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Using the Instant Pot makes making sushi rice a breeze! It is my favorite way to cook sushi rice because it is just so easy and makes perfectly sticky rice for sushi rolls, musubi, and sushi bowls.
![Holding a sushi roll with chopsticks in from tof a bowl of sushi rice.](https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Instant-Pot-Sushi-Rice-roll.jpg)
Making sushi rice the traditional way is already super easy, but using an Instant Pot makes the process even easier! You can get that perfectly sticky consistency every time. When my kids are begging for Spam musubi or a quick California roll, I just whip out this recipe and they will be enjoying their snacks in no time!
How to Make Sushi Rice in the Instant Pot
For this easy sushi rice recipe, you only need 3 ingredients: dry sushi rice, water, and seasoned rice vinegar. That’s it! Just rinse the rice, allow it to drain, then cook rice in the Instant Pot with water for 5 minutes. Let it natural release for a few minutes then do a quick release. Sprinkle the rice with the rice vinegar and let it cool. Now your sushi rice is ready to roll (no pun intended)!
![Ingredients to make Instant Pot Sushi Rice including an instant pot, sushi rice, seasoned rice vinegar and water.](https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Instant-Pot-Sushi-Rice-ingredients.jpg)
The Perfect Rice for Making Sushi Rolls
Not just any rice will work for sushi rolls. To make this rice you need actual sushi rice or something very similar. Sushi rice is a Japanese short grain rice that cooks up to be more sticky than a medium or long-grain rice. The longer the grain, the less sticky it becomes. Calrose rice can be a decent substitute, although it is considered a “medium grain” variety of rice. It still cooks up to be plenty sticky to make a decent roll. In fact, I prefer using Calrose rice in this recipe when making sushi bowls because you still get the sushi rice flavor but it’s not quite as clumpy and sticky. Either way, avoid using long-grain rice varieties, such as Jasmine rice, brown rice, or basmati rice altogether. You may get the flavor you are looking for, but you won’t be able to achieve the correct texture.
Homemade Seasoned Rice Vinegar
Can’t find seasoned rice vinegar? No problem! It’s so easy to make your own. Honestly, I prefer the taste of my homemade seasoned rice vinegar over the store-bought but the store-bought kind is just so convenient. If you would like to make your own, combine ¼ cup rice vinegar, 1-2 tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet you like it), and 1 teaspoon salt. Microwave for 20 seconds and stir until the sugar and salt dissolves. Allow it to cool completely before adding it to the rice. Use the same amount as listed in the recipe below.
![Pouring seasoned rice vinegar on cooled instant pot sushi rice.](https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Instant-Pot-Sushi-Rice-with-rice-vinegar.jpg)
Tips for Making Instant Pot Sushi Rice
Add Kombu (dried kelp): If you want to make this recipe more authentic, you can add a little 2×2 square of dried kelp to the Instant Pot while cooking. It’s kind of hard to find so most of the time I just leave it out.
Use it Right Away: Sushi rice is best when used within a few hours after making it. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 3 hours before serving but I usually serve it as soon as it is cooled to room temp.
Storing Leftovers: If you do have leftovers, you can keep it them an airtight container for a day or two. Any longer than that and it will dry out too much. When re-heating, put the rice in a microwave-safe bowl and break apart the clumps of rice. Sprinkle a little water over the top and then place a plate over the bowl to help create steam. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warm.
![Bowl of Instant Pot Sushi Rice next to an instant pot, chop stick, tray of sushi rolls and bamboo mat.](https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Top-view-Instant-Pot-Sushi-Rice.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions
If using an Instant Pot, use a 1:1 ratio of rice and water.
Rinsing the rice beforehand and letting it dry before adding it to the instant pot will help with soggy and gummy rice. If the rice is too gummy after cooking, you can add water, a little at a time until it reaches the right sticky texture.
One roll of sushi typically requires ½ cup of sushi rice.
Recipes Using Sushi Rice
![Bowl of Instant Pot Sushi Rice next to sushi roll and instant pot.](https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Instant-Pot-Sushi-Rice-in-bowl-375x288.jpg)
Instant Pot Sushi Rice
Equipment
- Instant Pot Pressure Cooker (or any similar pressure cooker)
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice (Japanese short-grain rice)
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar (see notes above if using unseasoned rice vinegar)
Instructions
- Place rice into a fine mesh colander.
- Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. You can also rinse the rice in a large bowl with water, drain, and repeat until water is clear.
- Drain rice in a colander and allow the rice to continue draining/drying for 10-15 minutes.
- Place the dried rice in the Instant pot with 2 cups water.
- Seal the lid on the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then natural release for 3 minutes before doing a quick release.
- Spread the rice over a sheet of parchment paper or on a large baking sheet to help it cool faster.
- Sprinkle the seasoned rice vinegar evenly over the top. If you don't have seasoned rice vinegar, see notes.
- Mix in with a rice paddle to help distribute the vinegar.
- Serve immediately or place in a large bowl covered with a damp towel at room temperature for up to 3 hours.
You’re right, using the instant pot made this a breeze. Came out perfectly too.
Great recipe!! It makes the perfect, sticky rice, that can be used in so many recipes!
This sushi rice was SO delicious and easy to make. My whole family loved it!
I love sushi! And this is the easiest recipe I’ve tried so far! It’s savory and satisfying.