If you’ve been craving the comforting flavors of fried rice, but don’t feel like standing over a hot stove to make it happen, say hello to your new best friend—the Instant Pot! This one-pot wonder is the perfect solution for creating a quick, tasty, and hassle-free fried rice meal that's loaded with flavor. Whether you’re in need of a fast weeknight dinner or a way to use up leftover rice and veggies, this recipe has you covered.

Instant Pot Fried Rice


Grab your ingredients, and let's get cooking!

Ingredients

Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need to make Instant Pot Fried Rice. Feel free to customize based on what you have on hand!

For the fried rice base:

  • 2 cups Jasmine rice (or any long-grain rice)
  • 2 cups water (to cook the rice)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
  • 2-3 green onions, sliced (optional)

For seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free version)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional for added umami)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional, for extra flavor depth)

For toppings:

  • 2 large eggs (optional if you like scrambled egg in your rice)
  • Cooked protein such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu (optional but highly recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

  1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy.
  2. Add the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, set the valve to "Sealing," and select the manual pressure cook mode for 4 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a 10-minute natural release, then carefully do a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
  3. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and spread it out on a baking sheet or plate to cool slightly. (Using day-old or cooled rice is key to achieving that classic fried rice texture!)

Step 2: Sauté the Base Ingredients

  1. Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function and add the vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until softened. If you're including cooked protein like shrimp or chicken, add it here to warm it through.

Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings

  1. Add the cooked rice back into the Instant Pot with the sautéed veggies. Stir everything together.
  2. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce (if using), and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the rice with the seasonings. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce or pepper if needed.

Step 4 (Optional): Scramble the Eggs

  1. Push the rice mixture to one side of the pot to create space for the eggs. Crack the eggs directly into the pot, and scramble them with a spatula or spoon until cooked through.
  2. Once the eggs are cooked, stir them into the fried rice mixture.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

  1. Turn off the sauté function and garnish the fried rice with sliced green onions.
  2. Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-quality fried rice straight from your Instant Pot!

Tips for Customization and Variations

  • Use leftover rice: Day-old rice creates the best texture since it’s dry and less sticky. If you're using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a plate to cool before frying.
  • Mix up the protein: Swap out shrimp, chicken, or tofu for diced ham, bacon, or tempeh. Or make it completely vegetarian!
  • Go heavy on veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms.
  • Amp up the heat: For a spicy kick, stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or chili-garlic sauce.
  • Low-carb version: Sub jasmine rice with cauliflower rice and reduce the cooking time to just sautéing the cauliflower with the other ingredients.

Why Use an Instant Pot for Fried Rice?

The Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of cooking rice and simplifies the whole process by making it a one-pot dish. No worrying about unevenly cooked grains or juggling stove burners—it does it all! Plus, the sauté function makes frying the rice and veggies a breeze. With a little prep and a few minutes of cooking, you can whip up homemade fried rice that tastes just as delicious (if not better) as takeout.

It's time to make this quick, flavorful dish a regular in your meal rotation. Give it a try and watch the Instant Pot work its magic!

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