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Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe

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3.9 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Instant Pot Mexican Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish featuring long grain white rice sautéed with garlic, onion, and tomato sauce, cooked under high pressure to achieve a perfect, fluffy texture. A quick and convenient recipe that brings authentic Mexican flavors to your table in under an hour.

Ingredients

Rice and Oil

  • 2 cups long grain white rice
  • ¼ cup olive oil

Vegetables and Sauce

  • ½ cup onion (finely diced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 ounces tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

Liquids and Seasoning

  • 2 ¼ cups reduced-sodium broth (vegetable or chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato chicken bouillon (like Knorr)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Rice: Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer or colander and rinse under cool water until the water runs clear. Drain thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
  2. Sauté Rice: Press the sauté function on the Instant Pot. Add olive oil and then the drained rice. Stir frequently and sauté for about 10 minutes until the rice is lightly browned, enhancing the nutty flavor.
  3. Blend Aromatics: While the rice cooks, blend the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and tomato sauce together to form a smooth mixture that will infuse the rice with rich flavor.
  4. Add Broth and Deglaze: Pour in the reduced-sodium broth, scraping the bottom of the pot well to loosen any browned bits to prevent burning during pressure cooking.
  5. Add Tomato Blend and Bouillon: Pour the onion, garlic, and tomato sauce blend into the pot along with the tomato chicken bouillon. Avoid stirring the mixture once added to keep the sautéed rice layer on the bottom intact.
  6. Set Pressure Cooking: Press cancel to stop the sauté mode. Close and lock the lid securely. Select manual high pressure and set the cooking time for 3 minutes. It will take approximately 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
  7. Release Pressure: After the cooking time, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then carefully turn the pressure release valve to venting to release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
  8. Finish and Serve: Uncover and gently stir the rice to combine all ingredients evenly. Let the rice sit uncovered on the warm setting for about 5 to 10 minutes to absorb remaining moisture and improve texture before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice helps achieve fluffy and separate grains by removing excess starch.
  • Do not stir after adding the tomato blend and bouillon to prevent rice from sticking and burning at the bottom.
  • If you prefer spicier rice, consider adding chopped jalapeño or chili powder during blending.
  • Use reduced-sodium broth to control salt levels and make the dish healthier.
  • This recipe can be paired beautifully with Mexican beans, grilled meats, or vegetables.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/instant-pot-mexican-rice-recipe/