Instant Pot Spanish Rice Recipe

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Ready to treat your tastebuds to the best Instant Pot Spanish Rice recipe, ever? This simple Spanish rice recipe dish will have you forgetting about anything else. This is because when it comes to cooking up Spanish rice in the Instant Pot, you just can’t beat the simplicity of this simple dish.

All you need are a few easy ingredients and 20 minutes and you’ll have everyone lining up to fill their bowls with one of the best Mexican rice recipes ever.

No need to think about what’s for dinner tonight…. this pressure cooker Spanish rice dish is a real winner and will feed a hungry family in no time.

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What Is Spanish Rice?

Spanish rice, aka Mexican rice, is a classic side dish that’s usually served with Mexican food. It’s made with long-grained white rice, tomato sauce or paste, garlic, onion and seasonings like oregano and cumin.

This Instant Pot Spanish Rice recipe is the perfect accompaniment to traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas, tacos and burritos. It also pairs nicely with grilled meats like chicken, steak or pork.

Where Does Spanish Rice Come From?

Spanish rice was first brought to Mexico by the Spaniards after their trip to Asia where they discovered rice. Since then, the dish has been adapted to Mexican cuisine by adding ingredients like tomatoes and spices.

Spanish rice is also known as Mexican rice, red rice, Arroz rojo and Istanboli Polo.

What Does Spanish Rice Taste Like?

Spanish rice is a flavorful side dish that’s savory with hints of tomato and garlic. The rice is cooked in a spicy broth made from a combination of tomato sauce or tomatoes with seasonings.

What Kind Of Rice Is Spanish Rice Made From?

Spanish rice is usually made with long-grain rice. The main reason is that it was the most common type of rice used in Mexico when the dish was first created.

Long-grain white rice provides a fluffy texture that’s perfect for this easy Spanish rice recipe.

Is Spanish Rice Healthy?

This cooked rice recipe has a lot of goodness and nutrition. It is an ideal addition to your diet if you want some good nutrients and minerals whilst having a delicious meal.

This Instant Pot Spanish rice recipe is only 8 weight watchers points per serving on the WW green plan.

Here are some of the health benefits of Spanish Rice

• There are a lot of essential vitamins and minerals inside Instant Pot Spanish rice, which can help with different body functions and processes.

• The tomatoes in this recipe are full of vitamins C, A and B6. These are great for boosting immunity, fighting against free radicals in the body, preventing various cancers and lowering blood pressure.

• Spanish rice is full of healthy carbohydrates that your body needs to function properly. This delicious recipe is high in fibre which is good for digestion too.

• This Spanish rice recipe is rich in manganese which is needed for healthy bones, cartilage and connective tissues.

• Onions are full of vitamin c, chromium and fibre and garlic has health benefits such as providing antioxidants which help fight against free radicals in the body.

Spanish Rice Instant Pot Cooking Times

This Instant Pot Spanish Rice recipe can be made super quickly in the Instant pot in less than 20 minutes! Now how is that for speed?

I love how simple and quick it is and think this makes a great meal on a busy weeknight or weekend.

• Spanish Rice Prep time: 10 minutes
• Spanish Rice Pressure Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients for Instant Pot Spanish Rice

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this Spanish Rice Instant Pot recipe:

• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Cup Chopped Yellow Onion Or White Onion
• 2 Cups Long-Grain White Rice 
• 2 Cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
• 3/4 Cup Minced Tomatoes
• 2 1/2 Cups Chicken Stock or Low Sodium Chicken Broth – Trade for vegetable broth if you are looking for a vegetarian option.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
• 1/2 Teaspoon Chili Powder (optional)
• 1/8 Cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro

How To Make Instant Pot Spanish Rice

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making Instant Pot Spanish Rice:

Step one: Turn On Saute Function

Turn the Instant Pot to Saute Mode. Once the pot gets hot, add a neutral cooking oil such as olive oil and place the diced onions into the inner pot.

Cook the onions for about 4 minutes until they become soft. 

Step Two: Saute Garlic With Onions

Add in the garlic and cook with the onions in the pot for about 2 minutes.  Then

Step Three: Add Rice To Instant Pot

Add in the white rice and mix well to incorporate the onion and garlic into each grain. Allow the rice to brown for about 5 minutes. 

Step Four: Add Stock, Tomatoes And Seasonings

Add the stock, diced tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder to the Instant Pot. Stir well.

Scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any food that has stuck to the bottom of the pot and press the cancel button. 

Step Five: Pressure Cook Spanish Rice

Close the Instant Pot by twisting the lid. Close the valve, and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. 

Step Six: Quick Release Pressure Cooker

After the Spanish rice has pressure cooked for 8 minutes, release the pressure manually. 

Step Seven: Stir And Fluff Rice

Stir and fluff the rice. Plate your Spanish rice in a single dish or a bowl alongside your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. 

After it has cooked for 8 minutes, release pressure manually. 

Making Spanish rice has never been easier!

Best Rice For Mexican Rice

The best rice to use for this recipe is long-grain rice. The long grains of the rice gives more surface area, allowing it to stay fluffy and separate instead of getting stuck together.

You can use long-grain white rice or long-grain brown rice. If using brown rice add a further 2 minutes to the pressure cooking time.

Do I Have To Use Chicken Broth?

No, this recipe can use either regular chicken broth or low-sodium chicken broth, vegetable broth or chicken stock. Use the liquid which you prefer for this Mexican rice dish cuisine.

Can I Add Vegetables To Instant Pot Spanish Rice?

Yes. You sure can add vegetables. Try adding some frozen peas once the dish has cooked or pop in some diced carrots, diced peppers or fresh corn.

Can I Use Jarred Tomato Sauce Instead Of Making My Own?

Yes. You can use jarred tomato sauce in this recipe. Use half a cup of tomato sauce in place of the diced tomatoes and cumin.

What Else Can I Add To This Spanish Rice Recipe?

There are lots of options you can add to this Instant Pot Spanish Rice recipe. Try adding some sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, black beans, and jalapenos for a bit of heat or grilled corn to the rice.

You could also add a 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a kick.

For a vegetarian version, try adding some cooked and crumbled tofu or tempeh to the dish. You could also add a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast for added flavor.

Why Make Instant Pot Spanish Rice?

This Instant Pot Spanish Rice is delicious and ready in no time.  I love how convenient it is to make this dish in the Instant Pot.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be made with a variety of ingredients, so you can make it your own. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!

How to Store Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is best eaten straight away, after cooking. Allow the rice to cool for 20 minutes before storing any remaining food. It is best to use an airtight container.

You can store Mexican rice for 3 days in the fridge.

Can I Freeze Spanish Rice?

Yes, you can freeze Spanish rice. Allow the cooked rice to cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container or bag.

You can store frozen Spanish Rice for up to 3 months in the freezer.

How To Reheat Spanish Rice

When you are ready to serve, allow the Mexican rice to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the rice is warm. Enjoy!

What To Serve With Spanish Rice

This Instant Pot Spanish rice recipe is so versatile. It can be served on its own, with some spiced chicken or Spanish meatballs or fish tacos! 

Instant Pot Spanish rice is the perfect side dish to serve with street tacos or quesadillas. It is also delicious with refried beans and enchiladas and works well with any Mexican meal.

What Are Some Other Mexican-Inspired Instant Pot Recipes?

If you’re looking for other delicious and easy Instant Pot recipes with a Mexican twist, here are a few ideas:

• Instant Pot Black Beans
• Instant Pot Enchilada Casserole
• Instant Pot Beef Fajitas
• Instant Pot Carnitas Bowl
• Instant Pot Mexican Beef Stew
• Mexican Street Corn Soup
• Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef
• Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo

With these easy and tasty Mexican-inspired recipes, you’ll be able to have a delicious meal ready in no time! So give them a try and enjoy the flavors of Mexico right in your own kitchen.

You never know it could be better than your favorite Mexican restaurant. Enjoy!