool. (If in a hurry, place it in the fridge or freezer for 15–30 minutes.)
Scramble the Eggs
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble, stirring occasionally, until set. Remove the eggs and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add 1 tbsp oil to the Instant Pot, and sauté the garlic and grated ginger for 30–45 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the mixed vegetables, and sauté for another 2 minutes. Move the veggies to one side of the pot.
Fry the Rice
Add the cooled rice in two batches. Let it sit undisturbed for 1–2 minutes to get crispy, then stir to combine.
Drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil, and stir well to coat the rice evenly.
Combine and Finish
Add the scrambled eggs and green onions. Stir everything together and cook for another minute or two until heated through.
Taste the rice and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or pepper as needed.
Notes
Chilled rice is essential for the best texture in fried rice. If using fresh rice, spread it out on a plate to cool, or chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Soy sauce can be adjusted for personal taste. Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep it from getting too salty.
For added flavor, drizzle a little extra sesame oil at the end.
You can swap the vegetables based on your preferences — broccoli, corn, and bell peppers work great.
Protein add-ins: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 109 mg |
| Sodium | 439 mg |
| Potassium | 228 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 2613 IU |
| Vitamin C | 6 mg |
| Calcium | 47 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Method: Instant Pot, One Pot
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Comfort Food
