Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice

This Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice is a delicious and simple side dish that brings vibrant flavors to your table. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also pairs beautifully with various Mexican dishes like enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. The fluffy texture and rich taste make it a standout choice for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Packed with spices and tomato sauce, this rice is bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Side Dish: It complements a variety of meals, from savory burritos to hearty tacos.
• Healthy Option: Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a nutritious addition to any meal.
• Simple Cleanup: Cooking in the Instant Pot means less mess and easier cleanup.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful dish efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Fine mesh strainer
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This appliance speeds up cooking time and ensures perfectly cooked rice every time.
• Fine mesh strainer: Rinsing the rice is crucial for achieving fluffy results by removing excess starch.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: These tools help in mixing ingredients gently without damaging the pot’s surface.

Ingredients

This Instant Pot Mexican Rice is easy to make, fluffy and full of flavor! Serve this homemade Mexican rice with all of your favorite Mexican dishes. We love it with enchiladas and tacos, or wrapped in burritos.

For the Rice

• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ cup chopped white or yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 ½ cups water (or low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for serving)

How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse well under cold running water; drain. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot using the Saute function. When hot, add the onion and sauté, stirring often, about 3 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic and cook while stirring for another 30 seconds. Turn off the Saute function.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour the water into the Instant Pot and stir well, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Then add salt, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, tomato sauce, and rinsed rice. Stir everything together.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid and move the steam release valve to the sealing position. Pressure cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. The Instant Pot will take about 15 minutes to reach pressure before cooking starts.

Step 6: Release Pressure

When cooking ends, allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes by leaving the Instant Pot alone. Afterward, carefully move the steam release valve to venting position to release any remaining steam. Once the pin drops down, open the lid.

Step 7: Fluff and Serve

Stir and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve warm with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

How to Serve Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice

This fluffy and flavorful Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, this rice is an excellent side that enhances your meal.

With Enchiladas

• Enchiladas: Serve the rice alongside cheesy enchiladas for a hearty meal. The flavors complement each other beautifully.

In Tacos

• Tacos: Use the rice as a filling or side for tacos. It adds texture and flavor, making your taco night even more enjoyable.

Wrapped in Burritos

• Burritos: Add rice to your burrito filling for extra substance. Combine it with beans, chicken, or veggies for a satisfying wrap.

With Grilled Chicken

• Grilled Chicken: Pair the rice with seasoned grilled chicken for a simple yet delicious plate. This combination is perfect for any weeknight dinner.

As a Base for Bowls

• Rice Bowls: Create vibrant rice bowls by layering the Mexican rice with black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa. It’s an easy way to enjoy a balanced meal.

With Fresh Salsa

• Fresh Salsa: Top the rice with fresh salsa for an extra burst of flavor. The freshness of the salsa brightens up the dish perfectly.

How to Perfect Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice

To achieve the best results with your Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly rinse the rice: Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy during cooking.
• Boldly adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and spices before cooking to suit your preferences. This ensures flavorful rice every time.
• Boldly use broth: Substitute water with low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth for added depth of flavor.
• Boldly fluff post-cooking: After releasing pressure, let the rice sit before fluffing it to enhance its texture.
• Boldly experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix in vegetables like peas or bell peppers before cooking for variety.
• Boldly serve immediately: Enjoy your Mexican rice right after cooking for optimal freshness and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice

The versatility of Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice makes it easy to pair with various side dishes. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Black Beans: A classic pairing that adds protein and fiber; simply heat canned black beans and season with cumin and lime.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that complements the spices in the rice; mash ripe avocados with lime juice and salt.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of corn, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime; toss together canned corn or fresh corn off the cob.
4. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, and spices; perfect for summer gatherings.
5. Refried Beans: Smooth and savory, they work well alongside Mexican flavors; heat canned refried beans on the stove until warm.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers can be grilled lightly; drizzle with olive oil and seasoning before cooking.
7. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas filled with chicken or veggies are quick to make and pair wonderfully with the rice.
8. Chips with Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for an excellent appetizer or snack alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice can be straightforward, but some common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Bold mistake: Skipping the rinsing step can lead to sticky rice. Always rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
• Bold mistake: Overcooking the rice can make it mushy. Follow the cooking time and allow for natural pressure release for fluffy results.
• Bold mistake: Not using enough liquid can result in undercooked rice. Ensure you measure your liquid accurately based on your rice type.
• Bold mistake: Adding ingredients at the wrong time can disrupt cooking. Follow the instructions carefully and add ingredients as directed.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
• Allow rice to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Portion into individual servings for easy reheating.

Reheating Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil; heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of water, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Add a little water or broth to a pan over medium heat, stir occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice?

Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice is a flavorful, fluffy side dish made with simple ingredients cooked quickly in an Instant Pot.

Can I customize the spices in Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice?

Yes! You can adjust the spices based on your taste preferences or add extras like diced bell peppers or corn.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version of Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice.

How long does it take to cook Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice?

The total cooking time is about 19 minutes: 15 minutes to reach pressure and 4 minutes of actual cooking time.

Conclusion

Perfect Instant Pot Mexican Rice is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to complement various dishes. Whether served with tacos, burritos, or enchiladas, this recipe allows room for customization with different spices and ingredients. Give it a try and enjoy this delicious addition to your meal rotation!

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