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    Home » Instant Pot Side Dishes

    Instant Pot Mexican Rice

    Posted: Feb 19, 2021 · Updated: Jan 22, 2022 by Tonje

    Jump to Recipe

    This easy Instant Pot Mexican rice is a flavorful rice side dish perfect to serve with Tex Mex or Latin entrees.

    A bowl of Mexican rice garnished with lime and cilantro.
    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love it
    • Mexican rice vs Spanish rice
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • Serving suggestions
    • Variations
    • Leftovers
    • Frequently asked questions
    • You might also like these recipes
    • Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about it in the privacy policy.

    Why you'll love it

    • Easy side dish with lots of flavor. It pairs really well with Latin or Tex Mex dishes.
    • You can make it mild or spicy to suit your preferences.
    • Cook perfect rice in the Instant Pot, with no risk of burning it.
    • Can easily be turned into an entree by adding some protein like shredded chicken or black beans.
    • Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, nut free, soy free and dairy free recipe. This dish should be suitable for most dietary requirements.

    Browse my collection of Instant Pot recipes for more amazing meal inspiration.

    Mexican rice vs Spanish rice

    Mexican rice and Spanish rice are very similar in that they are made using similar ingredients, served with the same types of food, and taste similarly.

    The main difference between Mexican rice and Spanish rice is that the Mexican version is more soft and mushy, whereas Spanish rice tends to be firmer.

    The other difference is that Mexican rice is cooked with cumin, and Spanish rice uses saffron instead.

    💡 TIP! If you're looking to make Instant Pot Spanish rice, you can use this recipe, and substitute the cumin with ⅛ teaspoon saffron.

    Ingredients

    Rice: Use long grain rice, such as Jasmine or Basmati. Avoid using short grain rice or brown rice, as these have different cooking requirements.

    Vegetable stock: I like to use vegetable stock as my cooking liquid, as it adds more flavor compared to just using water. You can also use water, or chicken stock if you prefer.

    Salsa: I use a jar of store bought salsa, but you can also totally use your favorite salsa recipe.

    Seasoning: Cumin, salt, chili, oregano and paprika give Spanish rice its incredible flavor.

    Garlic + onion: Add a bit of texture and flavor to the dish.

    Chili: The chili adds a hint of spice. Omit it if you want a very mild rice dish, or add extra chili if you prefer it really spicy.

    The ingredients needed to make Spanish rice laid out on a table.

    Instructions

    1. Saute the onion: On saute setting, saute the onion in a little olive oil or vegetable oil for a few minutes until soft and translucent.
    2. Add seasoning: Add grated garlic, chili and the seasoning, stir and leave to saute for another minute.
    3. Add rice: Then, add dry rice to the Instant Pot, and stir to coat the grains in the seasoning.
    4. Finish and cook: Add vegetable stock and salsa, stir to combine, and seal the lid on the Instant Pot. Turn on the PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL setting, and cook the rice for 10 minutes.
    5. Release the pressure: Quickly release the pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
    6. Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, then serve.
    Step by step images showing how to make Spanish rice in your Instant Pot.

    Top tips

    • If you're really short on time, you can skip the step of sautéing the ingredients, and simply add them all into the pressure cooker at the same time. The rice will be less flavorful, but still good.

    Serving suggestions

    Here are some of my favorite entrees and dishes to serve this rice with:

    • Slow Cooker Picadillo - A flavorful Latin dish with ground beef.
    • Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas - These juicy fajitas are super easy to make in your Instant Pot.
    • Ground Turkey Enchiladas - My favorite learn enchiladas!
    • Healthy Buffalo Chicken Tacos - Mexican rice and tacos is an excellent combination.
    • Fajita Stuffed Chicken - If you're looking for a more standard entree, try these chicken breasts stuffed with onions and peppers.
    • Mexican Rice Bowl - Serve the rice with shredded beef and Mexican sides.

    If you're looking for the perfect side dish, you might want to check out my collection of rice recipes!

    Instant pot Spanish rice in a bowl.

    Variations

    Spicy: Double up on the chili if you want to make spicy rice.

    With veggies: Feel free to add diced vegetables to your rice. Peppers, tomatoes and corn can be excellent additions.

    As an entree: Add a protein source, such as black beans, shredded chicken or pulled pork to make the rice more filling.

    Leftovers

    Store leftover Mexican rice in a sealed container in a refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in a microwave for a few minutes, and serve it warm.

    Mexican rice is perfect for meal prep, as you can prepare a big batch and serve it with multiple meals through the week.

    Mexican rice in a bowl, surrounded by sides and garnishes.

    Frequently asked questions

    How long does rice take in an Instant Pot?

    You can cook white rice in 10 minutes in an Instant Pot.

    Can I leave the rice to rest in the Instant Pot?

    Absolutely. Feel free to leave the rice in the Instant Pot on the "keep warm" setting for up to 20 minutes while you finish cooking the rest of your meal.

    You might also like these recipes

    • Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
    • Instant Pot Basmati Rice
    • Red Beans and Coconut Rice
    • Spanakorizo - Greek Spinach Rice
    • Thai Coconut Rice
    • Dill Rice

    If you make this recipe, make sure to post a photo to Instagram with #hintofhealthy!

    Recipe

    Instant Pot Mexican Rice.

    Instant Pot Mexican Rice

    This Instant Pot Mexican rice is a healthy, filling and flavorful side dish, perfect to serve with Latin or Tex Mex entrees.
    No ratings yet
    Created by: Tonje
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Time to Pressure 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Mexican, Tex Mex
    Servings 6
    Calories 277 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot
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    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 cups long-grain rice
    • 2 ¼ cups vegetable stock
    • 1 cup salsa
    • 1 onion
    • 1 chili pepper
    • 3 garlic cloves
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon oregano

    Instructions
     

    • Use the saute setting on the Instant Pot, and saute the onion in a little olive oil or vegetable oil for a few minutes until soft and translucent.
    • Add grated garlic, chili and the seasoning, stir and leave to saute for another minute.
    • Then, add dry rice to the Instant Pot, and stir to coat the grains in the seasoning.
    • Add vegetable stock and salsa, stir to combine, and seal the lid on the Instant Pot. Turn on the PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL setting, and cook the rice for 10 minutes.
    • Quickly release the pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
    • Fluff the rice with a fork, then serve.

    Video

    Notes

    • Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
    • This recipe is only tested with a 6 qt Instant Pot.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 277kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 6gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 860mgPotassium: 263mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 548IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword basmati, dairy free, easy, gluten free, vegan
    Tried this recipe?Mention @hintofhealthyfood or tag #hintofhealthy!

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    Hi, I'm Tonje! I make easy and healthy everyday recipes that your family will love. Browse my recipe collection to discover new favorites, and make sure to let me know what you think!

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