How Long to Cook Basmati Rice

Basmati is a long-grain aromatic rice from India and Pakistan. Known for its nutty fragrance and fluffy, separate grains. Essential for biryani and Indian cuisine.

Quick Answer

How long to cook basmati rice?

Basmati rice takes 15 minutes on the stove with a 1:1.5 water ratio. In a rice cooker it takes 25-30 minutes. In an Instant Pot, cook 4 minutes at high pressure plus 10 minutes natural release.

15 minutes (stove)

Basmati Rice Cooking Times by Method

Basmati rice elongates when cooked instead of getting wider. Proper technique gives you long, separate grains. Rinsing and soaking are more important for basmati than other rice.

Basmati rice cooking times by method
Method	Cooking Time	Water Ratio	Notes
Stove	15 minutes	1:1.5	Low heat, covered
Rice Cooker	25-30 minutes	1:1.5	White rice setting
Instant Pot	4 min + 10 min NPR	1:1	High pressure
Microwave	12-15 minutes	1:1.75	Medium-high power
Oven	45-60 minutes	1:2	350°F, covered

How Long to Cook Brown Basmati Rice?

Brown basmati rice takes 45 minutes on the stove. Use 1 cup rice to 2.5 cups water. In an Instant Pot, cook 22 minutes plus 10 minutes natural release.

Brown basmati keeps the bran layer for more fiber and nutrients. Has a nuttier, earthier flavor than white basmati. Grains still elongate but are chewier.

How Long to Cook White Basmati Rice?

White basmati rice takes 15 minutes on the stove. This is the standard basmati. Polished to remove bran for lighter texture. Most common in Indian restaurants.

How Long to Cook Basmati Rice for Biryani?

For biryani, parboil basmati rice for 7-8 minutes until 70% cooked. Rice should have a bite in the center. Drain immediately. Layer with meat and finish cooking in dum (sealed pot).

Soak rice 30 minutes before parboiling. Add whole spices to boiling water. Long soaking creates the longest grains traditional in biryani.

How Long to Cook Basmati Rice for Fried Rice?

Cook basmati rice 15 minutes, then refrigerate overnight for best fried rice. Day-old rice fries better because moisture has evaporated. Grains stay separate and do not clump.

How Long to Cook Soaked Basmati Rice?

Soaked basmati takes 12 minutes instead of 15. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain and use fresh water for cooking. Soaking allows grains to elongate fully.

How Long to Cook Basmati Rice in Boiling Water?

Basmati rice takes 10-12 minutes in boiling water using the pasta method. Boil large pot of water, add rice, cook until tender, then drain. Good for biryani prep.

How Long to Cook Tilda Basmati Rice?

Tilda basmati rice takes 15 minutes on the stove. Same as other basmati. Tilda is a popular brand known for aged basmati. Follow standard basmati cooking instructions.

Tips for Perfect Basmati Rice

Rinse thoroughly. Rinse 4-5 times until water is clear. Essential for separate grains.
Soak for best results. 30 minutes soaking gives longest grains.
Use aged basmati. Aged rice (1+ years) cooks fluffier than new crop.
Do not stir. Stirring breaks grains and releases starch.
Rest before serving. 5 minutes covered lets grains firm up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Basmati rice takes 15 minutes on the stove with 1:1.5 water ratio. In a rice cooker it takes 25-30 minutes. In an Instant Pot, cook 4 minutes plus 10 minutes natural release.

For biryani, parboil basmati rice for 7-8 minutes until 70% cooked. Drain and layer with meat. The rice finishes cooking with the biryani. Soak rice 30 minutes first for longest grains.

Brown basmati rice takes 45 minutes on the stove. Use 1:2.5 water ratio. In an Instant Pot, cook 22 minutes plus 10 minutes release. Has nutty flavor and more fiber than white basmati.

Soaking is optional but recommended. Soak 30 minutes for longer, more separate grains. Soaking reduces cooking time by 3-5 minutes. Essential for biryani and pilaf.

Soaked basmati rice takes 12 minutes on the stove instead of 15. Drain soaking water and use fresh water for cooking. Same 1:1.5 ratio applies.

Use 1 cup basmati rice to 1.5 cups water on the stove. In Instant Pot, use 1:1 ratio. Basmati needs less water than regular long grain rice. Too much water makes it mushy.