Instant Pot Mexican Rice

This Instant Pot Mexican rice recipe makes fluffy, flavorful rice cooked with tomato sauce, garlic, onion, carrots, and peas. A quick and easy side dish for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or grilled meats, it’s the perfect way to make authentic Mexican-style rice at home with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ¼ medium onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup tomato sauce (or 2 pureed tomatoes)
• 2 tomato bouillon cubes, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons granulated)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 ½ cups water
• ⅓ cup frozen peas

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Instructions

1. Rinse the Rice

Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain thoroughly.

2. Sauté the Rice

Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Once hot, add oil, then stir in rice. Cook, stirring often, until lightly golden, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Flavor

Mix in garlic, onion, tomato sauce, salt, tomato bouillon, and diced carrot. Stir to coat the rice.

4. Add Water & Cook

Pour in water and stir well, ensuring bouillon is dissolved. Cancel Sauté mode. Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on Manual/High Pressure for 3 minutes for firm rice or 4 minutes for softer rice.

5. Natural Release

Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the lid.

6. Finish & Rest

Add frozen peas and gently fluff rice with a fork (avoid stirring to prevent mushiness). Cover with the Instant Pot lid and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

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Tips

• Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
• Toasting the rice in oil is key for authentic flavor.
• Always allow the natural release for at least 10 minutes to avoid undercooked rice.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetable mix: Add corn, bell peppers, or green beans for extra color and flavor.
• Protein boost: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chorizo after cooking.
• Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder.
• Tomato base: Swap tomato sauce with salsa or fresh blended tomatoes for a different flavor.

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FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, but increase the cooking time to 22–24 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients but keep the cooking time the same.

Why is my rice mushy?
Too much liquid or stirring after cooking can cause mushiness. Stick to the measurements and fluff gently with a fork.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side dish with tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas.
• Pair with grilled meats like carne asada or chicken.
• Add black beans on the side for a complete meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Mexican rice is fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. It’s a quick and foolproof side dish that pairs with almost any Mexican or Tex-Mex meal. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll come back to again and again.