Making Mexican Rice in the Instant Pot is a game changer. It’s a ‘set it and forget it’ dish that can be used in a variety of ways. You’ll love this one for meal planning!
When I first started making Mexican rice 15 years ago, I used white rice. After going plant-based, 10 years ago, I adapted the recipe to use brown rice for a whole grain option.
Brown Rice vs. White Rice
The brown rice recipe tastes just as good as the quicker white rice version, but it took 45 minutes to cook on the stove.
Once I got an Instant Pot, I revised the recipe to incorporate the shorter cooking time. It’s super easy to make Mexican rice in an Instant Pot. Just throw all the ingredients in, and it’s completely hands-off until I’m ready to eat.
Spanish Rice vs. Mexican Rice
Sometimes Spanish rice and Mexican rice are used interchangeably, but they are not the same dish.
Spanish rice often looks yellow in color because it is seasoned with saffron. Mexican rice does not include saffron and usually takes on a red hue. This is caused by tomato sauce.
Meal Planning with Mexican Rice
Mexican rice can be used as a side dish or incorporated into a main dish. Go ahead and double the recipe by doubling the ingredients because you can create several meals with it throughout the week. Cooking time in the Instant Pot remains the same for a double batch, so why not?
Let start with tacos and Mexican rice on the side. This option makes the whole family happy because they can choose what to put in their tacos.
Then add some Mexican rice and refried beans to a tortilla for tasty burritos. Try making refried beans in the Instant Pot too. My recipe is oil-free.
Next, toss beans, pico de gallo, lettuce and Mexican rice in a bowl to make a pretty burrito bowl. I love the vibrant colors in this dish!
Have I convinced you to try making Mexican rice in your Instant Pot? Here are some more of my favorite recipes to make in the Instant Pot:
- Instant Pot Refried Beans
- Instant Pot Lentil Tacos
- Instant Pot Mexican Casserole
- Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice
How to Make Mexican Rice in the Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup Brown Rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups Veggie Broth (or water with veggie broth mix)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 8 ounces Tomato Sauce
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (optional)
Step 1 – Combine Ingredients
Combine the brown rice, water, and spices in the Instant Pot. Give it a stir.
Step 2 – Add Sauce
Pour the tomato sauce on top of the other ingredients, but do not stir.
Step 3 – Secure Lid
Put the lid on the Instant Pot, and close the sealing valve.
Step 4 – Cook Time
Press Manual (or Pressure Cook), and set it for 22 minutes.
Step 5 – Release Pressure
Once it’s done, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes. Then release the remaining pressure.
Step 6 – Fluff and Eat
Carefully remove the lid, and fluff with a fork. Garnish with cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!
Storage
All the Mexican rice to cool before storing it in an airtight container. It will be good for about 6 days. That’s plenty of time to use it in all the recipes shown above.
Tips and Tricks
For a faster cooking time, you can use white rice instead of brown rice. Simply follow the cooking directions for the type of rice you are using.
As previously mentioned, it is easy to make a double batch of Mexican rice in the Instant Pot. Double all the ingredients and keep the cooking time the same.
If you love the flavor of cilantro, add it to the rice when it is done cooking. Then put the lid of the Instant Pot back on for a couple of minutes to infuse the flavors. Yum!
Instant Pot Mexican Rice
Instant Pot Mexican Rice is plant-based and oil-free. We love this easy recipe and use it in our weekly meal prep for quick meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Brown Rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups Veggie Broth (or water with veggie broth mix)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 8 ounces Tomato Sauce
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the brown rice, water and spices in the Instant Pot. Give it a stir.
- Pour the tomato sauce on top of the other ingredients, but do not stir.
- Put the lid on the Instant Pot and close the sealing valve.
- Press Manual (or Pressure Cook) and set it for 22 minutes.
- Once it's done, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes. Then release the remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the lid, and fluff with a fork.
- Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Notes
Save Time: For faster cooking, consider using a quick cooking white rice and look up cooking directions for that type of rice.
Want More: You can double the recipe by doubling all the ingredients. The cooking time will remain the same.
Storage: Allow rice to cool before storing in an air tight container. This rice will be good for about 6 days.
More Flavor: You can also add fresh cilantro to the rice once you are done cooking. Just sprinkle on top and put the lid on for a couple of minutes.