Assyrian Instant Pot Jasmine Rice

5 from 7 votes

Tender, fluffy Assyrian red rice ready in around 25 minutes!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Natural Release10

Total Time25

Course: Main Course, Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine: Assyrian

Servings: servings

Calories: 244kcal

Select the "saute" option on your Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker (I used my Ninja Foodi). Add butter and oil and when hot, add the cubed meat and onion. If adding other vegetables, do that now. Sauté meat until browned (approximately 5 minutes).
Meanwhile, wash rice and drain through a fine-mesh strainer. Rinsing the rice will remove the extra starch. Stir the tomato paste and salt into the 2 cups of hot water until the tomato paste is dissolved.
Add drained rice and tomato liquid to your pressure cooker and stir to combine. Lock the lid and set the vent position to seal. Select pressure cook or high pressure and set the timer to 5 minutes.
When the time is up, do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. After that, do a manual release by turning the valve position to vent. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork before serving.

Assyrian red rice usually also includes diced tomato, if you'd like, add one diced tomato to the recipe.
Another difference between traditional Riza Smooka and this recipe is that more oil/butter is used. If you'd like, double the amount of butter/oil, but I don't think it needs it.
Red rice is usually served with Zalata, and not just on the side, but on top of the rice. The salad dressing soaks into the rice and it's just heavenly!
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Refrigerated rice can be reheated in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute.
To freeze leftover rice, store n the freezer, in 1-quart freezer bags. Label with the date and consume within a few months. After that, the texture will deteriorate.
If you want to try another amazing Assyrian rice recipe, be sure to check out my Instant Pot Chicken Biryani recipe!