Effortless & Healthy Instant Pot Fried Rice: A Homemade Delight
Transform your weeknight meals with this incredibly easy and healthy Instant Pot Fried Rice recipe. This homemade version of your favorite restaurant-style fried rice cooks quickly in your pressure cooker, utilizing simple and wholesome ingredients, including nutrient-rich brown rice. It’s the perfect versatile side dish or light main meal, ideal for pairing with a wide array of Asian-inspired dishes or enjoying all on its own. Get ready to add a new family favorite to your rotation!
Discover the Simplicity of Instant Pot Fried Rice
Today’s Instant Pot Fried Rice recipe offers an incredibly easy and convenient way to prepare a healthy side dish that complements a wide variety of meals. Gone are the days of spending excessive time over the stovetop; your pressure cooker handles much of the work, making delicious fried rice accessible even on busy weeknights.
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its versatility. It serves as a fantastic base, allowing you to easily incorporate a range of additional ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re aiming for a protein-packed meal or a vibrant vegetarian option, this fried rice adapts beautifully.
For a heartier dish, consider scrambling a couple of eggs and stirring them in at the end, adding a rich, savory dimension. This Instant Pot Fried Rice also pairs wonderfully with various main courses. Imagine serving it alongside a succulent Lemon Marinated Chicken, a perfectly Grilled Ribeye Steak, or crispy Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp. To enhance the flavor and texture, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh green onions makes for an excellent garnish.
This dish is a hit with my family, especially the kids, who often ask for second helpings! It’s proof that healthy and easy meals can also be incredibly delicious and satisfying for everyone.
While my recipe primarily features brown rice for its added fiber and nutritional benefits, you can effortlessly swap it out for white rice if that’s your preference. Similarly, using a frozen stir-fry vegetable medley simplifies preparation, but feel free to use any mix of your favorite frozen vegetables, or even fresh ones with a slight adjustment to the cooking time.
Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Fried Rice
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Fried Rice starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Broth or Water: This liquid is fundamental for cooking the rice in the Instant Pot. While water will certainly work, using a low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth infuses the rice with a richer, more complex flavor right from the start. It’s a simple trick to elevate the overall taste of your fried rice.
- Rice: My go-to for this recipe is brown rice due to its impressive fiber content and nutty flavor, making it a healthier and more satisfying base. However, white rice is an equally viable option if you prefer its softer texture or have it readily available. The Instant Pot cooks both varieties beautifully, ensuring perfectly fluffy grains.
- Vegetables: For ultimate convenience, frozen vegetables are your best friend here. A pre-mixed stir-fry blend saves prep time, but feel free to use any frozen vegetables you have on hand, such as peas, carrots, corn, or broccoli florets. If opting for fresh vegetables, remember to sauté them slightly longer to ensure they are tender-crisp.
- Soy Sauce: The cornerstone of fried rice flavor, soy sauce adds that essential savory, umami depth. I highly recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of your dish, allowing you to adjust to taste without overdoing it. For gluten-free alternatives, tamari or coconut aminos work wonderfully.
- Sesame Oil: While not strictly mandatory, a drizzle of sesame oil at the end transforms this dish. Its distinctive nutty aroma and flavor are classic in Asian cuisine and truly round out the taste of the fried rice. Don’t skip it if you want that authentic touch!
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, olive oil helps to develop a slight crispiness in the rice and vegetables, contributing to the desirable fried rice texture. You can also use another high-heat cooking oil like canola or grapeseed.
- Garnishes: Garnishes are where you can truly make this dish your own and add a professional finish. Sliced green onions provide a fresh, pungent bite, while sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and visual appeal. Chopped peanuts introduce a delightful nutty flavor and extra texture. And as mentioned, a cooked, scrambled egg stirred in at the end is a popular and delicious addition.
How to Make Instant Pot Fried Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing delicious fried rice in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful results every time:
1. Pressure Cook the Rice: Begin by adding your chosen rice (brown or white) and the broth or water to the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Secure the lid, ensuring the sealing valve is in the “sealing” position. Select the Manual (or Pressure Cook) function, set the pressure to High, and cook for 5 minutes. Remember that the Instant Pot will take approximately 10 minutes to build pressure before the 5-minute cooking countdown begins. This initial step ensures the rice is cooked to perfection, creating the ideal foundation for your fried rice.
2. Quick Pressure Release: Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick manual pressure release. Switch the valve from “sealing” to “venting” using a long-handled spoon or a kitchen towel to protect your hand from the steam. Be cautious, as a burst of hot steam will be released, and there may be some splattering. After the pressure has fully released and the float valve has dropped, you can safely remove the lid.
3. Sauté and Combine: After releasing the pressure, change the Instant Pot setting to the Sauté function. This will allow you to “fry” the rice, developing those signature crispy bits that make fried rice so irresistible. Now, add the frozen vegetables, olive oil, low-sodium soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil to the cooked rice. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed and the vegetables are incorporated.
4. Fry to Perfection: Continue to sauté the rice and vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 8 minutes. The goal is to heat the vegetables through and allow the rice to lightly crisp and brown on the bottom of the pot. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, but don’t be afraid to let it get a little golden brown. This step is key to achieving that authentic fried rice texture and flavor.
5. Serve and Garnish: Once your fried rice has reached your desired level of crispness and the vegetables are hot, it’s ready to serve! Transfer it to bowls and, if desired, garnish with freshly chopped peanuts for crunch and thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy your homemade, restaurant-quality Instant Pot Fried Rice!
How to Store Leftover Instant Pot Fried Rice for Maximum Freshness
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Instant Pot Fried Rice for days to come. To keep your leftovers fresh and safe, it’s crucial to refrigerate them promptly after cooling. I recommend spreading the fried rice evenly in a shallow baking dish or a large, airtight container. This allows it to cool down more quickly, minimizing the time it spends in the temperature danger zone. Once cooled, seal the container and place it in the refrigerator. Your Instant Pot Fried Rice will remain fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making it perfect for convenient meal prep throughout the week.
Can I Freeze Instant Pot Fried Rice? Absolutely!
One of the many benefits of this Instant Pot Fried Rice recipe is its freezer-friendly nature. You can easily prepare a larger batch and freeze half for a quick and easy meal on another day. To do this, allow the fried rice to cool completely in the refrigerator first. Then, transfer it to a large, freezer-safe ziplock bag, pressing out as much air as possible before sealing, or use an airtight freezer-safe container. For even greater convenience, you can portion the fried rice into smaller individual baggies or containers, making it easy to grab a single serving when you need it.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen fried rice, simply remove the desired portion from the freezer. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Add the frozen fried rice to the skillet and slowly reheat, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through and any ice crystals have melted. The gentle reheating process helps maintain the rice’s texture and flavor, providing a delicious meal with minimal effort.
What Should I Serve Instant Pot Fried Rice With?
This incredibly versatile Instant Pot Fried Rice makes a fantastic side dish for almost any Asian-inspired meal. Its balanced flavors and satisfying texture mean it complements a wide range of proteins and vegetables. Here are some of my favorite recipes to serve alongside it:
Easy Korean Noodles Recipe
The savory and slightly spicy flavors of Korean noodles are a perfect match for the mild, comforting notes of fried rice. The contrasting textures create a dynamic and enjoyable meal.
Teriyaki Salmon Recipe
The rich, umami glaze of teriyaki salmon beautifully complements the subtle flavors of fried rice. This combination offers a healthy and flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Asian Marinated Flank Steak
For meat lovers, a tender and flavorful Asian marinated flank steak provides a robust main course that pairs wonderfully with the lighter, vegetable-filled fried rice. The marinade’s sweetness and tang enhance the overall dining experience.
Spicy Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry
If you enjoy a bit of a kick, the vibrant and spicy notes of a Thai basil chicken stir-fry will be perfectly balanced by the soothing rice. It’s a classic combination that delivers on both flavor and texture.
Spicy Chicken Soup
While often thought of as a standalone meal, a comforting bowl of spicy chicken soup can be wonderfully complemented by a side of fried rice. The rice helps to absorb and mellow the soup’s heat, creating a more rounded and satisfying meal, especially on a chilly day.
No matter your preference, Instant Pot Fried Rice is a flexible and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s truly a dish that keeps on giving, from quick dinners to impressive side dishes.
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Instant Pot Fried Rice
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Ingredients
- 2 cups brown rice , or white rice
- 2 cups water, or broth
- 2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- peanuts , optional– for garnish
- green onions, optional– for garnish
Instructions
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Add the rice and water to the Instant Pot.
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Attach the lid and ensure the vent is in the “sealing” position.
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Heat the Instant Pot using the Manual Pressure-Normal-High Pressure function and set the timer for 5 minutes.
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The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure and will then begin counting down from 5.
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Once the Instant Pot has finished cooking, release the pressure manually by switching the valve to the “venting” position. Be careful— the valve will steam and may splatter.
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Turn the Instant Pot to the Saute function.
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Add the frozen vegetables, soy sauce, olive oil, and sesame oil. Saute the rice and vegetables, stirring occasionally for 5-8 minutes, or until the rice has started to crisp in some areas and the vegetables are hot.
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Serve with chopped peanuts and sliced green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Fresh vegetables would also work beautifully in this recipe— I’d recommend a colorful mix of carrots, broccoli, peas, and bell peppers. If you opt for fresh onion, sauté it for a few minutes before adding it to the rice and other vegetables to soften it and prevent an overpowering raw onion flavor.
- If you don’t have sesame oil, don’t worry, you can still make fantastic fried rice! It adds a lovely nutty depth, but the dish will still be delicious without it. Consider adding a few drops of toasted nut oil if you have it for a similar flavor profile.
- For those who love egg in their fried rice, here’s a simple trick: after the rice and veggies are cooked, remove them from the Instant Pot. Crack an egg (or two, depending on your preference) directly into the pot and scramble until fully cooked. Break the eggs into smaller pieces, then return the cooked rice and vegetables to the Instant Pot and stir to combine evenly.
- This recipe is truly a blank slate— feel free to be creative and make it your own! Consider adding other delicious components like water chestnuts for crunch, edamame for extra protein and color, or even a swirl of unsweetened peanut butter for a richer, more complex sauce. The possibilities are endless!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.