Spicy and Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe You’ll Love
Welcome, fellow food lovers! I am thrilled to share with you a recipe that has been a staple in my family’s kitchen for years – Gagoo’s Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe. This dish is packed with flavor and is the perfect side dish for any meal.
As someone who enjoys cooking, I believe that making a meal should be a fun and delicious experience. With this recipe, not only will you be able to impress your family and friends with an authentic Mexican side dish but also get it done in just 15 minutes using the Instant Pot.
This recipe is super easy to follow and requires only a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. From the texture to the aroma, every aspect of this side dish complements the main course perfectly. So let’s get started on this culinary journey together and make Gagoo’s Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe your new go-to side dish for all occasions!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a super easy and quick recipe to add to your dinner rotation? Look no further than “Gagoo’s Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe.” This dish is the perfect side for any Mexican food lover, with its authentic Mexican flavors that mimic restaurant-style rice.
One reason why you’ll love this dish is that it’s made in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, which means it’s ready in just 15 minutes. That’s right – you don’t have to wait hours for this delicious side dish. Plus, the Instant Pot makes cooking rice super easy and hassle-free. If you’ve always struggled with cooking rice perfectly, the Instant Pot takes away all the guesswork.
But the real reason why you’ll love this recipe is the flavor. The combination of chicken broth, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, and spices like cumin and oregano creates a rich and flavorful base for the rice. The addition of carrots adds a subtle sweetness and texture to every bite.
What really sets this Mexican rice apart from others is its versatility. You can serve it alongside any of your favorite Mexican dishes like enchiladas or tacos. Or pair it with grilled chicken or beef for a hearty meal. You could even use it as a base for fried rice or add beans for a vegetarian option.
In summary, “Gagoo’s Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe” is perfect for anyone who loves quick, easy, and delicious meals full of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have the perfect side dish ready in no time.
Ingredient List
Before we start cooking, let’s go over the list of ingredients that we will need:
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice
- 2 tbsp of butter
- 1/4 cup of finely diced onion
- 1/4 cup of finely diced carrot
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
- 2 Knorr bouillon cubes
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of Mexican oregano
- 1/2 tsp of ground cumin
Most of these ingredients can be easily found in your local grocery store. Make sure to use long-grain white rice as it will give you the perfect texture for this dish. For an authentic flavor, use Mexican oregano instead of regular oregano. Knorr bouillon cubes can also add a complex and savory depth to the dish.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the juicy part, the recipe how-to! Grab your instant pot and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Saute the Vegetables
Set your Instant Pot on “saute” mode, add a tablespoon of butter and wait for it to melt. Then add One chopped onion, one chopped garlic clove, and one chopped carrot, and saute for 5 minutes until it’s soft.
Step 2: Add Spices and Rice
Add two cups of long-grain white rice into the Instant Pot with the vegetables sauteed in butter, one tablespoon of Mexican oregano, half tablespoon of ground cumin, two bouillon cubes, and one can (8 oz) of tomato sauce. Mix well and cook it for another 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Add Liquid
Pour in three cups of chicken broth into the instant pot. Make sure you scrape the bottom to remove any burned pieces before adding the liquid.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Securely lock the Instant Pot lid. Set the valve to “sealing” mode. Select “pressure cook” mode on high pressure for seven minutes. The Instant Pot will take approximately ~10 minutes to build up pressure before starting to cook.
Step 5: Release Pressure
Once done, let steam release naturally for ~10 minutes. Afterward, switch the valve to “venting” mode to release any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the Instant Pot lid once all the pressure is released. Fluff your Mexican rice with a fork and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top as a garnish if you prefer. Serve immediately as a perfect side dish that tastes like authentic Mexican food.
Enjoy your healthy and flavorful rice made in just 15 minutes with an Instant Pot. For a delicious fried rice alternative, let cool overnight and fry in a wok with eggs, onions and skirt steak for the perfect dish that pairs with most any meal!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up with this recipe? Don’t worry, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to make this instant pot Mexican rice the perfect side dish for any meal. Here are some ideas to get your creative cooking juices flowing:
– Vegetarian or Vegan: If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth or water. You can also use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
– Brown Rice: Want to make this recipe even healthier? Use brown rice instead of long grain white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– Spice it Up: If you’re a fan of spicy food, you can add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the recipe. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the rice once it’s done cooking.
– Add Some Veggies: This recipe is a great base for adding more vegetables. You can add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or any other veggies that you love.
– Chicken or Beef: To turn this into a main dish, add some diced chicken or beef to the instant pot before cooking. This will add protein and make it a complete meal.
– Tomato Paste: For an authentic Mexican flavor try substituting tomato sauce with tomato paste.
Regardless of the substitution you choose, remember that a little experimentation goes a long way in discovering new flavors and textures in your cooking.
Serving and Pairing
Are you looking for the perfect side dish to serve with your favorite Mexican food? Look no further than Gagoo’s Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe. This delicious and authentic recipe is the perfect pairing for any south of the border inspired meal.
Not only does this rice dish add a pop of color to your plate, but it also has a depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds singing. The tender grains are infused with fragrant Mexican oregano, ground cumin, and tomato sauce, creating a mouthwatering blend that perfectly complements anything from tacos to enchiladas.
For a filling meal, pair Gagoo’s Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe with some savory shredded chicken or beef. You can also top it with fresh avocado, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing southwest twist.
And don’t worry about leftovers – this rice dish makes for an excellent addition to your meal prep routine. Serve it as a base for burrito bowls, or simply enjoy it on its own as a satisfying lunch option.
In short, Gagoo’s Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s an essential element of any authentic Mexican feast. Plus, since it only takes fifteen minutes to make in an instant pot, it’s super easy to whip up whenever you’re craving something extra special.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen up rice lovers, there’s good news! This Instant Pot Mexican rice recipe is perfect for make-ahead preparation and can be stored easily for future dining bliss.
When making this dish ahead of time, it’s important to let the rice cool down completely before storing it in a sealed container. Simply place it in the refrigerator and it will keep for up to four days.
When reheating the rice, add a splash of chicken broth to bring back some moisture and heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly heated through. The result? A flavorful burst of tomatoey goodness that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Another option for reusing this dish is to turn it into delicious fried rice. This Mexican-style fried rice recipe is perfect for kicking leftovers up a notch by simply adding an egg or two and whatever protein you like, such as chicken or shrimp, then frying and voila! You have a brand new dish to enjoy.
Whether you’re reheating this rice on its own or using it as the base for another dish, the flavors will only continue to improve over time. Simply put, this recipe is a gift that just keeps on giving!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now let’s talk about how to make sure your Gagoo’s Instant Pot Mexican Rice turns out perfectly every time.
1. Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping. Rinse under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
2. Use Chicken Broth: To add more flavor to your rice, use chicken broth instead of water. This will give your rice a savory taste that pairs perfectly with any Mexican-inspired main dish.
3. Add Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, you can add diced onions, carrots or green bell peppers to the rice. Sauté them first in butter for a few minutes before adding the rice and broth.
4. Don’t Overload the Ingredients: It is important not to overload the Instant Pot with too many ingredients. Keep in mind that the rice will expand during cooking, so only fill the Instant Pot up to half its capacity.
5. Use the Right Rice Setting: Most people think that all types of rice are created equal but that’s not true. For this dish, I recommend using long grain white rice or jasmine rice for best results. They have a firm texture and won’t get mushy while cooking.
6. Follow Cooking Time Carefully: Make sure to follow the recommended pressure cooking time carefully when cooking with an Instant Pot or pressure cooker for the perfect fluffy Mexican rice instant pot.
These simple tips and tricks will help you create an authentic Mexican restaurant-quality side dish Mexican Rice recipe in 15 minute instant pot super easily every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Gagoo’s Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe is a game-changer for your weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s not only super easy and quick to make but also delicious and perfect as a side dish in any Mexican-inspired meal. Plus, with all the variations and substitutions you can try, this recipe is as versatile as it is authentic.
So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy the soft, fluffy and flavorful rice made possible by adding tomato sauce, chicken broth and a blend of spices like cumin and oregano. When you take that first spoonful of the Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe with your favorite Mexican entree, you’ll know why I fell in love with this dish in the first place.
I truly hope this recipe has sparked your interest in exploring more authentic Mexican food from the comfort of your own kitchen. Remember to always experiment with flavors and techniques to create the perfect side dish for any occasion. With this recipe at hand, you’re well on your way to becoming a master r-cooking chef in no time!
Gagoo’s Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tomato bouillon cubes, finely chopped or 2 teaspoons tomato bouillon, granulated
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano (or regular)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- 1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear then let soak for 10 minutes. Drain well.
- 2. Turn Instant Pot to sauté. Once hot, add butter to the bottom of the pot.
- 3. Add onion & garlic and sauté for a couple minutes, then add rice and sauté, stirring often, until lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
- 4. Add tomato sauce, tomato bullion, cumin, oregano, salt and carrots and stir to combine.
- 5. Add chicken broth and stir well, making sure the bouillon is dissolved.
- 6. Turn instant pot off. Secure lid and turn valve to sealed position.
- 7. Turn on to Manual or High Pressure, and cook for 4 minutes.
- 8. When timer beeps, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes.
- 9. Remove lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork (don't stir it).
- 10. Place IP lid over the bowl and allow rice to rest for a few more minutes before serving.