If you have been searching for a comforting, vibrant, and effortlessly delicious side dish, then you’re going to fall in love with this Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe. It turns pantry staples like long-grain rice and salsa into a fiesta of flavors with minimal fuss and maximum taste. The magic happens inside your Instant Pot, where the rice soaks up all those tangy, savory notes while cooking to fluffy perfection. It’s the perfect companion for tacos, grilled meats, or as a tasty base for a Mexican-inspired bowl. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe is incredibly simple at its core, yet every ingredient is essential in building that irresistible flavor and texture. You’ll find that the combination of broth and salsa gives the rice a rich, zesty character, while a little oil keeps the grains from sticking and adds a silky finish.
- 2 cups white rice (long grain): The perfect base for absorbing all the vibrant flavors without turning mushy.
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth): Adds depth and a subtle savory note to the rice.
- 16 ounces jar salsa (mild or medium): Brings the tomato tang and a hint of spice that defines Mexican rice.
- 2 tablespoons oil (divided): One tablespoon helps lightly sauté the rice for a nutty flavor; the other finishes it with a glossy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the dish.
- Cilantro (optional): A fresh herb topper that adds brightness and a beautiful pop of green.
How to Make Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Start by rinsing the rice under cool running water using a fine mesh strainer. This step is crucial because it removes excess starch, ensuring your rice cooks up fluffy and separate instead of sticky or clumpy. Rinse until the water runs clear, then drain completely.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Your Instant Pot
Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot along with the broth, salsa, one tablespoon of oil, and salt. Use a spoon or spatula to gently mix everything together until fully combined. This mixture is where the magic begins — the rice soaks up the flavorful liquid, promising a tasty outcome.
Step 3: Seal and Cook
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and ensure the pressure release valve is set to the sealing position. Set the pot to cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Do not be alarmed if it feels quick — pressure cooking cooks the rice perfectly in a flash.
Step 4: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This gradual process helps the rice finish tenderizing and keeps the texture just right. After 10 minutes, carefully open the valve to release any remaining steam before removing the lid.
Step 5: Finish with Oil and Fluff
Drizzle in the remaining tablespoon of oil over the hot rice, then fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains. This finishing touch adds a lovely sheen and keeps the rice light and airy, ready to be scooped onto your plate.
How to Serve Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro is a classic finishing touch for this dish. Its bright, herbal flavor cuts through the richness and adds a beautiful green color that makes the rice even more inviting. For an extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving brings a lively brightness.
Side Dishes
This Mexican rice is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken fajitas, spicy carnitas, or even black bean tacos for a complete and satisfying meal. It also works well as a bed for sautéed vegetables or a dollop of creamy guacamole.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your serving up a notch by using this rice as a base for layered burrito bowls topped with beans, corn, avocado, and shredded cheese. You can also stuff bell peppers or tomatoes with this flavorful rice and bake for a fun presentation that impresses guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Before storing, make sure the rice has cooled completely to maintain the best texture and flavor to enjoy later.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze leftover rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Flatten the rice in the bag for quick thawing and store for up to three months. It’s a great way to have a ready-made side on hand for busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice, cover, and microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, or warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth. These methods restore moisture, preventing the rice from drying out while preserving that fresh-from-the-pot flavor.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and a different liquid ratio, so this particular Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe works best with long-grain white rice for that perfect fluffy texture.
What if I like my rice spicier?
Feel free to choose a medium or hot salsa instead of mild to add some kick. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños before cooking for extra heat.
Is it necessary to rinse the rice?
Rinsing rice helps remove excess starch, preventing clumping and resulting in fluffier rice. While not absolutely mandatory, it’s highly recommended for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and make sure your salsa contains no animal products. The recipe is naturally vegan-friendly when using those ingredients.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but make sure your Instant Pot is large enough (at least 8-quart) to handle the extra volume without overfilling. Adjust cooking times if needed according to your pot’s guidelines.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe is such a delightful dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal without demanding much of your time. Once you master this, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again because it’s simple, satisfying, and so tasty. Go ahead and give it a try, and watch how it brightens up your dinner table effortlessly!
Print
Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Instant Pot Mexican Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful side dish made with long grain white rice cooked to perfection with salsa and broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, the recipe uses an Instant Pot to achieve fluffy, savory rice in just 25 minutes, making it an easy addition to any Mexican meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 16 ounces jar salsa (mild or medium)
- 2 tablespoons oil (divided – 1 tbsp + 1 tbsp)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse rice: Using a mesh strainer, rinse the rice under cool running water for 1-2 minutes until the water runs clear. Drain completely to remove excess starch.
- Combine ingredients: Add the rinsed rice, vegetable or chicken broth, jarred salsa, 1 tablespoon of oil, and salt into a 6-quart Instant Pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cover pot: Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure release valve is set to the sealed position for pressure cooking.
- Cook the rice: Set the Instant Pot to high pressure cooking mode and cook for 4 minutes. This short cook time will produce tender, flavorful rice.
- Release the pressure: Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes to finish cooking gently, then carefully open the valve to release any remaining steam before opening the lid.
- Add more oil: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over the cooked rice and gently fluff the rice with a fork or spoon to distribute the oil and mix everything evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired and serve immediately as a delicious side dish to your favorite Mexican entrees.
Notes
- Rinsing rice removes excess starch which prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for added flavor.
- Adjust the salsa level to mild or medium depending on your spice preference.
- Natural pressure release helps the rice finish cooking properly and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Adding oil after cooking helps separate the grains and adds a subtle richness.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro to add a burst of freshness.
- Ensure the Instant Pot lid is properly sealed before cooking to prevent steam loss.
