Using a standard dry measuring cup, measure 2 cups of brown rice. Put the rice into the steel pot. Wash rice with water, discard and wash 1 or 2 more times. Drain.
Wipe outside of the steel pot dry and put into the Instant Pot base.
Measure 2.5 cups of water using the same dry measuring cup and pour into the steel pot. Add ⅛ tsp salt (optional) and stir well.
Cover with lid and set valve to sealing. Press the pressure cook button and set the timer to 20 minutes. It’ll take about 15 minutes for the unit to come up to pressure and then the timer will count down. After 20 minutes are up, the unit will beep. Turn the unit off and let the pressure release naturally, which will take about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, make sure the float valve has dropped down. Then, turn the valve to venting. Open the lid and fluff up the rice with a fork. Serve hot.