• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Whisk Affair
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Recipes
  • Meal Type
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Appetizers
    • Main Course
    • Desserts
  • My Cookbook
    • My E-Books
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Fasting Recipes
  • Eid Specials
  • Buy my Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Whisk Affair » Recipes » Meal Type » Side Dish » Instant Pot Mexican Rice

    Published: Dec 1, 2020 | Last Updated On: Dec 2, 2020 by Neha Mathur | This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Instant Pot Mexican Rice

    1857 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    This Instant Pot Mexican Rice (Spanish Rice) is easy to make, tastes just like your favorite Mexican restaurant, and comes together in under 30 minutes in one pot. Make this delicious and flavorful rice as a side dish for tacos, burritos, or wraps.

    Looking for more Mexican recipes for your weekend brunch, try these – Mexican Couscous, Guacamole, Hot & Cheesy Mexican Corn Dip, Mexican Cornbread, and Loaded Nachos.

    Instant Pot Mexican Rice served in a bowl.
    Jump to:
    • About This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make Instant Pot Mexican Rice
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage Suggestions
    • You Might Also Like
    • Recipe Card

    About This Recipe

    We are big on Mexican food at home and this one-pot Instant pot Mexican rice is made on repeat every week.

    Mexican rice, also known as Spanish Rice, Red Rice, or Arroz Rojo is a delicious rice preparation that is super versatile. Think tacos, burritos, rice bowl, fajitas!

    Earlier, I use to make it in a pot over the stovetop (Mexican Rice) but ever since I have started making it in an instant pot, there is no going back. Mexican rice made in an instant pot is fluffy and tender with separate grains. There is no need for babysitting it which gives me ample time to work on other things.

    To make Mexican rice in an instant pot, you will need basic pantry staples and it comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those lazy weeknight dinners.

    The recipe is vegan and gluten-free and can be scaled if you have a bigger pot. I made 1 and ½ cups of dry rice in my 6-quart instant pot. If you are doubling the recipe, you will need at least an 8-quart instant pot. The time of cooking will remain the same.

    Ingredients

    Instant pot Mexican rice ingredients 1.
    Instant pot Mexican rice ingredients 2

    Rice – You can use any white rice to make instant pot Mexican rice. Replace white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or couscous for a healthier version. Keep in mind that time of cooking will be different for different grains.

    Vegetables – This rice is loaded with vegetables such as red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, corn, peas, and carrots. You can add more vegetables if you wish to.

    Jalapeno – Jalapeno adds a perfect spicy twist to this rice and also gives it that authentic traditional touch. Adjust the amount as per your taste. I used fresh Jalapenos but you can use canned (bottled) ones too.

    Tomato Puree – You can replace tomato puree with tomato paste. Keep in mind to use less paste as compared to the puree as it is more concentrated.

    Oil – I use light olive oil to make this rice but you can use any cooking oil that you have at hand.

    Paprika – It gives a nice heat to this Mexican rice. Adjust it according to your taste.

    Stock – You can use vegetable stock or chicken stock for this recipe. If you do not have either of them, you can use water instead.

    Others – Apart from the above-mentioned ingredients, you will also need garlic, onions, salt, chili peppers, and cumin powder.

    If you have access to Tomato Bullion Cubes, add one cube or the powder for added flavor and a lovely orange color.

    How To Make Instant Pot Mexican Rice

    Preparation

    Rinse 1 and ½ cups of white long grain rice with water 2-3 times until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

    Finely chop 3-4 cloves of garlic, 1 medium onion, and 1 jalapeno pepper.

    Cut ½ red and yellow bell peppers into ½ inch cubes. Peel and cube 1 medium carrot.

    Rinse ½ cup frozen peas and ½ cup frozen corn kernels.

    Gather the remaining ingredients.

    Make The Rice

    Press the SAUTE button of the Instant Pot.

    Saute button pressed.

    Once it displays hot, add 4 tablespoon of light olive oil and let it heat up for 30-40 seconds.

    Oil added to the pot.

    Once the oil is hot, add 2 teaspoon of finely chopped garlic and 1 cup of chopped onions and fry till the onions turn translucent (3-4 minutes). Keep stirring at regular intervals.

    Garlic and onion added to the pot.

    Add 1 and ½ cups of rinsed and drained rice to the pot and saute for 3-4 minutes, until it absorbs the oil. Keep stirring gently.

    Rice added to the pot.

    Add 1 chopped Jalapeno pepper, ½ cup cubes red bell pepper, ½ cup cubed yellow bell pepper, ½ cup peas, ½ cup corn, and ½ cup chopped carrot and cook for 2-3 minutes. You can adjust the amount of jalapeno pepper according to your taste.

    Veggies added to the pot.

    Add ½ cup of canned tomato puree (or ¼ cup of tomato paste), salt to taste, ½ teaspoon pepper powder, ½ teaspoon cumin powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika along with 1 and ¾ cups of chicken or veg stock.

    Stir well to remove any rice stuck at the bottom of the pot.

    Tomato puree, stock, salt, pepper, cumin powder and paprika added to the pot.

    Press the CANCEL button. Close the lid of the Instant pot and set the valve to the sealing position.

    Lid closed.

    Press PRESSURE COOK and set the timer to 6 minutes on high pressure. It will take 10-15 minutes for the pressure to build up and the timer to start. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.

    Timer set to 6 minutes.

    Release the remaining pressure manually by moving the valve to the venting position (QPR). Use a spoon to move the value to avoid steam burn. Once the pressure is released, open the lid of the pot.

    Let the rice rest for 5 minutes and then fluff it gently using a fork. Serve hot.

    Ready instant pot Mexican rice.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How to make instant pot Mexican rice with brown rice?

    Brown rice needs more liquid and more cooking time to cook perfectly. If replacing white rice with brown rice in this recipe, use 1 and ½ cups of liquid for every 1 cup of brown rice. Cook time will also increase to 20 minutes.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve Instant Pot Spanish Rice on its own for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish with your Mexican brunch meal.

    Instant Pot Refried Beans pairs well with this rice.

    You can also use it as a filling for Burritos, Tacos, Wraps, Fajitas or add in Burrito Bowls.

    Storage Suggestions

    This Instant Pot Spanish Rice stores beautifully.

    Let the rice cool down to room temperature. Then transfer it to an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. You can also store it in individual containers for meal prep.

    To freeze the rice, transfer the cooled rice to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw for 4-5 hours, then reheat and serve.

    You Might Also Like

    • Make this super easy and flavorful 20 minutes and 5 ingredients lemon cilantro rice, that tastes just like the one you had at Chipotles. Serve it with your Asian & Mexican meals for a refreshing taste.
      Lemon Cilantro Rice
    • This KETO Salsa Chicken is an easy and healthy baked chicken dish that is perfect to serve for dinner. Here is how to make it.
      Salsa Chicken
    • Low carb, Vegan, and Gluten-Free, this delicious Mexican Cauliflower Rice screams flavor. Not a cauliflower fan? This recipe will change it for you.
      Mexican Cauliflower Rice
    • This spicy Thai fried rice (Khao Pad) is super easy to make and comes together in under 30 minutes. Try this authentic recipe and serve it as a side dish or main course.
      Thai Fried Rice

    Recipe Card

    Loved this recipe?Click here to leave a review and give us a five star rating ★★★★★
    This Instant Pot Mexican Rice or Spanish Rice is easy t make, tastes like your fav Mexican restaurant and comes together in under 30 minutes in one pot. Make this delicious and flavorful rice as a side dish for tacos, burritos or wraps.

    Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe

    This Instant Pot Mexican Rice or Spanish Rice is easy to make, tastes like your fav Mexican restaurant and comes together in under 30 minutes in one pot. Make this delicious and flavorful rice as a side dish for tacos, burritos or wraps.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 301kcal
    Author: Neha Mathur

    Ingredients 

    • 4 tablespoons light olive oil
    • 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
    • 1 cup chopped onions
    • 1-½ cup long-grain white rice (rinsed and drained)
    • 1 Jalapeno pepper (chopped)
    • ½ cup cubed red bell pepper
    • ½ cup cubed yellow bell pepper
    • ½ cup frozen peas (rinsed)
    • ½ cup frozen corn (rinsed)
    • ½ cup cubed carrots
    • ½ cup tomato puree (or ¼ cup tomato paste)
    • 1 and ¾ cups veg stock (or chicken stock)
    • salt (to taste)
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
    • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    US Customary or Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Press the SAUTE button of the Instant Pot.
    • Once it displays hot, add light olive oil and let it heat up for 30-40 seconds.
    • Once the oil is hot, add garlic and onions and fry till the onions turn translucent (3-4 minutes). Keep stirring at regular intervals.
    • Add rice to the pot and saute for 3-4 minutes, until it absorbs the oil. Keep stirring gently.
    • Add Jalapeno pepper, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, peas, corn, and carrot, and cook for 2-3 minutes. You can adjust the amount of jalapeno pepper according to your taste.
    • Add tomato puree, salt, pepper powder, cumin powder, and paprika along with the veg stock.
    • Stir well to remove any rice stuck at the bottom of the pot.
    • Press the CANCEL button. Close the lid of the Instant pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
    • Press PRESSURE COOK and set the timer to 6 minutes on high pressure. It will take 10-15 minutes for the pressure to build up and the timer to start. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
    • Release the remaining pressure manually by moving the valve to the venting position (QPR). Use a spoon to move the value to avoid steam burn. Once the pressure is released, open the lid of the pot.
    • Let the rice rest for 5 minutes and then fluff it gently using a fork. Serve hot.

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5COJ0VykqU

    Notes

    If you have access to Tomato Bullion Cubes, add one cube or the powder for added flavor and a lovely orange color.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 301kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 497mg | Potassium: 496mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 4018IU | Vitamin C: 79mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 2mg
    Pin this recipe for later use!I LOVE to see your creations so pin and mention @WhiskAffair!
    Sign up for regular updates?I would love to have you as part of my journey. Click to sign up!

    More Side Dish Recipes

    • Make these Japanese Hibachi Shrimp at home using my easy recipe. This Japanese steakhouse copycat recipe comes together in under 20 minutes using simple ingredients and is inexpensive (gluten-free).
      Japanese Hibachi Shrimp
    • This Japanese Steakhouse-style Hibachi Zucchini comes together in 20 minutes using a few simple ingredients. Serve it on the side with your homemade Hibachi meal (vegetarian, can be easily made gluten-free).
      Japanese Steakhouse Style Hibachi Zucchini
    • No flour, no breading and less oil, this Air Fryer Zucchini is an easy, quick and healthy recipe to serve as a snack or side dish (gluten-free, vegetarian).
      Air Fryer Zucchini (No Breading)
    • Make Japanese-steakhouse style Hibachi Vegetables at home in under 20 minutes. Here is the quick and easy recipe.
      The Best Japanese Hibachi Vegetables

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Sanjana

      March 02, 2021 at 3:50 pm

      How do we make it without an instant pot?

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        March 03, 2021 at 2:22 pm

        Heer is the recipe https://www.whiskaffair.com/one-pot-mexican-rice/

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey! Nice to meet you

    Neha Mathur, Founder & Recipe Expert at Whisk Affair

    Hi! I'm Neha, Blogger & Recipe Expert behind Whisk Affair. I've nurtured Whisk Affair since 2012 by trying & testing every recipe published. Be sure that it will turn out good each time! Read More about me…

    Stay Connected

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    My Cookbook

    Neha's Cookbook Cover

    Click to Buy Now on Amazon

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Make this delicious restaurant-style Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice) for a quick Asian-inspired meal. Serve it with Hibachi chicken and Yum Yum sauce and get transported to a Japanese Steakhouse.
      Best Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice)
    • This oven-baked lemon garlic baked tilapia is super easy to make and comes together in under 20 minutes. It's low carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and very flavorful. Here is how to make it.
      Spicy Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
    • Creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce served in a bowl.
      Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
    • Lemon tea served in cups.
      Lemon Tea
    • Light, hearty and delicious, Chicken Clear Soup is super easy to make at home. It is made using simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. This soul-soothing soup is gluten-free and low carb too.
      Chicken Clear Soup
    • Egg White Scramble is a healthy, fluffy, and delicious option for breakfast. Serve it with some toast and fruits and milk on the side. Here is how to make the best fluffy scrambled egg white recipe at home!
      Scrambled Egg Whites

    Best Fasting Recipes

    • Badam Panjiri (Almond Panjiri) is a North Indian sweet dish prepared with almond flour, ghee, powdered sugar, and nuts. It is a slight variation of the classic panjiri that is made using wholewheat flour. Make it using my easy recipe (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Badam Panjiri
    • Roasted Makhana is an instant snack that can be served any time of the day whenever hunger strikes. Here is how to make these at home (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Roasted Phool Makhana (5+ Flavors)
    • Badam Sharbat (Almond Sharbat) is a refreshing Indian beverage made using almonds, sugar, and saffron strands. Make it this summer to beat the heat!
      Badam Sharbat (Almond Sharbat)
    • Dates Milkshake (Khajoor Milkshake) is a delicious and nutritious drink that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is made with milk, seedless dates, and a few other healthy ingredients, and is a great way to get your daily dose of calcium and other essential nutrients.
      Dates Milkshake (Khajoor Milkshake)
    • Mango Basundi is a delicious twist on the classic Basundi recipe. Make this Indian sweet using fresh or frozen mangoes for a yummy treat.
      Mango Basundi
    • Pineapple Basundi is a delicious fruity twist on the classic basundi recipe. Serve it for festivals and special occasions. Here is how to make it.
      Pineapple Basundi

    Eid Specials

    • Sheer Khurma or Sheer Korma is a traditional Indian dessert that is a must-make for the festival of Eid. It is made by cooking fine vermicelli with ghee, milk, dates, and dry fruits. Saffron is added to it for a unique flavor.
      Sheer Khurma (Vermicelli Milk Dates Pudding)
    • Super crispy from the outside and juicy from the inside, these Homemade Fish Fingers are a breeze to make. You just can't go wrong with this delicious and easy recipe.
      Homemade Crispy Fish Fingers
    • Kesar Phirni or Firni is a traditional Kashmiri dessert that is made using milk and rice. This Mughlai sweet is a treat to eat and is very easy to make. Here is how to make it.
      Traditional Phirni Recipe (Firni, Indian Rice Pudding)
    • Shahi Tukda (Shahi Toast) is a Mughlai dessert made using deep-fried bread slices, reduced saffron flavored milk (rabdi), and sugar syrup. It is a perfect dessert for festivals and special occasions (vegetarian).
      Mughlai Shahi Tukda
    • Keema Kaleji is a mouth-watering combination of mutton mince and liver, that is hard to resist, especially if you have a special soft corner for mutton just like me. Serve it with crispy and flaky Laccha Parathas and your weekend lunch is sorted. Here is how to make it.
      Keema Kaleji (Mutton Mince And Liver Curry)
    • Motichoor Rolls is a delicious fusion dessert where crumbled motichoor ladoo (or boondi) is wrapped inside spring roll sheets and the rolls are deep fried until crispy. Try these this festive season (vegetarian).
      Motichoor Rolls

    Footer


    ^ back to top

    About

    About Neha

    Diwali E-Book

    My Cookbook

    Stay Connected

    Sign up! for emails and updates

    Contact Me

    Policies

    Privacy Policy

    Terms & Conditions

    Accessibility Policy

    Whiskaffair has been featured in leading media including the huffington post, bloomberg quint, buzz feed, your story and many more

    Copyright © 2022 WhiskAffair Food LLP