tuna rice bowl with Green Beans

That first hiss from the cooker tells you something good is happening. You recall the float valve popping up, sealing ring locked in place, pressure building inside. It’s the sound of the meal starting to transform in ways that just simmering can’t match.

You catch that smell starting to fill the kitchen too. That broth depth you get with brown rice soaking and pressure cooking together brings everything to life. You might be thinking it’s just rice and tuna but nah, this is gonna be a hit.

Patience ain’t always your friend in the kitchen but with the pressure cooker, you kinda trust the time. When the natural release finally lets you open that lid you’re met with warmth and the promise of comfort food ready to roll.

The Truth About Fast Tender Results

• Brown rice gets tender faster under pressure than on a stovetop. Check out our detailed tuna poke bowl with Caramelized Onions for different quick cooking methods.
• The float valve tells you when the cooker’s sealed and pressure build is happening. It’s much like the sound you hear in our tuna steak recipes with Ground Beef.
• Natural release helps rice finish cooking gently, stopping it from getting mushy. You can learn more about pressure cooker timing in our tuna casserole with Crispy Bacon post.
• Adding broth or water with seasoning gives depth to simple ingredients.
• Olive oil keeps everything from sticking and adds flavor without fuss.
• Sealing ring must be placed right or you’ll lose steam and time.

Your Simple Ingredient Checklist

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

These ingredients are the backbone of Michael’s quick meal. Brown rice gives you that hearty base full of fiber and nutty taste. The water or broth you add sets the stage for getting it all tender under pressure.

You gotta love olive oil here. It’s not fancy but it keeps things from sticking and adds a little richness. The salt and black pepper bring that seasoning corner and garlic powder hits a small punch of flavor.

The drained tuna packs protein without extra work. Green beans add the fresh crunch and color, and soy sauce pulls everything together with a little savory kick. You see, it’s simple but satisfying, and all stuff you likely have around.

Your Complete Cooking Timeline

1. Start by rinsing your brown rice well. You wanna get rid of any dust or extra starch so it cooks neat and separate. Then, add your rice, 2 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt to the pressure cooker.
2. Secure your sealing ring, close the lid, and set the cooker to high pressure. Wait for the float valve to pop up as the pressure build happens. Set your timer for 20 minutes.
3. While rice is doing its thing, you can steam the green beans separately. Bring a pot of salted water to boil, toss in those green bean pieces, and cook 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
4. When the 20 minutes is up, use a natural release so the rice finishes cooking gentle like. Don’t rush this part since it helps keep the texture just right.
5. Once you can open the lid, fluff the rice lightly with a fork. Then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked rice, drained tuna, green beans, garlic powder, soy sauce, and black pepper.
6. Stir together and cook another 3 to 5 minutes till everything’s heated through and smells amazing. Your quick brown rice with tuna and green beans is ready to serve.

Easy Tweaks That Make Life Simple

• Use pre-cooked brown rice if you’re in a real rush, just add green beans and tuna to warm it up fast.
• Swap out green beans for frozen ones if fresh ain’t handy. They steam fast and keep the crunch.
• Skip the skillet step by throwing everything in the pressure cooker at once if you don’t mind softer green beans.
• Add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a quick flavor boost that wakes up the dish.

That First Bite Moment

You notice that mix of nutty rice with the gentle seasoning right away. The rice stays tender but holds its shape, thanks to the pressure cooking and natural release working their thing.

The green beans give you a crispness that plays off the softness of the rice and tuna. It’s kinda like a little crunch surprise in every bite that keeps you interested.

The tuna is mild but soaking in soy sauce and garlic powder bring enough flavor to keep it well-seasoned without overpowering. You don’t feel rushed cleaning a plate either since this hits that comfort spot soft and easy.

Y’all will appreciate how simple and wholesome this meal feels. It’s quickly come together but tastes like you spent a whole day slow cooking something special.

How to Store This for Later

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days. It re-heats well, just add a little water or broth to loosen before warming.
• Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and re-heat on low to keep rice nice.
• You can store the rice separately from green beans and tuna if you need to mix things fresh later.
• Use glass containers if you got them. They keep flavors fresh and clean without extra smells.

The FAQ Section You Actually Need

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice here? Totally. Brown rice just takes a bit longer to cook and gives you more fiber and nuttiness.
• My pressure cooker won’t reach pressure build, what should I check? Check your sealing ring is seated properly and that the float valve isn’t stuck. Sometimes steam escapes if the seal’s off.
• Is natural release better than quick release for rice? Yup it is. Natural release lets the rice finish cooking gently and keeps it from turning mushy.
• Can I add other veggies to this recipe? For sure. Try peppers, carrots, or peas depending on what you like. Just adjust cooking for how firm you want veggies.
• How do I make sure tuna doesn’t dry out? Use canned tuna in oil or pack it gently into the dish without over-stirring. The soy sauce helps keep it moist too.
• Can I prepare this in one pot instead of skillet and pot? Yes you can. Just toss everything inside the pressure cooker at once. The green beans will be softer but still tasty and it’s quicker cleanup.

For more delicious pressure cooker seafood recipes, check out our tuna steak recipes with Ground Beef and tuna casserole with Crispy Bacon posts.

Michael's Quick Brown Rice with Tuna and Green Beans

A simple and nutritious pressure cooker meal with brown rice, tuna, and green beans that’s hearty, flavorful, and done in under an hour.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Pressure cooker
• 1 Skillet
• 1 Pot for steaming green beans

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cans tuna drained
• 2 cups green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Rinse brown rice thoroughly and add it to the pressure cooker with water and salt.
• Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 20 minutes. Wait for float valve to indicate pressure build.
• Steam green beans in a separate pot of salted boiling water for 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Allow natural pressure release from rice. Fluff with fork once done.
• Sauté olive oil in a skillet, then stir in cooked rice, tuna, green beans, garlic powder, soy sauce, and black pepper. Cook 3-5 minutes until heated through.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat gently with water or broth.