Mouthwatering Instant Pot Mexican Rice | Easy Recipe
In this recipe article, I am excited to share with you an easy and delicious way to make Mexican Rice using the Instant Pot. If you love Mexican food like I do, then you know that rice is an important side dish that complements many of your favorite meals. However, making perfect Mexican Rice on the stovetop can be tricky and time-consuming. That’s why I love using my Instant Pot because it saves me time and consistently results in perfectly cooked rice every time.
My recipe for Easy Instant Pot Mexican Rice uses simple and affordable ingredients such as long-grain white rice, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, and chicken broth. You’ll be surprised at how flavorful and aromatic this rice turns out with just a few simple steps using your pressure cooker.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this Instant Pot Mexican Rice recipe is sure to impress. It’s versatile and pairs well with any Mexican-inspired meal like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or even as a side dish for grilled meats or veggies.
So if you’re ready to make the best-ever Mexican Rice with minimal effort and time, let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a lover of Mexican cuisine, I am always on the lookout for delicious, easy-to-make recipes that satisfy my cravings. And the Easy Instant Pot Mexican Rice recipe is one such recipe you don’t want to miss out on. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer!
Firstly, if you’re a fan of traditional Spanish rice or Mexican rice dishes from restaurants, then this homemade version is the perfect fit for you! Not only does it have all those classic flavors we crave in a Mexican dish, but it’s also incredibly simple to make and turns out perfectly every time. Plus, this recipe uses the convenience of the Instant Pot – which means it will be ready in no time without requiring any extra fuss.
This recipe stands out because it calls for easily accessible ingredients such as long-grain white rice, tomato sauce, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and chicken broth. The best part is that you can easily substitute these with ingredients you may already have on hand if needed. This flexibility ensures that even if you don’t have all the recipe ingredients at hand, you can still make a satisfying meal that is true to the traditional Mexican flavor profile.
Moreover, this recipe allows freedom of creativity when it comes to serving suggestions! It pairs excellently with practically anything- from some juicy grilled beef or chicken to your favorite beans or vegetables. You could even serve it up with some freshly made guacamole and chips to take your dish to another level.
Overall, whether you’re a seasoned cook or an amateur in the kitchen, this easy Instant Pot Mexican Rice recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and hearty meals. Once you taste it, I guarantee that it will become a regular addition to your meal rotation – satisfying your craving for authentic Mexican food anytime you want!
Ingredient List
Before we start with the recipe instructions of our easy Instant Pot Mexican Rice, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients needed to make this dish a success. Here is a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to make this delicious side that pairs well with any Mexican chicken, taco seasoning or any authentic Mexican dishes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (or substitute with diced tomatoes and green chilies, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp chili powder [optional]
Make sure to have all the ingredients at hand before starting the recipe. Having everything ready will help you focus on getting the perfect Mexican rice.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1 – Rinse the rice
First things first, take your 2 cups long-grain white rice and place them in a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step is important to remove excess starch that can cause the rice to become sticky!
Step 2 – Start the Instant Pot
Press the “Saute” function on your Instant Pot and add 2 tbsp of olive oil. Heat it up for about 30 seconds.
Step 3 – Saute onion and garlic
Add 1 diced onion and 4 cloves garlic minced garlic to the pot, stirring frequently until they become golden brown.
Step 4 – Add remaining ingredients
Once your onions and garlic are looking good, it’s time to add in the remaining ingredients: 2 cups chicken broth, 2 cups tomato sauce, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp salt. You can also add some salsa or taco seasoning if you want to give it an extra kick! Stir everything together so that all the ingredients are well mixed.
Step 5 – Add rice
Now it’s time to add your uncooked rice to the pot. Stir it around in the sauce until each grain of rice is coated evenly.
Step 6 – Set Instant Pot
Close your Instant Pot’s lid and set it for “Manual” mode at high pressure for approximately three minutes.
Step 7 – Natural Release
After three minutes of cooking, turn off the Instant Pot and let the pressure release naturally for another ten minutes.
Step 8 – Fluff Rice
Once you’ve waited patiently for ten minutes (it will be worth it), open the lid carefully and gently fluff the rice with a fork.
Congratulations! Your Easy Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe is ready!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or looking to mix things up with your Mexican rice, there are a plethora of substitutions and variations that you can try. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Rice: Instead of using long grain white rice, you can experiment with other types of rice, such as jasmine rice or brown rice. Keep in mind that different types of rice will require different cooking times and liquid ratios.
– Protein: While this recipe doesn’t call for any meat or beans, you could certainly add them. Try adding diced chicken or beef, black beans, or pinto beans for a heartier dish.
– Vegetables: The recipe calls for diced onion, but you could add other vegetables to the mix as well. Try adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for some added heat and flavor.
– Spices: If you like your Mexican rice spicy, feel free to increase the amount of chili powder or add some cayenne pepper. Alternatively, you could add some taco seasoning for an authentic Mexican flavor.
– Tomato sauce: If you don’t have any tomato sauce on hand, you can substitute with tomato paste diluted in water, canned crushed tomatoes or even salsa.
– Salsa: In addition to using it as a topping, try adding salsa into the recipe itself to give it a bold flavor boost!
Remember, it’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you and your taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have made this delicious Instant Pot Mexican Rice recipe, the next question is how to serve it? This dish makes a perfect side dish, but it can also be served on its own as a satisfying meal or part of a taco bowl. Speaking of taco bowls, Mexican rice goes hand in hand with any Mexican dish and complements the flavors effortlessly.
You can up its protein quotient by adding beans or roasted vegetables to it. I often serve this recipe with my homemade black beans, grilled chicken or shrimp, and a fresh avocado salad for some crunch. Another great idea is to serve it with some crispy fried plantains or tortilla chips if it’s going to be a party snack.
If you’re having people over for dinner, this easy Instant Pot Mexican Rice recipe will go well with any Mexican-inspired cocktail or a classic margarita. You can opt for sparkling water with some lime wedges for nonalcoholic beverages.
In summary, Instant Pot Mexican Rice is flavorful and versatile enough to pair with an array of dishes without compromising its taste. Whether you plan to enjoy it alone or as a side dish, paired with other main courses, or hors-d’oeuvres – your guests (or family) will be captivated by the flavors and aroma of this classic Mexican rice.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this easy Instant Pot Mexican rice recipe is that it is perfect for make-ahead meals, and reheats very well.
If you plan to make this as a meal prep option or for leftovers, I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cooked rice in batches for up to 3 months.
When reheating, it’s important to add a little bit of moisture back into the rice. I suggest using a tablespoon or two of chicken broth, water, or tomato sauce when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. This will ensure that your rice stays moist and flavorful.
You can also use this rice as a base for other meals such as fajitas, burrito bowls, or as a side dish for any Mexican-inspired dishes. It pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, and even fried rice for a fusion twist.
This Instant Pot Mexican rice recipe is truly versatile and delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping and entertaining–you’ll never need another recipe again!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef, I know that getting the best out of any recipe requires some tricks and tips. With this easy instant pot Mexican rice recipe, let me give you some ideas to get perfect results every time.
Firstly, rinsing the rice under cold water is essential to remove any excess starch that can make it sticky when cooked. Place the long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh colander and rinse it thoroughly until the water runs clear.
To get the perfect texture, use one and a half cups of chicken broth for every cup of rice. This will give your rice enough flavor without making it too salty.
It’s important to not stir the rice once you’ve added it to the Instant Pot with the tomato sauce and other ingredients. If you do stir it, you’ll have one big mess of tomato-flavored paste.
Another tip worth mentioning is avoiding opening the Instant Pot before it’s fully released its pressure. The steam helps in cooking the rice properly, so removing the lid earlier will affect its texture.
Lastly, if you want more heat in your Mexican rice, you can add in chopped jalapenos or serrano peppers into the mix. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes or cayenne pepper powder for a spicier kick.
By following these tips, you’ll have no problems making this easy instant pot Mexican rice recipe any time, so no worries about making a sticky or dry mess in your instant pot!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this easy Instant Pot Mexican Rice recipe is the perfect addition to any Mexican-themed meal or as a side dish to any other cuisine. With its simple ingredients and quick cook time, it’s a no-brainer for busy weeknight dinners or for entertaining guests.
I highly recommend trying out different variations and substitutions to find your perfect flavor profile. And don’t forget about the make-ahead and reheating tips for ultimate convenience.
Overall, this Instant Pot Mexican Rice recipe will give you authentic Mexican flavors in the comfort of your own kitchen. So ditch the expensive restaurant trips and try making this delicious rice at home today. You won’t regret it!
Easy Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 1/3 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot {6 Quart} to Saute setting.
- Saute olive oil and onion until translucent about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add in rice and saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in chicken stock, salsa, and salt into the rice.
- Lock the lid in place, set to manual high pressure and turn time down to 10 minutes.
- Make sure the steam valve is set to sealed.
- Once the time is up, push the steam valve open and let all the steam release.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.