Instant Pot Mushroom Rice

Today, I am sharing another Instant pot rice recipe that will wow your taste buds. It's Mushroom Rice!

Instant Pot Mushroom Rice is one recipe that is as easy to prepare as it sounds. With all the right spices in hand, I was done with the cooking part in less than 30 minutes. Not many entrees can qualify for that. Try this the next time you are in a bind or if you are running out of ideas.

A white bowl is with mushroom rice on the table

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About this recipe
Ingredients note
Step by step method
Common questions
Expert tips
More Instant pot recipes
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About this recipe

I wanted to share a recipe that was quick and easy. So I adapted this Instant pot mushroom rice recipe from my other recipes such as Vegetable Rice, with a new main ingredient...Mushrooms. It turned out to be a powerful combo of savory spices and chewy mushrooms.

It is a nice drift from the usual steamed rice routine, and I loved the fact that all the spices I added to the mix, complements the mushrooms and makes it truly authentic and sumptuous. My kids loved them and went for a second round too!

I paired this Instant pot mushroom rice with methi matar malai and it served me well because all the mushrooms in the dish had rendered the rice a little too dry.

Likewise, a side dish such as soya chunks kurma would also help in restoring the wetness as well as complementing the flavor from mushrooms!

The recipe combines typically fragrant basmati rice with sweet caramelized onions, garlic, and sauteed cashews. There are several supporting casts of spices that come together as well. Check out the recipe below for more details.

Ingredients note

All the ingredients for mushroom rice is on the table like mushrooms, rice, spices and coconut milk.

Mushrooms: I bought sliced white mushrooms. You could buy whole white too and slice them, but be sure to wipe them clean before using.
Basmati rice: Use extra long grain basmati rice. I usually go with 'Reserve' brand or 'Laxmi' brand extra long basmati rice. Using any other kind other than basmati compromises a lot of flavors. Be sure to rinse and soak the rice for 10 minutes.
Spices: Cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon give a nice flavor to the mushroom rice. You can skip any of these if it is not available to you.
Coconut milk: This is totally optional, but adding coconut milk gives a nice and creamy texture.
Onion and Garlic: I prefer red onion for their sweet texture once they are sauteed. White or yellow onions are fine too. Garlic complements the flavor from mushrooms and you do not want to skip this. I prefer fresh chopped garlic, but you could also use garlic powder for this recipe.
Water or vegetable broth: You can use water or broth, both would do just fine. I prefer low sodium broth as it adds an additional layer of flavor.

Step by step method

Rinse the rice and soak at least for 10 minutes.

A pot with oil and dry spices for mushroom rice

Add oil to the inner pot in your Instant Pot and press saute. When the oil heats up, add jeera/cumin seeds, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, stirring constantly for a minute.

An instant pot is with spices, and onions on saute mode

Add chopped ginger, chopped garlic, and chopped green chilies. Continue to saute for a minute. Add onions and cook for 1-2 minutes. Or until it's translucent.

Add salt, Garam Masala, chili powder, turmeric powder, and mix well.

A pot is with spices, onions and sliced mushroom over the heat.

Add sliced mushrooms.

And coconut milk and stir continually for about 30 seconds.

Add soaked and drained rice, and water. Mix well.

An instant pot is with pressure cooker mode.

Press cancel. Place the lid and close the pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 5 minutes.

Let the pressure release for 10 minutes naturally then do a quick release. Fluff the rice with a fork.

Common questions

How long can we store this mushroom rice?

Mushroom rice has a decent shelf life. You could refrigerate and preserve the taste for up to 4 days. Just reheat and serve with raita or curry.

Can we use other white grain rice instead of basmati rice?

Basmati does offer a lot of flavors, but if you cannot find it, Sona masoori or Quinoa are good options to choose from. Be sure to adjust water quantity and cook time, according to the type of rice you choose.

Can we serve mushroom rice as a main dish?

Yes, this is worthy to be served as a main, that's how good this is! Serve with raita or pair with curries.

Expert tips

Rinse the rice well and soak it for at least 10 mins. This will give you a nice fluffy rice texture.
The addition of coconut milk is optional.
Add your choice of nuts. And it is totally fine to skip the cashew nuts.
Browning mushrooms give extra flavor to the dish.
I have used long grain basmati rice in this recipe. The ratio of 1 cup rice to 1 ¼ cup water will result in rice texture with a slight bite to it. If you like your rice softer, add 1 ½ cups of water to the rice instead.
Don't slice the mushrooms too thin as they will disintegrate and disappear. I recommend a ⅕″ thickness. Or buy pre-sliced mushroom just like me 🙂
Wash/wipe clean the mushrooms and use them immediately.