Hi everyone! I have another simple and easy recipe to share with you today! I know I have been doing this quite a bit lately, but I promise, there is a method to my madness! Haha, ok onto the recipe! Instant Pot Brown Rice with Peppers!
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some common questions
Why brown rice? Well I like to incorporate any extra nutrients where ever I can in our kitchen! I love to make healthier substitutions when ever possible.
So, what makes brown rice healthier? Let me boil it down for you. In short summary, brown rice has only the hull removed which leaves the bran and germ in place, making it a whole grain. Whereas white rice undergoes extensive processing and is stripped of its bran, germ, and a lot more. Yes, white rice is slightly lower in calories, but, because brown rice undergoes much less processing it has more nutrients, is higher in protein, and higher in fiber.

Cooking Brown Rice
Brown rice can be tricky to cook. It takes longer than white rice, and under cooking it is very easy and very unpleasant. But if you learn how to cook it properly it is so yummy! This is why I LOVE my Instant Pot! It makes cooking perfect brown rice so, so easy! I have converted many white rice lovers to brown rice using this cooking method. When brown rice is cooked properly, it has a nutty earthly flavor, and slightly chewy texture.
If you are considering investing in an Instant Pot, I would recommend getting the larger size. We are only a family of two (so far) and the larger size has been perfect! It doesn't have to be filled to the max line to use it, but it comes in handy for making bone broths and other large batch recipes.
The Instant Pot makes cooking this brown rice recipe a breeze! All you have to do is saute the peppers for a few minutes, toss in the rice and water, plop the lid on and walk away. Don't go too far though, it only takes 4 minutes!!! (14 minutes total, with the natural release method to depressurize the unit)
This recipe makes enough to feed an army- literally. But, I absolutely love having leftover rice in the fridge. It makes a great addition to any lunch meal, and comes in uber handy at dinner when you are in a rush but do not want to eat cheezies and cucumber slices before running out the door. Not speaking from experience or anything... ?
Ordering Chinese food? Skip the restaurant rice, and use this Instant Pot Brown Rice! If you order the Chinese food then start the recipe, you will still beat your delivery person! It is much more nutritious and you'll save a few bucks, who doesn't enjoy that?!
Recipes that this pairs well with

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Instant Pot Brown Rice with Peppers
healthy and easy side dish
Ingredients
- 5 cups Water
- 4 cups Brown Rice
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
- 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt, pinch
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot on to sauté mode, and let it warm up.
- Add the extra virgin olive oil, peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and peppers are slightly softened.
- Add the brown rice to the pot and sauté for 1 minute to toast the rice. This gives the rice a nutty delicious flavour.
- Turn the Instant Pot off, and add the water and pinch of salt. Swirl with a spoon to just combine.
- Secure the lid and make sure the pressure release valve is in the sealing position. Turn the Instant Pot to high pressure for 4 minutes.
- When the cooking time is up and the Instant Pot automatically switches to "keep warm" let the Instant Pot count up to 10 minutes.
- Carefully release the pressure and remove the lid. Stir rice to combine the peppers, and serve!
Notes
Alternatively, you can cook this on the stove with a large saucepan with a tightly fitted lid. Saute the peppers and garlic in the olive oil for 2 minutes. Pour in the rice and saute for one more minute. Add the water, stir to combine, and cover tightly with the lid. Reduce the heat and let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes until all of the water has evaporated and the rice is fluffy. Do NOT remove the lid during the cooking time. Keep a close eye on the rice near the end of the cooking time, the rice is prone to burning near the end. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 119Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 19mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g
Please Note- The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator and it will vary based on the ingredients that you use.
Allison says
Finally, a comprehensive recipe for rice in the Instant Pot. Can’t wait to give this one a go. Thanks for all your great recipes.
Jessica says
You're welcome! I am glad that you are enjoying them!
Miri says
Brown rice takes twice as much than white rice . I can’t imagine you can cook brown rice in 4 minutes or 14 minutes . Even with my Kuhn rikon it takes 18 minutes .
b says
I just tried this and followed it as closely as I could. I also thought the 4 minutes + 10 minutes wait time wasn't enough, because it took me like 15 minutes + 5 mins wait time for a cup of brown rice and cup of water before in the instant pot. This definitely wasn't cooked long enough, but is sort of edible. I thought the recipe is also very bland, but maybe that is just my opinion / preference.