Instant Pot Authentic Mexican Rice
User Reviews
4.8
Instant Pot Authentic Mexican Rice
Description
Instant Pot Authentic Mexican Rice combines long grain white rice with sautéed aromatics like garlic and onion. The addition of tomato sauce and finely chopped tomato bouillon cubes enriches the rice with both color and a savory depth. Carrots add body and sweetness, while the final fold-in of frozen peas enhances texture and contrast. The rice is first sautéed until lightly golden, then pressure cooked briefly for a soft yet firm bite. After a resting period with the Instant Pot lid ajar, the rice fluffs up neatly without stirring to avoid mushiness.
This rice works well as a side dish to Mexican meals or as a base for bowls due to its balanced flavor and firm texture. The tomato and bouillon provide a distinct taste that sets it apart from plain steamed rice.
Tomato bouillon cubes or granules are a key flavor component and can be found in Mexican grocery aisles. If unavailable, chicken broth can substitute though with some loss of the authentic color and depth. The recipe also offers stovetop instructions for those without an Instant Pot. Allowing the rice to rest after cooking and before serving promotes ideal texture.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 1/4 cup neutral cooking oil vegetable or canola oil, generic cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic , minced
- 1/4 medium onion , finely diced
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce , or 2 pureed tomatoes
- 2 tomato bouillon cubes ,finely chopped*, or 2 teaspoons granulated
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 carrot , diced
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/3 cup peas frozen
Instructions
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- Turn Instant Pot to saute. Once hot, add oil to the bottom of the pot.
- Add rice and saute, stirring often, until lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, onion, tomato sauce, salt, tomato bullion and carrots and stir to combine.
- Add water and stir well, making sure the bullion cubes are dissolved.
- Turn instant pot off. Secure lid and turn valve to sealed position.
- Turn on to Manual or High Pressure, and cook for 3-4 minutes (3 minutes for tender to the bite, or 4 minutes for softer rice).
- When timer beeps, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes.
- Remove lid and add peas. Gently fluff the rice with a fork (don't stir it).
- Place IP lid over the bowl and allow rice to rest for a few more minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use tomato bouillon cubes or powders for authentic flavor and color; substitute chicken broth if needed but expect a milder taste.
- After cooking, let the rice rest with the lid off to allow moisture to balance and texture to set before serving.
- This recipe can be adapted for stove-top cooking with careful attention to sautéing and simmering times.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 323 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 323kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Sodium | 371mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 159mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 1805IU | 36% |
| Vitamin C | 5.1mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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