The best and easiest way to make Mexican or Spanish rice is in the instant pot. It is so quick to make and comes out delicious every time. Everything is made in one pot, which makes for an easy clean up. Just toast the rice, dump all the ingredients in and press go! It is done in under 20 minutes and pretty low maintenance!
There is a Mexican restaurant near me that makes the best Spanish rice I have ever tried. I usually was not a fan because I typically do not like all the vegetables in my rice but this restaurant changed my mind. Typically, I make my rice in the instant pot; therefore, I thought I would try Mexican / Spanish rice in the Instant Pot too. I am telling you, this is the way to make it!
What You Need to Make Instant Pot Mexican Rice
First things first is an instant pot of course. I use the original instant pot brand and I love using the non-stick bowl insert easy clean up; however, you do not have to. Alternatively, there are many brands of pressure cookers you can try; however, I have not.
Then, grab your ingredient:
- Oil
- Extra long grain rice
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrot
- Tomato sauce
- Water
- Salt
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Peas
Oil
To make Mexican or Spanish rice, you have to sauté the rice in oil first. I use corn oil as I feel like it pairs well with this dish; however, you can use a different type of oil if you prefer that.
Extra Long Grain Rice
I use Publix extra long grain rice for mostly everything, including my instant pot Mexican rice. Typically, I just buy a huge bag of it, really, 20 pounds is only $15 and will last me ages. However, you can use a different rice if preferred, just be mindful of cooking times.
Tomato Sauce
Yes, like that tomato sauce from a jar. However, I usually will just blend up some canned diced tomatoes or used crushed tomatoes from a can. I have used tomato sauce before, like plain pizza sauce from a jar in the grocery store. However, I have also been desperate and used Italian pasta sauce. Yes I know, this is an instant pot MEXICAN rice recipe but desperate times call for desperate measures. Not the best, but whatever works.
Water
I use water for this recipe. However, you can use a broth such as a chicken broth, vegetable broth; however, tomato bouillon and water tastes amazing in this recipe.
Peas
If you notice, I did not put peas in mine. However, you can put them in yours at the end, or leave them out. It is really up to your personal preference. Additionally, you can add any more vegetables that you want.
How to Make Instant Pot Mexican Rice
Before beginning and turning on the Instant Pot, be sure everything is prepared and ready.
Mince the garlic or use an already minced alternative. Dice the onion and carrot, you will need about â…› cup or so of each. However, you can add more or less depending on your preference.
Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add in the oil and let it heat up.
Once heated, add in the rice and stir occasionally, until golden, it should take about 5 minutes.
Add in the garlic, onion and carrots and let them sauté for about a minute, mixing occasionally. Turn the Instant Pot off.
Add in the remaining ingredients, except the peas, and give it a little stir, trying not to disturb the rice.
Cover the pot and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the pressure cook button to 5 minutes and start it.
Once completely cooked, let set for 5 minutes, then vent and de-pressurize the instant pot then open the lid. Fluff up the rice a little and add in the peas.
Stovetop Cooking Method
Don't have an instant pot but want to make this Spanish rice? Come on, I will show you how!
Heat a small pot over medium heat. Add in the oil and let it heat up. Once heated, add in the rice and stir occasionally, until golden, it should take about 5 minutes.
Add in the garlic, onion and carrots and let them sauté for about a minute, mixing occasionally. Add in the remaining ingredients, except the peas, and give it a little stir, trying not to disturb the rice.
Let the pot come to a simmer. Let some heat escape for about 2 minutes then cover and cook until all the water has evaporated and the rice is fully cooked. Once completely cooked, fluff up the rice a little and add in the peas.
What to Serve with Mexican Rice
I serve this with my homemade weight watchers friendly enchiladas!
Try this out with my enchilada stuffed peppers, air fryer enchiladas, famous queso smothered chicken casserole or one pot chicken con queso.
Instant Pot Mexican Rice
The best and easiest way to make Mexican or Spanish rice is in the instant pot. It is so quick to make and comes out delicious every time.
Instant Pot Mexican Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil corn
- 1 cup extra long grain rice
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- â…› cup diced white onion
- â…› cup carrots diced
- 1.25 cups water
- â…“ cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cumin ground
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- â…› cup peas
Instructions
- Be sure the garlic is minced and the onions and carrots are diced.
- Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add in the oil and let it heat up.
- Once heated, add in the rice and stir occasionally, until golden, it should take about 5 minutes.Â
- Add in the garlic, onion and carrots and let them sauté for about a minute, mixing occasionally. Turn the Instant Pot off.
- Add in the remaining ingredients, except the peas, and give it a little stir, trying not to disturb the rice.
- Cover the pot and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the pressure cook button to 5 minutes and start it.
- Once completely cooked, let set for 5 minutes, then vent and de-pressurize the instant pot then open the lid. Fluff up the rice a little and stir in the peas.
Nutrition
Looking for your WW points? Click this link and your points will automatically calculate for you. It is about ½ to ⅔ cup per serving, depending how how you cup the vegetables and how many you use. It is 1 extra point, plus the rice, because of the oil.
[…] Instant Pot Mexican Rice — Allie Carte Dishes […]