Pressure Cooker Fried Rice

This Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Fried Rice recipe is as close to traditional Fried Rice as you can get without using a Wok or Hot Cast Iron.

Pressure Cooker Fried Rice
Pressure Cooker Fried Rice

This Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Fried Rice recipe is as close to traditional Fried Rice as you can get without using a Wok or Hot Cast Iron.

  • Preparing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 4

Step-by-step

  • Select Sauté on your Instant Pot and allow to fully heat.
  • Once heated, add oil to cooking pot.
  • Add diced onions and cook until they become brown, but not soft.
  • Add rice. Toast rice for 2 minutes.
  • Add garlic and continue to toast for 15 seconds more.
  • Add water and deglaze cooking pot. Add in carrots (and/or mushrooms, peas, corn, if using) and scallions.
  • Lock on Lid and close Pressure Valve. Cook at High Pressure for 2 minutes.
  • When Beep sounds, wait 10 minutes and then manually release the rest of the pressure.
  • Remove lid and select Sauté. Mix in the soy sauce and 1/8 cup of water.
  • Push Rice to one side of the cooking pot. Add a drop of oil (if needed) to empty side of pot and quickly scramble/fry the eggs. Break up eggs and incorporate into rice mixture.
  • Add cabbage and bean sprouts and mix until cabbage has wilted.
  • Drizzle toasted sesame seed oil over, if you like.
Pressure Cooker Fried Rice: A Busy Woman's Quick and Easy Recipe

Pressure Cooker Fried Rice: My Weeknight Savior

As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep often feels like a race against the clock, a frantic dash between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and homework help. So, when I discovered the magic of the Instant Pot for fried rice, it was a revelation. No more hours spent stir-frying over a hot stove; no more complicated recipes that demand meticulous attention. This recipe is my go-to for a quick, healthy, and incredibly tasty weeknight meal. It's surprisingly authentic, capturing that familiar fried rice flavor without the traditional wok fuss. It’s so easy even on my busiest days and my family loves it!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. I can whip it up in under 30 minutes, which is a miracle in my chaotic household. And the best part? I can easily adjust the ingredients based on what’s available in my fridge. Sometimes I add leftover chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or I substitute different vegetables depending on the season. This recipe is my blank canvas, easily adaptable to what my fridge and pantry offer, making it my go-to weeknight miracle. It is a lifesaver for a busy woman like myself who struggles to find time to make a decent, healthy meal for the family. It’s a perfect example of how a simple recipe can bring joy and sustenance into the life of a time-pressed individual.

Beyond the convenience, this pressure cooker fried rice is surprisingly healthy. It's packed with vegetables, providing essential vitamins and nutrients. The use of brown rice adds fiber, which helps keep me feeling full and energized throughout the day. And because I control the ingredients, I can easily tailor the recipe to my family's dietary needs. We avoid excessive sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce, and I can adjust the oil quantity to keep it heart-healthy. This dish is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be simple, fast and delicious too!

This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of my ability to balance my professional ambitions with my role as a mother. It’s a tiny victory in the daily battle against time, a reminder that I can nurture my family while also pursuing my personal and professional goals. Every time I make this fried rice, it’s a small act of self-care, a quiet moment amidst the whirlwind of everyday life, reminding me that even the busiest schedules can accommodate healthy and delicious food. And knowing my family eagerly awaits this simple dish adds an extra layer of fulfillment and warmth to my busy weeknight routine. The aroma itself is enough to bring a sense of calm and contentment to our busy family life.