Instant Pot Sushi Rice

Name: Instant Pot Sushi Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups sushi rice; 1 1/2 cups water; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar

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Instant pot sushi rice is a quick and simple way to prep rice for sushi. Using the rice setting on your instant pot cooks perfect rice each time!

Our sushi rice recipe cannot be any simpler. It is made with 3 ingredients in under 25 minutes. The sticky rice can then be used to make homemade sushi, poke bowls, buddha bowls and more!

For more recipes featuring rice, check out Gluten Free Chicken Fried Rice, Dairy Free Rice Pudding, Gluten Free Spanish Rice and Old Fashioned Boiled Chicken and Rice.

Table of Contents

Instant Pot Sticky Rice

We have always followed the cooking instructions on the back of the sushi rice container, not knowing there was any other way.

Then came along the Instant pot… Having success with cooking other rice varieties such as basmati and brown rice, we were inspired to try sushi rice too.

Now, we cannot wait for you to try this cooking method to create the best sushi rice! It creates the perfect sticky texture each time.

You will be making Tuna Sushi Rolls and Salmon Buddha Bowls featuring sushi rice real soon.

To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!

Equipment

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups sushi rice
1 1/2 cups water
3 tablespoons rice vinegar

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

How To Make

Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer for 2 minutes. Shake to remove as much water as you can.

Rinsing sushi rice is a step you do not want to skip. It removes any debris and excess starch to prevent mushy rice.

water poured into instant pot with sushi rice

Prep the instant pot

Place the rice and water into the instant pot. Cover and turn to sealing.

Cook

Set the instant pot to the rice setting, turn to high pressure, and set for 12 minutes. Once the time is up do a natural release for 5 minutes then release the steam and remove the cover.

Add the rice vinegar

Drizzle the rice vinegar over the rice in the instant pot. You always want to add the vinegar while the rice is still hot.

Using a wooden spatula at an angle, chop at the rice to stir and loosen the rice.

Use as desired.

wooden spoon stirring rice in instant pot

How To Use

Sushi rice is going to be best used immediately after cooking and cooling.

Let the rice come to room temperature then incorporate into any desired recipe.

Cover the rice with a damp towel once chilled if other ingredients are being prepped so the rice stays moist.

How To Store

You can make sushi rice in advance and store in the fridge. It is not recommended to fresh sushi rice.

Be aware that storing longer than 24 hours can result in the rice being less fluffy and becoming very sticky.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sushi rice?

Sushi rice is a short grain white rice that is combined with rice vinegar to create a shiny and fluffy rice.

What is the best rice for sushi?

You only want to use sushi rice when making sushi. Do not swap with another rice variety as its sticky characteristic is vital to holding sushi together.

Why use a chopping method when adding the vinegar?

Using a spatula to incorporate the vinegar at an angle helps to prevent mashing the rice and it becoming too mushy.

Do you have to use rice vinegar?

Yes! Do not swap for other varieties of vinegar such as white, red wine or apple cider. Other vinegar flavors are too strong for rice. Plus, rice vinegar helps with the consistency of rice and to balance the acidity when mixing with fish.

What is seasoned rice vinegar?

Seasoned rice vinegar is just rice vinegar with a little sugar and salt added for flavor.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Add rice to a strainer and run cool continuous water over the rice. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy once cooked.
After the vinegar is added, use a spatula to chop (do not stir) the ingredient into the rice.
Let the rice cool at room temperature before using it in your recipe. Cover the rice with a damp cloth if not using right away to keep the rice moist.

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup
Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast With Vegetables
Chicken A La King (Instant Pot + Stovetop)
Mississippi Chicken (Instant Pot)
Frozen Chicken Instant Pot Roundup
Chuck Roast in the Instant Pot
Instant Pot Meatloaf
Instant Pot Lemon Cake
Instant Pot Beef Bone Broth
Instant Pot Chili Mac

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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