A complete meal made in one-pot, this Teriyaki Instant Pot Rice will be a great addition to your mid-week dinner rotation. It's so easy! Stovetop instructions are included too in case you don't have an Instant Pot.
Bonkers. That explains my life right now and quick meals like this Teriyaki Instant Pot Rice are what's keeping me sane. It's a quick, no fuss, mid-week meal with very minimal washing up, just like my Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup. No accompaniments are needed either, unless you want to be fancy schmancy and add some chopped cilantro and green onions like I did for the photos here.
A big ol' bowl of tasty rice is one of my favourite things to eat. My Oven Baked Garlic Mushroom Rice and my One-Pot Spicy Vegetable Rice get made here all the time and now this Teriyaki Instant Pot Rice has been created that will too. They are such straightforward, no fuss, super tasty meals.
And the thing about rice is that it cooks pretty quickly. It's even better when cooked in an Instant Pot because you do not need to watch it at all. No sticking. No stirring. No boiling over. Just set and forget. It even keeps the food warm for you if you aren't quite ready for it when it's done.
How to make Teriyaki Instant Pot Rice
Teriyaki Instant Pot Rice is really easy to make in just a few simple steps. Here's how:
Step 1 - Sauté the vegetables but not the peas (right there in the Instant Pot).
Step 2 - Add some water and soy sauce or coconut aminos.
Step 3 - Add rice wine vinegar, maple syrup and red chili pepper flakes.
Step 4 - Stir then cook. Once done add the peas and let them cook in the residual heat before serving.
What if I don't have an Instant Pot?
Never fear. I have included stovetop instructions too and it's still pretty easy. You'll just have to stir it occasionally throughout cooking so the rice doesn't stick.
Variations
The beauty of this recipe is that you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. I used carrots, celery, bell peppers and peas but there are no end of possibilities. Use what I did or add some extras or change it up completely. I sometimes throw some cubes of tofu on the top prior to cooking in the Instant Pot too. It doesn't crisp up. It's more like steamed tofu but it works really well with the teriyaki flavours and adds an extra protein punch.
A note about the peas
If you have eagle eyes, you might notice that in my video I add the peas with all of the other ingredients in the beginning, but instruct you to add them at the end in the recipe instructions.
When cooked for the entire duration they become really soft and pretty grey looking and unattractive. I don't mind it that way and when it's just us, I do just throw them in. But it is way better if you cook everything else, then once pressure has been released, add the peas and stir. The heat from the rice cooks them in a minute or two and there is no need for any extra cook time.
If you try this recipe, let me know how you like it by leaving a comment and rating below! And be sure to join my mailing list for more deliciousness!
Recipe Video
Recipe
Teriyaki Instant Pot rice
Author:Ingredients
- 15ml / 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil , optional - use water to sauté to make oil-free
- 1 medium onion , finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic , chopped finely
- 2 medium carrots , cubed or sliced
- 2 ribs celery , chopped into small peices
- 2 large bell peppers , 2 different colours are nice, chopped into bite sized pieces
- 380g / 2 cups brown rice , or white rice (but take note of the reduced cooking time)
- 420 ml / 1¾ cups water , use 2 cups if cooking on a stove top
- 80 ml / ⅓ cup coconut aminos , or low sodium soy sauce (be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free)
- 60 ml / ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 60 ml / ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 150 g / 1 cup frozen peas , used straight from the freezer
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
INSTRUCTIONS
To make in a 6 quart Instant Pot
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté. When it is hot, add the oil (or a few tablespoons of water if you would like the recipe to be oil-free).
- Sauté the onions, garlic, carrots and celery for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Turn the Instant Pot off by pressing "keep warm / clear".
- Add the bell peppers and rice then stir, then add all of the other ingredients except the peas. Stir really well again and make sure that any grains of rice that are stuck to the sides of the pot above the liquid line are pushed down.
- Put the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the vent to the sealed position and set to high pressure for 22 minutes. If you are using white rice, simply turn the vent to the sealed position and press the "RICE" button. Let the pressure release naturally then open, add the peas and stir before loosely putting the lid back on (you don't need to seal it) and allow it to sit for 1 - 2 minutes so the peas can cook in the residual heat. Serve immediately.
To make on the stovetop
- Heat the oil in a large pan. when hot add the onions, garlic, carrots and celery. Sauté until the onion is translucent, moving frequently.
- Then add the bell peppers and all of the other ingredients except the frozen peas. Be sure to use 2 cups of water when using this cooking method. Stir really well, then cover with a lid and cook on medium low until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed (about 40 minutes). Open the lid to give it a stir every 5-10 minutes as the rice might stick a little.
- Once the rice is tender, turn off the heat and add the frozen peas. Stir really well, put the lid on and allow to sit for 1 to 2 minutes for the residual heat to cook the peas. Serve immediately.
Connie says
We loved it and so easy! I did omitted the sesame oil, peas, carrots, and celery (hubby doesn’t like carrots & celery) and added some grated fresh ginger. When it was done, I combined it w/ cooked broccoli and mushrooms. This is definitely going into our rotation. Thanks so much!
Jesse LeBlanc says
The is was my first time using our instapot, and this recipe made it pretty easy for me. Made it for dinner for my fiancé and she loved it so much she’s eating the 2nd bowl now! I used black rice instead of brown it added some nice texture and damn this is an awesome meal thankyou 10/10
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm really pleased you both enjoyed it Jesse and thanks so much for stopping by to leave a review. It's much appreciated!
Courtney says
I’m no stranger to making fried rice at home and was excited about the prospect of cheating a bit with the new instapot - but this is awful. I questioned the recipe while making it, but figured worst case I can adjust the flavor a bit after its complete. There was no saving it - I really hate wasting food, but this is going straight into the garbage
A Virtual Vegan says
Sorry you didn't enjoy it, but this isn't fried rice and isn't supposed to be like fried rice. It couldn't possibly be like fried rice when pressure cooked.
This recipe has had really great reviews until now so I'm wondering if maybe something went wrong somewhere when you were making it like you misread something or made a change somewhere? Or maybe your expectations were based on it being fried rice and that's why you were disappointed?
Happy to help troubleshoot!
Wayne Copeland says
So I'm planning on making this tonight but I have some Jasmine rice that needs to be used. The only issue is, I noticed Jasmine rice only takes a few minutes to cook on high pressure vs the 22 minutes for the brown rice. What I'm worried about is that the other ingredients I'm adding in at the same time as the rice won't be cooking anywhere near as long as if I used brown rice, so those veggies won't get cooked as much (and won't be infused with as much of the delicious teriyaki flavor). I definitely don't want to mess this up, so what should I do?
A Virtual Vegan says
Follow the instructions exactly but instead of cooking it on manual for 22 mins, just press the rice button and let it do its thing and let the pressure release naturally. The veg will be fine. Hope you enjoy it!
Mac says
Because my wife doesn't cope with spiciness I tried it without the chili flakes and it was fine, very flavoursome. I would probably have liked it even more with the chili. But it was delicious and now a staple in our kitchen.
Mac
A Virtual Vegan says
Glad you both enjoyed it Mac. You could maybe sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle some chili oil over your portion to spice it up a bit!
Lynda Birch says
Just made this for supper last night and loved it. It is so easy to make with simple ingredients you probably have on hand and loving only one pot to wash. Baked tofu or some vegan sausage could be added at the same time as the peas to change it up once in awhile. Or some slices of your Coconut Crusted Tofu to top each serving would be yummy too. Easy, versatile and yummy means added to the regular rotation.
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm glad you enjoyed it Lynda. One pot meals for the win!
Sheila says
I have a larger IP so will maybe go with 1-1/2x the recipe, but I am wondering, did you use the IP rice measuring cup or go with a straight 2-cup measure? Wondering if that made a difference for some of those commenting on burning or not cooking.
Melanie McDonald says
I think you would be wise to increase the recipe if your IP is a bigger one. You shouldn't need to change the cooking time as that for the most part tends to stay the same.
I'm not sure what you mean by a 2 cup measure? The measurements for my recipes are always in American cups (240 ml) and I provide the metric as well. I didn't use the little cup that came with the IP.
Hope that helps!
Susan says
How did it turn out? I also have the larger IP
Roberta says
I cut the recipe in half and didn't calculate the water very well so mine came out a bit mushy. However, that was easily overlooked because the flavor was WONDERFUL! My son and I went back for seconds...and a few more spoonsful while packing up the leftovers. I like recipes where you can use what's on hand...I used chopped spinach and corn. This will definitely be added to my 'Vegan Recipes for Non-Vegans' file....I'm vegan, my son and fiance are not.
Thanks, Mel!
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm glad you enjoyed it despite the water mishap. It will be even better next time! Thank you Roberta!
S says
Not sure what went wrong here but followed the recipe exactly and my rice wasn’t cooked.
A Virtual Vegan says
If the rice wasn't cooked, it sounds like your IP didn't come to pressure. Rice certainly doesn't take any longer than this to cook. In fact, 22 minutes as this recipe states, is pretty generous. Or maybe you didn't let it release pressure naturally after? This step is important as the rice continues cooking during that time.
Miriam says
I just made this with ancestral grains instead of brown rice and it turned out perfect. Thanks a lot!!
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm so glad it worked out with ancestral grains. That's good to know.
Maryse says
I did this recipe, the taste is very good but it burn in my instant pot. And the rice wasn’t cooked. I have the viva 80 may that one is too big for this recipe. I followed the ingreand recipe 100% .
A Virtual Vegan says
The recipe has been designed and tested in a 6 quart model which tends to be the most common. You will find almost all online recipes are designed around 6 quart machines. If you make it in a bigger Instant Pot you will need to adjust the recipe because unless it's a really wet soup or something similar there won't be enough water.You can either double the recipe or add an extra 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid. Keep the cooking time the same. This article about the Instant Pot Burn Message might be useful for you. https://www.paintthekitchenred.com/instant-pot-burn-message/
Shantel Jones says
Great recipe its been added to our regular rotations!
carrie haqq says
First meatless meal, used all ingredients except red pepper flakes used cayenne instead. It was awesome. I will make it again along with other recipes I would like to experience. Plan to gradually incorporate a plant based diet.
A Virtual Vegan says
That's great Carrie. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. Good luck on your plant-based journey!
Olivia Brown says
Wow! Looks healthy and delicious! Will try it soon!
Katie says
This was the first recipe I made with my Instant Pot and it was a huge hit and super easy for learning the basics of pressure cooking. I made it for 4 and there wasn’t a drop left. The rice is just spicy enough and the sweetness from the maple syrup makes you want to keep going back for more. This will definitely be added to my go-to recipes because of how easy and delicious it was. Thank you for this awesome recipe :)
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm so pleased you enjoyed it Katie! Thanks so much for coming back to leave feedback. It's much appreciated!
Mary says
Made this recipe last night so easy and YUMMY!!! Subbed basmati white rice for brown rice (because I had it) subbed mushroom broth for water (because I had it) subbed canned peas for frozen peas (because I had it) subbed cayenne pepper for red pepper flakes( (because I did not have it) used a little less maple syrup. Set pressure cooker for 5 min. for the white rice. Might add chopped broccoli next time. Makes LOTS, Will DEFINITELY make again. THANKS for another easy delicious recipe Mel
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it Mary. As you found, it's so versatile. Great for clearing out the fridge/pantry! White rice tends to swell up a bit more than brown so I expect that made it go further. Even better. I love lots of leftovers!
Kim @ FoodTalko says
Saving this recipe to try out later this weekend. Thanks so much!
A Virtual Vegan says
hope you enjoy it!