My Instant Pot Fried Rice is the quickest, most flavorful way to make fried rice at home. Starting with uncooked rice, this method yields fluffy grains that don’t stick, and the finished dish is full of vegetables and scrambled eggs for added protein and nutrients.
If you enjoy fried rice, try some of my other variations like Ham Fried Rice and Easy Beef Fried Rice.
Instant Pot Fried Rice
You can make a delicious fried rice in under 30 minutes using uncooked rice and the Instant Pot. After testing this method several times, I found a reliable process to prevent sticking. Once the rice is cooked, I spread it on a sheet pan and chill it briefly in the freezer so the grains separate. By the time the eggs are scrambled and the vegetables are sautéed, the rice is cold and ready to be fried.
This Instant Pot Fried Rice is a great option when you don’t have leftover rice and need a fast weeknight meal. Use whatever protein or vegetables you have on hand — chicken, beef, shrimp, ham or bacon all work well. You can also swap in brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa if desired, but adjust cooking times and be sure the grains are well chilled before stir-frying.
Serve it on its own or alongside favorite takeout-style dishes such as slow cooker beef & broccoli or sweet & sour chicken.
What you’ll need:
- White rice & water: Jasmine or any long-grain white rice. Water to cook it in the Instant Pot.
- Butter: Adds flavor and helps sauté the ingredients.
- Veggies: Onion, carrots, garlic and peas for texture and nutrients.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Controls saltiness while providing savory flavor.
- Oyster sauce: Adds umami depth to the dish.
- Sesame oil: A small amount for a toasty finish.
How To Make Rice In The Instant Pot that DOESN’T Stick!!
- Rinse: Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch. This step is essential for non-sticky rice.
- Sauté the rice in fat: Use the SAUTE function on the Instant Pot. Melt 1 tablespoon butter, add the rinsed rice, and toast for about 2 minutes.
- Pressure cook: Add the measured water, stir, cover, and set the valve to SEAL. Pressure cook on HIGH for 5 minutes. Important: turn off the “keep warm” setting to avoid rice sticking to the pot.
- Release steam: Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, then spread it on a sheet pan and chill in the freezer while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Scramble the eggs: Add 1 tablespoon butter to the Instant Pot, pour in whisked eggs and cook until just scrambled. Remove and set aside. Wipe the pot clean before proceeding.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, then sauté carrots and onions for about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook another minute. Add the cold rice from the freezer and fry it with the vegetables for 2–3 minutes so it heats through and begins to separate.
- Season and finish: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Return the scrambled eggs to the pot and mix everything together. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Kelley’s Tips For Success
- Beat the eggs well: Whisk the eggs thoroughly so they cook up light and fluffy.
- Don’t skip the butter: Butter adds flavor and helps create a rich, satisfying fried rice.
- Chill the rice: Always use cold rice for frying. Warm rice will turn mushy and clump together.
- Storing leftovers: Keep leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot; add a splash of water if the rice has dried out.
What To Serve With Fried Rice
- Honey Chicken Stir Fry
- Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
- Air Fryer Egg Rolls
- Mongolian Beef
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Vegetable Chow Mein
- Japanese Cucumber Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook Fried Rice without an Instant Pot?
Yes. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, follow a stovetop fried rice method or use an air fryer version. Just be sure to use cold, separated rice for the best texture.
Can I use brown rice or quinoa for fried rice?
You can. Brown rice and quinoa both work but require different cooking times and a firmer texture. Chill them thoroughly before stir-frying to prevent clumping. The flavor and texture will differ from white rice, but they’re healthy alternatives.
If you love using your Instant Pot to cook rice, try Instant Pot Spanish Rice for another easy weeknight side.
More Take-Out Inspired Meals to Try
- Chicken Lo Mein
- Air Fryer Egg Rolls
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Garlic Fried Rice
- Chicken Teriyaki
- Beef Fried Rice
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Instant Pot Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup uncooked white rice (jasmine recommended)
- 1 1/3 cup water
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 3 large eggs, whisked
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup peas
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- sliced green onions, for garnish
- sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Cook Rice
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Rinse rice to remove excess starch.
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Select SAUTE on the Instant Pot. Melt 1 tbsp butter, add rice, and toast for 2 minutes. Add water, stir, cover, and set the valve to SEAL. Pressure cook on HIGH for 5 minutes. Turn off the “keep warm” setting.
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Allow a natural release for 10 minutes. Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, then transfer to a sheet pan and chill in the freezer while you prepare the rest.
Scramble Eggs
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Add 1 tbsp butter to the Instant Pot, pour in whisked eggs, and cook until scrambled. Remove and set aside. Wipe the pot clean.
Cook Vegetables / Assemble
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Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter, then sauté carrots and onions for 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add the chilled rice and fry for 2–3 minutes.
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Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Return the eggs to the pot and combine. Serve immediately with green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition Information
Carbohydrates: 61g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Sodium: 776mg
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