Instant Pot Mexican Rice

This Instant Pot Mexican Rice is a delicious, easy to prepare, side dish that will be ready in only 30 minutes! Give this recipe a try if you’re looking for a hearty, tasty recipe that goes well with a variety of other Mexican dishes.

 

Mexican food is a staple in our house as it probably is in yours if you clicked on this recipe. There are tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, taquitos, and numerous other popular Mexican dishes. Variety is a good thing, but something can also be said for having a go-to recipe that goes well with anything. Mexican Rice in the instant pot is one of those side dishes that go well with a variety of other dishes. 

Instant Pot Mexican Rice is incredibly easy to make and can be ready in 30 minutes. Instant pot recipes are known for being quick and easy. This recipe is no different. This has made it one of our favorite side dishes regardless of what other Mexican dish we are serving that night. This Instant Pot Mexican Rice also serves as a great base recipe that can be very customizable based on what else will be served. Vegetables, beans, or even meat could be added to make it a standalone meal or a single, filling side to accompany your main dish!

What you’ll love about this recipe:

• ADAPTABLE: This dish pairs well with so many flavors or other food choices. 
• INEXPENSIVE: This recipe’s ingredients are common, inexpensive pantry staples.
• CUSTOMIZABLE: Easily customize this recipe to include your choice of vegetables or protein for a more filling side or even serve as a main dish.
• EASE: Instant Pot Mexican Rice is incredibly easy to prepare and only takes 30 minutes. 

Instant Pot Mexican Rice Ingredients

As always, this is a quick overview of the ingredients you will need to make this recipe. There is a little wiggle room with a few of the ingredients so I try to offer my best suggestions for substitutions. To make rice in a pressure cooker you will need:

• Avocado oil: You can substitute olive oil if you prefer, you simply need a neutral oil for this recipe.
• Onion: fresh onion diced, this can be yellow, white, or sweet, just use your favorite.
• Low-sodium vegetable broth: You can use water instead of vegetable broth but it’s not quite as flavorful. Alternatively, chicken broth or beef broth also makes ultra-flavorful rice.
• Rice: specifically white, long-grain rice that is uncooked. You will want to rinse the rice before using.
• Tomato Sauce: I always suggest low sodium to help you control the salt level.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and Mexican oregano.

How to Make Mexican Rice in the Instant Pot

In addition to the ingredients listed above you will need an Instant Pot and a cutting board and knife to chop the onion. Alternatively, you can purchase a prechopped onion in your produce section if you are in a time crunch. 

Sauté the Onion

First, turn the machine on by pressing the Sauté button. For this recipe, we will first sauté the onion, then use the pressure cooker function. Heat the oil using then and sauté the diced onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). 

Deglaze the Pan and Add the Ingredients

Add the vegetable broth and deglaze the pot, by scraping up any browned bits. Press cancel on the Instant Pot to turn off the saute function. Next, add the rice, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and salt to the Instant Pot, and stir. It is very important you stir the ingredients well to avoid the burn message on the instant pot. 

Pressure Cook

Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. The machine will take 5-10 minutes to first come to pressure. The cooking cycle will begin when the timer starts counting down. Once the cooking cycle ends, allow for a 10-minute natural release, then open the valve and release the pressure. 

What to Serve With Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Once the rice has cooked, fluff with a fork and you are reasy to enjoy! This rice can make a flavorful vegetarian meal, but it is most often served as a side dish. These are a few of my favorite Mexican inspired dishes that pair well with this rice:

• Mexican Shredded Beef– This easy Mexican Shredded Beef is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly! This easy beef recipe can be made in the slow cooker or Instant Pot!
• Chicken Fajitas: These Chicken Fajitas are packed with flavor for an easy, healthy meal! The chicken is flavored with a homemade marinade, then grilled to perfection.
• Crockpot Salsa Chicken: The best set-it-and-forget-it meal! Tender shredded chicken is combined with taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and garlic for a flavor-packed easy dinner recipe that is perfect for keto meal prep!
• Mexican Stuffed Zucchini Boats: You will love this easy, healthy dinner recipe! The ground beef, onion, peppers, and melty cheese pair great with this Mexican rice.
• Shrimp Tacos: These Shrimp Tacos with Slaw are made in the air fryer and require just 10 minutes of work! This easy taco recipe is the perfect healthy, quick dinner! 

Storage and Reheating

This Mexican rice stays good in an airtight container for 1-2 days. After two days, it dries out as most rice does in the fridge. You can reheat this by placing rice in a microwave-safe container and warming in 30-second increments until done.

Tips and Tricks

• Customize this recipe by adding some vegetables of choice 
• Don’t try to toast the rice. This will cause sticking in the instant pot and will likely lead to the burn message.
• Make sure the instant pot has come to pressure prior to starting the cook time. 

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