Rice is at the heart of many Ghanaian meals. From jollof rice to simple rice served with stew, grilled fish, or chicken, it is a daily staple in many homes.

One of the biggest challenges when cooking rice is getting the texture just right — soft and fluffy, with well-separated grains that are not sticky or overcooked.

Using a pressure cooker is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to cook rice while keeping its texture and flavor intact. It saves time, reduces energy use, and delivers consistent results, especially for busy families or when cooking for larger groups.

What Is a Pressure Cooker?

A pressure cooker is a tightly sealed pot that cooks food using steam pressure. Because the steam cannot escape, the temperature inside rises higher than in a regular pot, which significantly reduces cooking time.

This method has several advantages:

  • Rice cooks much faster
  • Less supervision is needed
  • Heat is distributed evenly
  • Nutrients are better preserved

For households that prepare rice regularly, this can make everyday cooking much more efficient.

Which Types of Rice Work Best?

Almost all rice varieties can be cooked in a pressure cooker, including:

Good-quality rice such as Peacock rice cooks especially well because uniform grains allow even cooking under pressure.

Cooking times and water ratios may vary slightly depending on the type of rice, but the method remains simple and effective.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Rice in a Pressure Cooker

  • Rinse the rice under cold water 3 to 4 times until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent stickiness.
  • Measure the water carefully. For white long-grain rice, use 1½ cups of water for every cup of rice.
  • Add a pinch of salt if desired. You may also add garlic, onion, or a bay leaf depending on the dish you are preparing.
  • Close the pressure cooker securely and place it over high heat until pressure builds (you will hear steam or a whistle). Immediately reduce the heat to low.
  • Cook under pressure:
    • White rice: 4–6 minutes
    • Basmati rice: about 5 minutes
  • Once cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.
  • Open carefully, fluff gently with a fork, and let the rice rest for a few minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Results

  • Always rinse the rice before cooking.
  • Stick to the correct water-to-rice ratio.
  • Allow natural pressure release for better texture.
  • Let the rice rest briefly after cooking.
  • Fluff gently instead of stirring to keep the grains separate.

Final Thoughts

Cooking rice in a pressure cooker is a practical and time-saving solution for modern kitchens. In just a few minutes, you can achieve soft, fluffy rice with beautifully separated grains, ready to complement any meal.

Whether you are preparing jollof rice for the family or cooking rice to serve with stew or grilled fish, mastering this method helps ensure consistent and satisfying results every time.

Put your Pressure Cooked rice to the test

Jollof Rice with Chicken using Peacock Thai Hom Mali Jasmine

Jollof Rice is undoubtedly the most famous dish in West Africa, known for its deep red colour and spicy flavour. In this special recipe, we combine tender chicken and nutritious vegetables with the irresistible aroma of Peacock Thai Hom Mali Jasmine Rice. It is a perfect main course that brings the whole family together.