Go Back
+ servings

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

This restaurant-style Instant Pot Mexican Rice is a quick, easy, and delicious side dish perfect for any Mexican meal.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Mexican, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Basmati white long grain rice
  • 8 oz Tomato sauce canned
  • 1/2 cup Red bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 cup Onion chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup Jalapeno diced, seeds removed if desired
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • to taste Salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon Vegetable oil or olive oil
  • 1 cup Water
  • for garnish Fresh cilantro chopped
  • optional Lime juice freshly squeezed

Method
 

  1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well and set aside.
  2. Press the Saute button on your Instant Pot. Once the display reads 'Hot', add the oil. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped onion, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes until the grains start to turn golden and smell toasty.
  4. Stir in the diced bell pepper, jalapeno, ground cumin, and salt. Saute for another 30 seconds.
  5. Pour in the water and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits (this prevents a burn warning).
  6. Gently pour the tomato sauce over the top of the rice mixture. Do not stir.
  7. Close the lid and set the pressure valve to 'Sealing'. Select Manual or Pressure Cook mode on High Pressure and set the timer for 5 minutes.
  8. When the cooking cycle ends, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then carefully turn the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining steam quickly.
  9. Open the lid and let the rice sit undisturbed for 10 minutes to finish absorbing moisture.
  10. Fluff the rice with a fork, then fold in the chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top if desired. Serve warm as a side dish with enchiladas or quesadillas.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 480mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

To avoid a burn notice, be sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly before adding the tomato sauce. Do not stir after adding the tomato sauce to prevent sticking. This recipe doubles easily for a crowd; just increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes. For a richer flavor, substitute the water with vegetable broth. Leftover rice keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of water in the microwave. You can add corn, peas, or diced carrots for extra nutrition.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!