Amazing Vegan Rice Instant Pot Recipes for Easy Meals

Updated On: October 4, 2025

If you’re a fan of quick, nutritious, and mouthwatering meals, then you’ll absolutely love these amazing vegan rice Instant Pot recipes. Using the Instant Pot not only cuts down on cooking time but also locks in flavors and nutrients, making your vegan meals both convenient and delicious.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, these recipes offer vibrant, wholesome options that are perfect for any day of the week. From hearty one-pot meals to flavorful sides, you’ll discover how versatile rice can be when combined with fresh veggies, spices, and plant-based proteins.

Get ready to elevate your vegan cooking game with the ease and efficiency of the Instant Pot!

In this post, we’ll dive into three standout recipes that highlight different styles and flavors—from a classic Mexican-inspired rice bowl to a creamy coconut curry rice and a vibrant Mediterranean saffron rice.

Each recipe is designed to be simple, healthy, and packed with bold flavors, showing you just how amazing vegan Instant Pot rice dishes can be. Plus, you’ll find handy tips, ingredient swaps, and serving suggestions to customize your meals.

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan rice Instant Pot recipes are a game-changer for anyone looking to prepare quick and wholesome meals with minimal effort. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking technology cooks rice perfectly every time while infusing it with the rich flavors of accompanying vegetables and spices.

Perfect for busy lifestyles: You can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other tasks.

Nutritious and balanced: Each recipe combines whole grains, vegetables, and plant-based proteins for a well-rounded meal.

Customizable and versatile: Use whatever fresh or frozen veggies you have on hand, and adjust spices to suit your taste.

Additionally, these meals are budget-friendly, easy to scale, and great for meal prepping. Whether you are a seasoned vegan or simply want to try more plant-based meals, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Mexican-Inspired Instant Pot Rice Bowl

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Creamy Coconut Curry Instant Pot Rice

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 1 ½ cups coconut milk (light or regular)
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

Mediterranean Saffron Instant Pot Rice

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • ½ teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice and beans)
  • Bowl for soaking saffron (optional)

Instructions

Mexican-Inspired Instant Pot Rice Bowl

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add a splash of oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add the diced bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the rinsed rice, black beans, corn, and vegetable broth. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
  5. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 6 minutes.
  6. Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
  7. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve warm.

Creamy Coconut Curry Instant Pot Rice

  1. Rinse the jasmine rice until water runs clear and drain well.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the coconut oil. Sauté garlic and grated ginger for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add curry powder and stir to toast the spices briefly.
  4. Add the rice, mixed vegetables, coconut milk, water, and salt. Stir to combine.
  5. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
  6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure manually.
  7. Open the lid, fluff the rice gently, and serve with extra coconut milk or chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Mediterranean Saffron Instant Pot Rice

  1. Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and drain.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat olive oil.
  3. Sauté the onion until soft, 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add cherry tomatoes and olives, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in the rice, vegetable broth, saffron with its soaking water, salt, and pepper.
  6. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 6 minutes.
  7. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully open the valve to release remaining pressure.
  8. Fluff the rice and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

“Always rinse your rice before cooking to prevent it from becoming sticky and clumpy.”

Customize your veggies: Use seasonal vegetables or whatever you have in the fridge. For example, swap corn for zucchini or peas for green beans.

Protein boost: Add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or tofu cubes for extra protein. Simply mix them in after cooking or layer them in before pressure cooking if they’re pre-cooked.

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat, or experiment with herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme depending on the recipe.

Make it gluten-free: All recipes are naturally gluten-free, but always check your vegetable broth label to be sure.

Meal prep tip: These rice dishes keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze beautifully too. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to revive moisture.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories (per serving) Carbohydrates Protein Fat Fiber
Mexican-Inspired Rice Bowl 350 60g 12g 4g 8g
Creamy Coconut Curry Rice 400 58g 8g 12g 6g
Mediterranean Saffron Rice 370 62g 7g 8g 5g

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the Mexican-Inspired Rice Bowl with sliced avocado, vegan sour cream, and a side of salsa for a complete meal.
  • The Creamy Coconut Curry Rice pairs beautifully with roasted cauliflower or crispy tofu for an indulgent feast.
  • Mediterranean Saffron Rice can be served alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
  • For added texture, sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds over any of these dishes.
  • Pair your rice bowls with a fresh green juice or a light vegan dessert like this Blackberry Juicing Recipes for an energizing meal.

Conclusion

These amazing vegan rice Instant Pot recipes prove that healthy, vibrant meals can be quick and simple to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty Instant Pot, you can create dishes bursting with flavor and nutrition that satisfy every craving.

Whether you prefer the smoky, spicy notes of the Mexican bowl, the creamy warmth of coconut curry, or the fragrant elegance of Mediterranean saffron rice, there’s something here to delight every palate.

Plus, the flexibility of these recipes means you can easily swap ingredients to suit your pantry or dietary needs. If you’re looking to explore more plant-based options, don’t miss trying other creative recipes like our Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe or the wholesome Bobo’S Lemon Poppyseed Oat Bar Recipe for a sweet finish.

Happy cooking and enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction of these delightful vegan meals!

📖 Recipe Card: Amazing Vegan Rice Instant Pot Recipe

Description: A flavorful and easy vegan rice dish made in the Instant Pot. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal packed with veggies and spices.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and heat olive oil.
  3. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté for 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add rice, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, spinach, salt, and pepper.
  6. Close the lid and set Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 8 minutes.
  7. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
  8. Fluff rice with a fork and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Marta K

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