Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Instant Pot Mexican Rice is a quick and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for pairing with tacos, enchiladas, or any Mexican-inspired meal. This rice is infused with the savory flavors of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, giving it a delicious depth and a vibrant color. Cooking it in the Instant Pot ensures that it’s perfectly fluffy and ready in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you need a tasty side dish without much effort. This easy recipe delivers authentic, restaurant-quality Mexican rice with minimal fuss.

Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika (if using), cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the rice: Stir in the rinsed rice, making sure to coat it with the oil and spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
4. Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the tomato sauce and broth, and add the diced tomatoes (if using). Stir well to combine, making sure there are no bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook the rice: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the cooking time is done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
6. Fluff and serve: Carefully open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and taste for seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges, if desired.

This Instant Pot Mexican Rice is a quick, easy, and flavorful side that complements any Mexican-inspired dish, making it a must-have for your weeknight dinner rotation!