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Instant Pot Authentic Mexican Rice
4.8 from 1,069 votes

Instant Pot Authentic Mexican Rice

This Instant Pot Authentic Mexican Rice features long grain white rice sautéed in oil with garlic, onion, and carrot. Tomato sauce and tomato bouillon cubes add a rich, deep flavor and characteristic reddish color, while peas are stirred in at the end for a pop of sweetness and texture. Cooking under pressure creates fluffy kernels that are tender yet separate without being mushy.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
13 mins
Total Time
23 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 323 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. Turn Instant Pot to saute. Once hot, add oil to the bottom of the pot.
  3. Add rice and saute, stirring often, until lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add garlic, onion, tomato sauce, salt, tomato bullion and carrots and stir to combine.
  5. Add water and stir well, making sure the bullion cubes are dissolved.
  6. Turn instant pot off. Secure lid and turn valve to sealed position.
  7. 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).
  8. When timer beeps, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes.
  9. Remove lid and add peas. Gently fluff the rice with a fork (don't stir it).
  10. 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

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 323

% 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.