Fluffy Instant Pot Mexican Tomato Rice
Transport your taste buds to a cozy Mexican kitchen with this Fluffy Instant Pot Mexican Tomato Rice. Inspired by authentic family recipes and perfected for the modern cook, this dish delivers the comforting flavors of lightly spiced, fluffy rice. The preparation method ensures that each grain remains separate, inviting you to savor the rich taste that comes from the delightful combination of toasted rice and spicy tomato sauce. The recipe strikes a balance of flavors without overpowering spices, making it the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican meal or a delicious filling for burritos. Top it off with fresh cilantro for an added burst of freshness, and enjoy the versatility of leftovers in breakfast burritos or as a dinner side. Get ready to impress family and friends with this simple yet satisfying recipe!
N/A
Servings
312
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil or butter
3 tablespoons (Melted)
long grain white rice
2 cups (Uncooked)
chicken broth or water
2 cups (Liquid)
dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon (To taste)
minced garlic
1-2 tablespoons (Fresh)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
El Pato salsa de chile Fresca (yellow can)
1 (7 3/4 ounce) can (Canned)
Instructions
1
Insert the cooking pot into the Instant Pot unit and set it to 'Sauté' on medium heat.
2
Melt the olive oil or butter, then add the long grain white rice, stirring to coat. Toast the rice for about 5 minutes until most of the grains are slightly golden, but watch carefully to avoid browning the garlic.
3
Add the dried onion flakes and minced garlic to the pot after the rice has been toasted. Continue cooking for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant, then turn off the 'Sauté' function.
4
Switch to the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' setting on high pressure, adjusting the timer to 3 minutes.
5
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and add all the seasoning ingredients. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
6
Level out the rice mixture and carefully pour the can of El Pato salsa over the top without stirring it in. The liquid from the broth will cook the rice, while the tomato sauce flavors it.
7
Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the sealing ring is in the proper position, and press start.
8
Once the 3-minute cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 12 to 18 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the pressure pin drops.
9
Open the pot to find the top covered in a wet mist, and a bit more liquid than expected. Gently mix the rice and tomato sauce until fully combined, aiming for a fluffy texture with well-separated grains.
10
Serve warm as a side dish, use it as filling for burritos, or mix with scrambled eggs for tasty breakfast burritos. If desired, add fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
52.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fluffy Instant Pot Mexican Tomato Rice?
This recipe is a modern take on authentic Mexican rice that yields lightly spiced, fluffy rice with well-separated grains.
What ingredients do I need?
You need olive oil or butter, long grain white rice, chicken broth or water, dried onion flakes, minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and El Pato salsa.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long grain white rice is recommended for the best texture.
How much rice is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked long grain white rice.
Can I use butter or oil?
Yes, you can use either 3 tablespoons of olive oil or butter to toast the rice.
How long do I toast the rice?
Toast the rice for about 5 minutes until most grains are slightly golden.
Why should I toast the rice?
Toasting the rice helps the grains stay separate and adds a rich, toasted flavor to the final dish.
Should I brown the garlic?
No, you should watch carefully to avoid browning the garlic as it can become bitter; only cook it until fragrant.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the rice has toasted for 5 minutes, then cook for one additional minute.
What Instant Pot setting is used for toasting?
Use the 'Sauté' setting on medium heat to toast the rice and garlic.
How much liquid is required?
You need 2 cups of chicken broth or water.
Which salsa is used in this recipe?
Use one 7 3/4 ounce can of El Pato salsa de chile Fresca in the yellow can.
Do I stir the salsa in before cooking?
No, pour the salsa over the top and do not stir it in; this prevents the 'burn' notice and allows the rice to cook properly.
What is the pressure cooking time?
Set the Instant Pot to 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' on high pressure for 3 minutes.
How long is the natural release period?
Allow for a natural pressure release for 12 to 18 minutes after the cooking cycle ends.
How do I know the pressure is fully released?
The pressure pin will drop on its own once the natural release is complete.
What if there is excess liquid on top after opening?
It is normal to see a wet mist or extra liquid; simply mix the rice and salsa gently until fully combined and fluffy.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 312 calories per serving.
How much fat is in this rice?
This recipe contains approximately 6.25g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
The rice contains approximately 52.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there protein in this Mexican rice?
Yes, there is approximately 5g of protein per serving.
Can I use this rice as a burrito filling?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a delicious filling for burritos.
What can I add for extra freshness?
Adding fresh cilantro before serving provides an added burst of freshness.
Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
Yes, water can be used as a substitute for chicken broth if preferred.
What specific seasonings are used?
The recipe uses kosher salt, ground pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried onion flakes.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, it is designed as a quick and easy cooking method for flavorful rice.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients involved in this dish.
Can this be used for breakfast?
Yes, leftovers can be mixed with scrambled eggs for tasty breakfast burritos.
What is the desired texture of the rice?
The goal is a fluffy texture with well-separated grains.
Is the rice very spicy?
The recipe aims for a balance of flavors without overpowering spices, though the El Pato salsa provides a spicy tomato base.