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Easy Flavor-Packed Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe for Perfect Dinner

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A quick and easy Instant Pot Mexican rice recipe that is perfectly fluffy and packed with bold, vibrant flavors. Ideal for busy weeknights and pairs well with any Mexican-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup tomato sauce (120ml)
  • 1 ¾ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (420ml)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear and drain well (about 5 minutes).
  2. Turn the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  5. Add the rinsed rice and toast it in the oil with onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
  6. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  7. Pour in tomato sauce and stir to coat the rice evenly.
  8. Add chicken or vegetable broth, stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
  9. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set valve to ‘Sealing’. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
  10. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
  11. Open the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  12. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Do not skip the natural pressure release to ensure fluffy rice and prevent drying out. Toasting the rice before pressure cooking is key to flavor and texture. Use fresh spices for best results. If rice is wet after cooking, leave lid off on ‘Keep Warm’ to evaporate excess moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Mexican rice, easy recipe, quick dinner, pressure cooker, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-flavor-packed-instant-pot-mexican-rice-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/