Fluffy, fragrant, and effortlessly perfect—Calrose rice in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for home cooks craving restaurant-quality texture. This medium-grain rice, a staple in Japanese cuisine, turns tender with just the right amount of chew.
Pair it with Kerala Fish Curry for a coastal Indian feast, or serve it alongside Chicken Karahi for a bold, smoky contrast. The Instant Pot locks in moisture and enhances the rice’s natural sweetness.
Mastering Calrose rice in the Instant Pot means unlocking a world of possibilities—from sushi bowls to stir-fries and beyond. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever made rice any other way.
Why You’ll Be Hooked?

- Consistently Perfect Texture – No more mushy or undercooked rice; the Instant Pot guarantees fluffy, separate grains every time.
- A Global Staple with Endless Pairings – It works beautifully with everything from Kerala Fish Curry to Chicken Karahi, making it a must-have in your pantry.
- Effortless Meal Prep – Cook once, and you’ve got the perfect base for quick weeknight meals, grain bowls, or fried rice.
- Sushi-Worthy Results – Ideal for sushi, poke bowls, and Asian-inspired dishes with just the right stickiness.
- Set It and Forget It – Let the Instant Pot do the work while you focus on crafting flavorful sides.

Instant Pot Calrose Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
- Measuring cups
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Rice spatula or fork
- Kitchen timer
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp cold water
- 1 cup medium grain Calrose rice
Instructions
- Gently rinse the Calrose rice under cold water, draining well and adjusting the water amount to 1 cup + 1 tablespoon.
- Place the rice and 1 cup + 3 tablespoons of cold water in the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid, set to High Pressure, and cook for 6 minutes, then allow a full natural release for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully open the lid, fluff the rice with a spatula or fork, and serve with your favorite dish.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming overly sticky.
- Using filtered water can enhance the flavor and purity of the rice.
- Adjusting the water ratio slightly can help achieve a firmer or softer texture.
- If cooking a larger batch, maintain the 1:1 water-to-rice ratio for consistent results.
Nutrition | Value |
Calories | 210kcal |
Carbohydrates | 46.2g |
Protein | 4.2g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Use a Fine-Mesh Strainer – This makes rinsing the rice quick and efficient without losing any grains.
- Measure Water Precisely – A small difference in water can affect the texture, so use a measuring cup for accuracy.
- Let the Instant Pot Do the Work – No need to babysit! Just set it and let the pressure cooker handle the rest.
- Fluff Immediately – Gently fluffing the rice right after cooking prevents clumping and keeps it light and fluffy.
- Experiment with Textures – If you prefer softer rice, add an extra tablespoon of water; for firmer rice, reduce by a tablespoon.