Instant Pot Spanish Rice

This is one of my favorite go-to side dishes, anytime I am making anything Mexican. It has tons of flavor and takes less than 5 minutes of my attention to prepare. The Instant Pot does the rest. Here is my foolproof recipe for Instant Pot Spanish Rice.

The other name for this rice dish is Mexican Rice.

What is Spanish Rice?

What I did not know, before writing this is that the only reason that this dish is called Spanish or Mexican rice is that the Spanish explorers brought the rice back from their trip to Asia. It appears that the Spanish introduced the rice to Mexico, hence the name stuck Spanish rice.

How To Make Instant Pot Spanish Rice

Ingredients Used:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 diced green bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Spanish paprika
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups water or vegetable stock/broth
• 1 teaspoon salt

Easy Instructions:

1. Start by adding the olive oil in the Instant Pot bowl.
   
2. Press the saute button, and allow about 30 seconds for the olive oil to heat up, before adding the rice.
   
3. Add the rice, constantly mixing it, so it doesn’t end up burning or sticking.
   
4. The olive oil will coat the rice, just continue to mix, until almost golden brown.
   
5. Mix in the diced onion, diced green pepper, garlic, water (broth or stock), oregano, and paprika, continue to saute for a couple of minutes, being mindful to keep on stirring.
   
6. Add the drained can of diced tomatoes.
   
7. Add the lid, making sure the vent is in the sealing position, and set manual high pressure for 6 minutes.
   
8. When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release.
9. Mix well, with a fork, plate, serve and enjoy!
   

So, How Do You Make Rice in the Instant Pot?

I truly love a rice dish from the Instant Pot. I believe that one of the best uses for an Instant pot is rice. It is also one of the easiest things to make in the Instant Pot. Once you get the ratios correct, everything else falls into place.  Rice is also a really budget-friendly side and goes with most meals.

One of the tricks that I have learned along the way, about making rice in the Instant Pot, is to add a teaspoon of oil for every 1 cup you are making of rice. This does two things, you will find, it prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot liner and it prevents the rice from foaming.

I usually make either white rice or brown rice.

• Instant Pot White Rice: Usually high pressure for 8 minutes and then naturally release, for about 10 minutes, and then do a quick release.
• Instant Pot Brown Rice: Pressure Cook for 20 minutes and then naturally release, for about 10 minutes, and then do a quick release.

Easy Steps For Making Rice In the Instant Pot:

1. Always rinse the rice, under cold water, until the water runs clear. This will take out excess starches, it will make your rice light and fluffy.
2. Always add a teaspoon of olive oil, for each 1 cup of rice you are making.
3. Always double-check and make sure that the vent is in the sealing position.
4. Allow the pressure to release naturally, for about 10 minutes, before doing a quick release.
5. Unless you are on a salt-restricted diet, add about a teaspoon of salt for each rice dish you prepare, I think it gives a great taste.

Which Button Should I use for Rice in The Instant Pot:

Most Instant Pots have a rice button on the display panel. I usually do not use these, since it’s generally only used for white rice. I usually just hit the manual high-pressure button on the panel, and then set my time.

Can I Use Other Liquids In the Instant Pot, for making rice, besides water?

Absolutely, change it out for beef stock, beef broth, chicken stock, chicken broth, vegetable stock, vegetable brother, or a combination of any of them.