Instant Pot Rice Recipes That Don’t Burn

If your Instant Pot keeps flashing **“Burn”** when you cook rice — you’re not alone. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

With the right ratios, prep, and method, you can make **perfect, fluffy rice every time — no scorching, no errors, no stress**.

In this post, you’ll get:

• ✅ 3 no-burn rice recipes (white, brown, mixed grain)
• ✅ Exact water ratios & cooking times
• ✅ How to fix and prevent the “Burn” code
• ✅ Free printable “No Burn Code Fix” cheat sheet

✨ Love One-Pot Meals?
Grab the 100 Beginner’s Instant Pot Bean and Grain Cookbook — just $0.99! Packed with rice bowls, grain pilafs, and lentil-rice combos.

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Why Your Instant Pot Says “Burn” (And How to Stop It)

The dreaded **“Burn” error** is the #1 Instant Pot rice problem. But it’s preventable.

Top 4 Causes of Burn Code:

1. Not enough liquid – Too little water = scorching.
2. Unrinsed rice – Starch builds up and sticks.
3. Residue on pot – Leftover bits from sautéing.
4. Wrong ratio – Using stovetop ratios (usually 1:2) won’t work.

✅ The Fix: Rinse rice → Use exact ratios → Deglaze after sauté → Use correct pressure time → Allow proper release.

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🍚 Instant Pot Rice Water Ratios (Never Burn Again)

Rice Type	Rice : Water	Pressure Time	Release Method
White (jasmine, basmati)	1 : 1.25	4 mins	Natural 10 mins → Quick release
Brown rice	1 : 1.75	22 mins	Natural 10 mins → Quick release
Quinoa	1 : 1.5	1 minute	Natural 10 mins
Mixed grains/lentils	1 : 2.5 (total)	25 mins	Natural 10 mins → Quick release

Pro Tip: Always rinse rice until water runs clear to remove excess starch.

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Recipe 1: Perfect White Rice (No Burn Method)

Servings: 4 | Protein: 4g | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 4 mins | Cost: $0.50/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (e.g., jasmine or basmati)
• 1¼ cups water
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp oil (optional, prevents sticking)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
2. Add rice, water, salt, and oil to Instant Pot.
3. Seal and set to Manual (High Pressure) for 4 minutes.
4. Let sit 10 minutes (natural release), then quick release.
5. Fluff and serve.

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Recipe 2: Fluffy Brown Rice (Burn-Proof)

Servings: 4 | Protein: 5g | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 22 mins | Cost: $0.60/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1¾ cups water
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp oil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Rinse rice well under cold water.
2. Add all ingredients to Instant Pot.
3. Seal and set to Manual (High Pressure) for 22 minutes.
4. Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
5. Fluff with fork and serve.

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Recipe 3: Mixed Grain & Lentil Rice (One-Pot, No Burn)

Servings: 4 | Protein: 14g | Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Cost: $1.20/serving

Appliance: Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• ½ cup white rice
• ½ cup quinoa
• ½ cup red lentils
• 2½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Rinse all grains and lentils until water runs clear.
2. Add to Instant Pot with broth and spices.
3. Seal and set to Manual (High Pressure) for 25 minutes.
4. Natural release 10 mins, then quick release.
5. Fluff and serve as a complete protein-rich bowl.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Instant Pot say 'Burn' when cooking rice?

The 'Burn' error happens when food sticks to the bottom. For rice, this is usually caused by: 1) Not enough liquid, 2) Food stuck to the pot from previous use, 3) Unrinsed rice (starch buildup), or 4) Using the wrong ratio. Always deglaze after sautéing and use exact water ratios.

How do I fix the 'Burn' code on my Instant Pot?

1) Cancel cooking, 2) Carefully open lid, 3) Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom, 4) Add ½–1 cup hot water, 5) Stir gently, 6) Re-seal and restart. To prevent: deglaze after sautéing, rinse rice, and use correct ratios.

Do I need to rinse rice before cooking in the Instant Pot?

Yes! Rinsing removes excess starch that can cause clumping and burning. Rinse under cold water until it runs clear — about 30 seconds for white rice, 1–2 rinses for brown.

What’s the best rice to water ratio for Instant Pot?

White rice: 1:1.25 (1 cup rice to 1.25 cups water). Brown rice: 1:1.75. Quinoa: 1:1.5. Always use the 'Pasta' or 'Manual' setting and allow natural or quick release as needed.

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📥 Get Your Free Printable: “No Burn Code Fix” Cheat Sheet

I’ve created a **free downloadable guide** with:

• ✅ Water ratios for 10+ grains
• ✅ Step-by-step burn fix
• ✅ Deglazing tips
• ✅ Rice prep checklist

👉 Download it here (with a free 4-week meal plan from my $0.99 cookbooks)

More One-Pot Recipes?
Check out the 100 Beginner’s Instant Pot Bean and Grain Cookbook — just $0.99! Perfect for rice bowls, pilafs, and meal prep.

— Rossi Voss | Author of the $0.99 Cookbook Series
rossivoss.blogspot.com