So you’ve got a basmati rice recipe in mind but aren’t sure how to cook basmati rice. The good news is you needn’t worry at all. In this guide, we’ll show you how to cook basmati rice perfectly, but also the easy way. Whether that’s in a pot on the stove, the microwave, or in an instant pot, we’ve got you covered.

Too often, rice comes out too hard or too soft and soggy. With these hacks, you’ll discover the simplest ways to avoid those basmati disasters. Instead, you’ll be on your way to basmati rice excellence. To top things off, we’ll throw in some delicious basmati rice recipe recommendations too, so you can put your skills to the test.

Basmati Rice for You

To begin, let’s first get to grips with what you need in the pantry. There are two types of basmati rice that you can use for great basmati rice recipes. One is your regular rice that you buy in packaging. The other form is microwavable cups. Luckily, Minute Rice has got both!

Minute Rice® Quick Cook Basmati

Our rice is different, and a dream for people with busy schedules. Why? Because Quick Cook Basmati takes only 5 minutes to prepare and still guarantees top-notch quality. This is for cooking rice in a pot and on the stove, although it also works in the microwave with the right steps. 

Minute Rice® Basmati Cups 

We all get busy at times and that’s where Minute Rice® Basmati Cups can save the day. Ready in just 1 minute, not having enough time to make great meals will never be a good excuse again. Ever! Now let’s dive into some cooking methods.

How to Cook Basmati Rice in a Pot

Water to Rice Ratio

For basmati rice, most chefs recommend a ratio of 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Some believe a little less than that does the trick well enough, such as 1 ¾ cups of water for 1 cup of rice. Since our basmati rice cooks in only 5 minutes, you’ll be fine on the lower end of the scale, using just 1 cup of water per 1 cup of rice.

Steps for Cooking Quick Cook Basmati Rice

  • Boil water in a pot on the stove.
  • Add the rice.
  • Stir, cover, and remove the heat.
  • Wait for 5 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed by the rice.
  • Fluff with a fork, and serve.

How to Cook Basmati Cups in the Microwave

If 5 minutes isn’t quick, easy, and simple enough, rest assured that there’s an even easier way to cook basmati rice. By using our microwaveable cups. 

  • Remove the film completely from the top of the rice cup.
  • Place the cup inside the microwave.
  • Heat on HIGH for 1 minute. (The heating time for 2 cups is 1 ½ minutes.)
  • Stir & serve immediately.

Remember that the cup and steam will be very hot. So be sure not to place your hand over the top of the cup when removing it! 

How to Cook Basmati Rice in an Instant Pot

If you’re cooking your Quick Cook Basmati in an Instant Pot, use a 1:1 water-to-rice ratio. After measuring and combining the water and rice, stir, then set the cooker to ‘Manual’ with high pressure. For white rice, cook for one minute; for brown rice, cook for five minutes. When done, use the ‘Quick Release’ function to release the steam, fluff the rice, and serve!

Basmati Rice Recipes

Quick Cook Basmati Recipes

This 10-Minute Butter Chicken is simple and highly satisfying! It’s a combo of chicken, irresistible butter sauce, and peas, together with basmati rice. Prepare this if you want something creamy with a spiced blend of flavours.

Similarly, this 10-Minute Lemon Feta Chicken is a Mediterranean-inspired delight that brings chicken together with zesty lemon, Greek seasoning, and feta cheese. Basmati rice is the ingredient that makes the dish complete for a savoury, tangy, and herbaceous meal.

Lemon Feta Chicken

Or why not experience the vibrant flavours of an 8-Minute Orange Fennel Chicken? With chicken, fennel, and a zesty orange twist, your taste buds will dance with joy. Cooking for a crowd? Don’t be surprised if they start begging you for the recipe.

Basmati Cups Recipes

Air-Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Tenders

Try 15-Minute Air-Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Tenders with Rice! In this recipe, chicken meets sweet chili and sriracha sauces, as well as coleslaw and fresh cucumber. Serve it over basmati rice and taste the bold, savoury, and spicy flavours.

Finally, this 16-Minute Green Goddess Rice Salad is a basmati rice salad made with avocado and delicious apples with a herbaceous yogurt dressing. It’s a refreshing, quick dish that’s ready in minutes.