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–+ servings

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Instant Pot Mexican Rice delivers restaurant-style flavor in a fraction of the time. Long-grain rice is sautéed in oil until lightly toasted, then cooked under pressure with tomato sauce, garlic, onion, broth, and cumin for rich, savory depth. Fluffy and perfectly seasoned every time, it’s ideal for taco nights, potlucks, or weekly meal prep. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a bright finishing touch. This no-fuss method guarantees consistent results—no mush, no burn.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Additional time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: main dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 225
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or more as needed
  • ½ medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 large cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Equipment

  • Small bowl (for rinsing rice, optional)
  • Mixing spoon or silicone spatula
  • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot); select sauté function and adjust to medium.
  2. Cover the bottom of the pot with avocado oil. Cook and stir onion until soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Add rice to the pot; mix until coated with oil and lightly browned. Pour in chicken stock; stir any browned bits off the bottom of the pot.
  4. Pour in chicken stock; stir any browned bits off the bottom of the pot.
  5. Mix in tomato sauce, salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Close and lock the lid. Seal the vent and select high-pressure function. Set a timer for 7 minutes; allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
  7. Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to the manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Stir rice before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 788mgPotassium: 186mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This Instant Pot version of Mexican rice is fluffy, flavorful, and fast, perfect as a side for tacos, enchiladas, or burrito bowls.

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