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Mexican Rice Instant Pot Recipe Easy Fluffy Rice Ready in 20 Minutes

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A quick and easy Mexican rice recipe made in the Instant Pot that yields fluffy, tender rice with classic smoky tomato flavor in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (270g)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (240ml)
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth (360ml), low-sodium recommended
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml), extra virgin preferred
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Turn Instant Pot to sauté setting and heat olive oil. Add finely chopped onion and cook about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Add rice and cook, stirring frequently, until grains are lightly toasted and golden, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir to coat rice evenly.
  5. Pour in tomato sauce and chicken broth. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot to avoid burn warning. Mix until combined and soupy.
  6. Seal Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 8 minutes.
  7. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
  8. Open lid carefully and fluff rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  9. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top if desired and serve warm.

Notes

[‘Do not skip toasting the rice to lock in flavor and keep grains separate.’, ‘Use the exact liquid ratio: 1 ½ cups broth, 1 ½ cups rice, and 1 cup tomato sauce for best results.’, ‘Natural pressure release is essential for fluffy rice; do not rush this step.’, ‘Scrape the bottom of the pot well after adding liquids to avoid burn warnings.’, ‘Add diced jalapeño during sauté for extra heat if desired.’, ‘Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 4 days; reheat on stovetop with splash of broth or water.’, ‘Freezing is not recommended as texture changes and becomes mushy.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican rice, Instant Pot rice, easy Mexican rice, fluffy rice, pressure cooker rice, weeknight dinner, side dish

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/mexican-rice-instant-pot-recipe-easy-fluffy-rice-ready-in-20-minutes/