
Brown rice is one of those pantry staples that sounds simple but can go sideways fast — gummy, undercooked, or stuck to the bottom of the pot. The Instant Pot takes all the guesswork out of it, delivering fluffy, perfectly separated grains every single time. A quick rinse under cold water before cooking removes excess starch, which is the real secret to that light, non-clumpy texture. The optional drizzle of olive oil adds just enough richness to make each grain feel a little more finished. For anyone navigating grain sensitivities, this recipe keeps things beautifully straightforward — just rice, water, salt, and a touch of oil. There's no blended seasoning packet or mystery ingredient to scrutinize, so you know exactly what's going into your bowl. The natural pressure release followed by a short rest period is what really sets this apart, giving the grains time to firm up and separate without any extra fuss. It's the kind of reliable base recipe you'll come back to again and again, whether you're pairing it with a stir-fry, a hearty stew, or just eating it simply with a little extra salt.
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Place the brown rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water, stirring with your hand, until the water runs mostly clear, about 30 seconds. Drain well.
Add the rinsed rice, water, salt, and olive oil (if using) to the Instant Pot insert. Stir briefly to combine.
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