Start by rinsing the sushi rice. Wash it thoroughly under cold running water, using your hands to gently rub the rice. This removes excess debris and starch, which can make the rice too sticky. Rinse until the water runs clear.
Once rinsed, add the rinsed sushi rice into the Instant Pot, followed by water and salt. Ensure that the sealing ring is correctly placed on the lid, and close the lid tightly.
Now, it’s time to pressure cook! Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
When the 5 minutes are up, turn off the Instant Pot but allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. This step lets the rice finish cooking without becoming mushy.
After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the cooked sushi rice into a large glass bowl. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains, an essential step for perfect texture.
Finally, while the rice is still warm, stir in the rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of extra salt. This will add flavor and help the rice stick together for rolling.
Let the sushi rice cool to room temperature before using it in your sushi creations. This allows for easier handling when making rolls.