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
Scale
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.
