Instant Pot Spanish Rice

Instant Pot Spanish Rice, also known as Mexican Rice, tastes like the rice from an authentic Mexican restaurant. Loaded with flavor, easy to make, and super affordable pantry ingredients is all you need. 

This Spanish rice is my go-to side dish for meals like tacos, enchiladas, flautas, taquitos, and it makes a delicious base for these burrito bowls. 

Instant Pot Spanish Rice Recipe

Spanish Rice is a classic side dish made with long grain white rice, tomato sauce, fresh onion & garlic, seasonings, and jalapeños. 

I love using my Instant Pot to make rice! It acts like a rice cooker does, where every grain of rice gets perfectly cooked and fluffy. It also ensures that you don’t have to worry about the temperature being too high and burning the bottom of the rice. Nothing worse than a perfect pot of rice only to have the bottom of it be burnt and brown. 

This plain Instant Pot Rice is a staple in my kitchen, but today’s Spanish Rice version is equally as popular because my family loves tex-tex style food like tacos, burritos, nachos, etc. 

Ingredients Needed

• Long-Grain White Rice – Make sure the rice is rinsed and drained before adding it into the Instant Pot insert. You’d be surprised at just how dirty the rice is! I use this fine mesh strainer to rinse the rice in. Once the water runs clear you know you’re good to go. I don’t recommend using a different rice as this recipe has been developed specifically for long gain white rice. 
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – I prefer using the light-tasting extra virgin olive oil. Regular olive oil has a very strong, powerful, almost over-whelming taste to it, which is why the recipe specifically calls for EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil). 
• Sweet Onion – I prefer the slight sweetness in contrast to the jalapeño and other spices but feel free to use a yellow onion or white onion instead. You only need half of the onion. 
• Jalapeño – This is not spicy at all, it just adds really great flavor. Be sure to remove the white membrane and seeds to keep it mild. If you prefer more spice then leave the seeds and white membrane and try using two of them instead. 
• Garlic Cloves – Use fresh garlic cloves that have been minced or pressed, garlic paste from a tube, or chopped garlic from a jar. Any of them work just make sure that you measure to the equivalent of 3 fresh garlic cloves, which is normally 1 teaspoon. 
• Water
• Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth – If using regular salted broth, I suggest reducing the salt to 1 teaspoon (more or less to taste). 
• Kosher Salt – The best way to enhance all the flavors without making the dish taste ‘salty’. 
• Paprika
• Chili Powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Tomato Sauce – You only need 1/2 cup which is not quite a full 8 ounce can of tomato sauce. 
• Butter

How To Make Authentic Spanish Rice in The Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions of how to make homemade Spanish rice in the Instant Pot. 

• Step 1 : Rinse the 2 cups of white rice, in a fine mesh strainer, under cold water until the water runs clear. Rinsing the rice not only cleans the rice but it also helps the starch rinse off (which is why you will see the cloudy looking water at first). 
• Step 2 : Press the sauté button and allow the instant pot to heat. Add the oil and allow to heat. Then add the diced onions, garlic, and jalapeños. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Turn off the sauté function. 
• Step 3 : Add the broth and water. Scrape down the sides and bottom. Next, add the dried seasonings and stir. Stir in the rinsed rice. Finally, stir in the tomato sauce until everything is combined well. 
• Step 4 : Place the lid on the instant pot, press the ‘pressure cook’ or ‘manual’ button, and set the timer to 4 minutes. When done, allow the instant pot to do a natural pressure release until all the team is released (about 20 minutes). Carefully remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the butter until melted and blended with the rice. Serve!

Spanish Rice FAQ’s

• How Do I Store Spanish Rice?

  • Fridge : Store leftover rice in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. To reheat rice, place it in the microwave or stove top and reheat for a few minutes. Add a small amount of broth or water to return some of the moisture removed during refrigeration. 
  • Freezer : You may freeze the Spanish rice by allowing it to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the cooled rice to a freezer bag or freezer-safe airtight container. Remove the excess air in the bag to reduce the chances of freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to label your container or bag with an expiration date. 

• Can I Make Any Substitutions?

  • Long-Grain White Rice : You can substitute brown rice for white rice in equal amounts. Brown rice requires a longer cook time, so you must cook it for 20 minutes and then allow for a natural pressure release (about an additional 15-20 minutes). 
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil : Any other neutral flavored oil will work well. Canola, vegetable, or avocado oil are all great options. 
  • Sweet Onion : You can also use a yellow or white onion if wanted. 
  • Jalapeño : If you want no heat at all then substitute this with half of a green bell pepper. If you want more spice then double the jalapeño amount and leave the seeds in it. 
  • Broth : Low-sodium vegetable is what the recipe calls for. You can also use the reduced-sodium chicken broth as well. If using regular salted broth, I highly suggest using only 1 teaspoon (or less) of salt, otherwise I think the rice will turn out too salty. 

Expert Tips

Here are a few helpful tips so that you can successfully recreate this recipe in your own kitchen ♥

• Jalapeño Tip : Be sure to not touch your face or eyes while cutting the jalapeño, and wash your hands immediately after. You can also use some latex kitchen gloves while cutting spicy ingredients like jalapeño, or use two sandwich style ziplock bags and put them over your hands.
• Natural Pressure Release : Once the cook time is done, do not touch the instant pot or move the valve to the ‘venting’ position. Leave it alone and allow the pressure to escape naturally on its own. It will take about 15-18 minutes before you are able to open the lid fully. 

More Recipes You Can Make in The Instant Pot

• Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
• Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
• Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
• Instant Pot Crack Chicken
• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Instant Pot Potato Corn Chowder
• Perfect Instant Pot Baked Ziti