Instant Pot Garlic Rice

Ingredients

Basmati rice: Long-grain basmati rice cooks fluffy and separate, making it ideal for garlic rice without turning mushy in the Instant Pot.

Fresh garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best aroma and flavor; avoid over-browning it to prevent bitterness.

Mustard seeds: Mustard seeds add a mild nutty flavor and traditional South Indian aroma when they splutter in hot oil.

Urad dal: Urad dal adds light crunch and texture to the rice when sautéed until lightly golden.

Turmeric powder: Turmeric gives the rice a gentle, earthy flavor and a light golden color

Salt

Oil

Water or vegetable broth

See the recipe card for a list of ingredients and quantities, plus recipe instructions. You can find the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to make garlic rice

First, you need to peel the skins of garlic and chop them lengthwise.

Press saute and add 2 teaspoon of oil and add mustard seeds, urad dal and saute them until they turn golden.

A pot filled with spices, rice, and Garlic

Add the chopped garlic and saute until the garlic turns brown. Add rinsed rice, turmeric powder, salt, and water.

Press cancel to stop sauteing and close the instant pot lid and press the 'pressure cook' setting with the timer set for 4 mins under high pressure.

Once the timer goes off, do a natural release. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. That is it!

Vegan Instant Pot Garlic Rice is ready to be served hot!

Recipe FAQ

Why turmeric in garlic rice?

Given the health situation in every part of the world, I think we should take all possible safety precautions by improving our immune system. Moreover, adding a pinch of turmeric brings bright yellow color to the table.

What types of rice can be used in garlic rice?

I used basmati rice for my recipe, but just about any kind of rice will do for this recipe. Generally speaking, you would need rice that is not too sticky. If your rice is marked as a 'new crop', you may want to reduce the amount of water.
That's because new crops tend to cook a little faster with less water. Too much water can make it mushy. Jasmine rice, Sona Masoori are all good candidates for this recipe.

Can I skip urad dal in garlic rice?

Yes. You can skip urad dal if you don't have it. It adds a mild crunch, but the garlic rice will still taste good without it.

Can I make this garlic rice oil-free?

You can reduce the oil, but a small amount helps bring out the garlic flavor. For oil-free cooking, sauté using a few tablespoons of water.

Is garlic rice good for lunch boxes?

Yes. This garlic rice packs well for lunch boxes and stays flavorful even after reheating. If your kid or you dont prefer it beacuse of its pungent smell, then you can avoid it.