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A super easy way to make ultra delicious seasoned sushi rice! This Instant Pot sushi rice has a ton of flavor and takes very little time and effort to make.

It's great if you're looking to make sushi rolls or just eating it as an accompaniment to these slow cooker teriyaki thighs, hibachi steak, this maguro zuke-don or kakuni (japanese braised pork belly - this is awesomeeeeee).

Good sushi rice is the key to any sushi rolls or bowls you are trying to make. It needs to be the correct consistency so it sticks together when making your rolls!

Luckily, cooking it in the Instant Pot yields awesome results every time (like in this Instant Pot basmati rice, Instant Pot Spanish rice, Instant Pot cilantro lime rice, or Instant Pot Japanese curry). I love how easy it is to do, and the flavor in this Instant Pot sushi rice is just incredible.

I use a little extra vinegar and sugar than some other recipes, but I promise you will fall in love with it!

This rice is amazing served with this sous vide tuna, sous vide pork belly or these sous vide short ribs!

Don't forget to check out the Instant Pot sushi rice story!

Ingredients

The full list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Sushi rice is a Japanese short grained rice that contains a very high percentage of starch. The starch is what makes the rice sticky. (we love this used in nasi kunyit as well!)

Seasoned rice vinegar is just regular rice vinegar that has typically has added sugar and/or MSG for extra flavor. Read more about the difference between rice vinegar and seasoned rice vinegar.

I use coconut sugar in this recipe because I prefer the flavor over granulated white sugar, but feel free to use white sugar as well.

I use a non-stick insert for my 6 quart Instant Pot to help prevent sticking.

Step By Step Instructions

Rinse the rice well in a strainer and let in drain.

**for the best results, I highly recommend using a non-stick insert for the Instant Pot. While it's not required, it makes cleanup easier and is very useful in many other recipes.

Add the rice and water to the Instant Pot and Set to cook on LOW pressure (rice setting if you have one) for 10 minutes.

While the rice is cooking, mix the vinegars, salt and sugar together in a bowl and stir until sugar and salt have dissolved. *You may need to microwave for 10 seconds to warm the mixture so the sugar will dissolve.

Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then use the quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Spread the rice on a flat, nonstock surface (like a cutting board) and sprinkle the vinegar mixture over the top. *make sure the vinegar is room temperature or cooler to avoid it cooking the rice more.

rice spread on a board with a wooden spoon

Using a wooden spatula (try this bamboo spatula for great results), gently fold the rice to mix the vinegar in well.

Use the rice to make sushi (use this yamagobo too) or just eat it (because it's delicious!). Make it a full Japanese meal with these other Japanese recipes:

a bowl of white sushi rice with chopsticks

The Instant Pot is great at making life just a little bit easier. Here are some more Instant Pot recipes to make life easier without sacrificing deliciousness!

Expert Tips

If the sugar won't dissolve, put your vinegar mixture in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it (start with 10 second intervals).
The vinegar mixture should be room temperature or cooler before mixing into the rice.
To keep the rice from sticking, I recommend using a non-stick insert for the Instant Pot.
Make sure you mix the vinegar mixture in gently to avoid crushing the rice (using a wooden spoon helps to prevent crushing the rice as well).

Sushi rice can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in a covered container for the best results (I find it's best to use them same day, personally).

I don't recommend freezing sushi rice as the consistency will change.

Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet over medium-low heat.

Did you make this Instant Pot sushi rice? Rate the recipe and leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out!