Learn how to make flavorful Ninja Foodi Mexican rice with this easy recipe. Perfectly seasoned and fluffy rice, ready in no time!
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Ninja Foodi Mexican Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Infused with savory seasonings like garlic, cumin, and chili powder, this rice is both aromatic and delicious.
The Ninja Foodi’s pressure cooking feature ensures the rice cooks quickly and evenly, resulting in a fluffy, perfectly seasoned dish every time. Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos, grilled meats, or a fresh salad, this Mexican rice will elevate your meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and easy to make with minimal effort.
- Perfectly fluffy rice with bold, authentic flavors.
- Uses simple ingredients found in most kitchens.
- Cooks evenly and quickly in the Ninja Foodi.
- Pairs well with tacos, burritos, and more.
- Customizable with your favorite seasonings and spices.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers reheat well.
Ingredients Needed
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- White rice – Fluffy base for perfect Mexican-style rice.
- Water – Essential for cooking rice to ideal texture.
- Tomato sauce – Adds rich color and bold flavor.
- Garlic salt – Enhances taste with a savory garlic kick.
- Minced onion (Dried or Fresh) – Adds depth and subtle onion flavor.
- Smoked paprika – Brings a smoky, slightly sweet taste.
- Chili powder – Adds warmth and classic Mexican spice.
- Ground cumin – Earthy, nutty seasoning for authentic flavor.
How To Make Mexican Rice In Ninja Foodi
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Step One: Place all ingredients into the Ninja Foodi, ensuring the rice is fully submerged in liquid.
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Step Two: Set the Ninja Foodi to “Pressure Cook” and set cook time for 10 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, manually vent to release any remaining pressure.
Step Three: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm!
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Ninja Foodi Mexican Rice Recipe Tips
- Rinse the Rice First – Rinse the white rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.
- Sauté for Extra Flavor – For a richer taste, use the Ninja Foodi’s sauté function to cook the rice with a little oil before pressure cooking.
- Use the Right Liquid Ratio – Ensure the rice is fully submerged in liquid for even cooking and perfect texture.
- Don’t Skip the Natural Release – Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before manually venting to prevent mushy rice.
- Add More Spice if Desired – Adjust seasonings like chili powder and cumin to match your preferred spice level.
- Stir Gently After Cooking – Fluff the rice with a fork instead of stirring too much to keep the grains separate.
- Make it Your Own – Add extras like diced tomatoes, green chilies, or corn for a more flavorful and colorful dish.
Storing
- Storing: Once the Ninja Foodi Mexican Rice has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for easy access to leftovers.
- Freezing: To freeze the Mexican rice, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and remove excess air. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, preserving its flavor and texture.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave the rice, or use the Ninja Foodi’s pressure cook function for a few minutes. Stir gently to fluff the rice and ensure even heating.
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What To Serve With Ninja Foodi Mexican Rice
Ninja Foodi Mexican Rice is a versatile and flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of Mexican and Tex-Mex meals. It complements tacos, burritos, or fajitas, adding a hearty and aromatic base to your plate. For a balanced meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp, or top it with sautéed vegetables and beans for a vegetarian option. It also makes a great base for burrito bowls, topped with fresh avocado, salsa, or cheese. Whether you’re preparing a casual family dinner or a more festive gathering, this Mexican rice is sure to elevate the meal.
Ninja Foodi Mexican Rice Recipe Faqs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for Ninja Foodi Mexican Rice? Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and slightly more liquid. You may need to adjust the cooking time to 25-30 minutes under pressure.
Can I make this recipe spicier? Absolutely! You can add more chili powder, cumin, or even diced jalapeños to spice it up. Adjust the seasonings based on your personal heat preference.
Can I add vegetables to this Mexican rice recipe? Yes, you can add vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or peas to the rice. Simply sauté them with the rice before pressure cooking for added flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, Ninja Foodi Mexican Rice stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.
Can I use store-bought salsa instead of tomato sauce? Yes, you can substitute tomato sauce with store-bought salsa for an extra layer of flavor. Just be sure to adjust the liquid to maintain the proper consistency.
Why is my rice mushy? If the rice is too mushy, it could be due to using too much water or not following the proper liquid-to-rice ratio. Make sure to measure carefully and let the pressure release naturally for best results.n.
Can I double the recipe in the Ninja Foodi? Yes, you can double the recipe, but be sure not to exceed the maximum fill line in your Ninja Foodi. Cooking time will remain the same, but you may need to release the pressure longer.
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Don’t Forget To Pin!
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Ninja Foodi Mexican Rice
Description
Ingredients
- 2 cups white rice
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 ½ tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp dried minced onion
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in the pressure cooker and ensure that the rice is fully covered by liquid.
- Pressure cook the rice for 10 minutes.
- Let the Ninja Foodi naturally release for 10 minutes and then vent the pressure cooker to quickly release the remaining pressure.
- Serve and enjoy!
Equipment
- Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker
Notes
- This rice goes great on tacos, with enchiladas, and can also be served as a stand-alone side.
- You can store this Mexican rice in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply warm it in the microwave until heated all the way through.
- If you like to have a little more spice, you can sub the chili powder for chipotle chili powder.
- The smoked paprika adds a little bit of rich, earthy flavor to the rice. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work just fine as well.
Nutrition
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