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Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

Instant Pot Spanish Rice

Published: Apr 5, 2021 · Modified: Mar 6, 2023 by Scott · This post may contain affiliate links.

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This Instant Pot Spanish rice is just like you'd find in your favorite Mexican restaurant but made quick and easy in your pressure cooker. It's a perfect side dish for all of your Mexican favorites!

Jump to:
  • Why this Recipe Works
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • What to Serve With Spanish Rice
  • Recipe Tips and FAQs
  • 📖 Recipe
  • More Instant Pot Recipes

Why this Recipe Works

Many classic Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and quesadillas are excellent for weeknight meals and definitely family favorites at my house. And this classic Mexican restaurant side dish is perfect with all of them.

Best of all, making this Spanish rice in an Instant Pot is SO easy! You can turn out soft fluffy rice in around 20 minutes, with only about 5 minutes of active, hands-on time!

Ingredients

See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

My favorite thing about this easy Spanish rice side dish is that most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so it's easy to throw together last minute.

  • Peas - I used frozen peas in this recipe, but canned will also work.
  • Chicken Stock - I recommend using stock for a richer flavor but chicken broth can also be used.
  • Tomato Sauce- Be sure to use plain tomato sauce and not one flavored with basil or other ingredients, which will alter the flavor of this dish.
Assortment of ingredients for Instant Pot Spanish rice shown on a counter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Note: this recipe was developed on a 6 quart Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus.

  1. Set your Instant Pot to saute mode and allow it to preheat. While it heats, rinse your rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot, then add the diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add the rice and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly browned. Turn off the Instant Pot.
Rice shown being sauteed in the Instant Pot.
  1. Stir in the remaining ingredients, except the peas, then scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This is critical to help avoid the dreaded burn notice!
  2. Close and lock the lid, then set the Instant Pot to Manual and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then vent any remaining pressure.
Process shot showing the Instant Pot with the broth, tomato sauce, and seasonings added in.
  1. Carefully remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the frozen peas and let sit for 2-3 minutes with the lid on to allow the peas to warm up.
Finished rice shown in the Instant Pot.

What to Serve With Spanish Rice

This flavorful Mexican rice is perfect as a side dish for enchiladas, quesadillas, and more. It's also a great base for burrito bowls and taco salads. For more pairing ideas try some of these favorites:

  • Enchiladas with Green Sauce
  • Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
  • Mexican Street Corn Salad
  • Homemade Guacamole
  • Easy Pico de Gallo

Recipe Tips and FAQs

Can I make this without a pressure cooker?

Yes! you can definitely make this dish without a pressure cooker. Just heat a pot over medium-high heat and saute the onion, garlic, and rice as directed. Then add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, maintaining a gentle simmer. Cook for around 20 minutes until all of the liquid has been absorbed. Then fluff the rice and add the peas. Cover for 3-4 minutes, then serve.

Can I use brown rice?

If you prefer brown rice that will work as well but will need a longer cook time. For brown rice follow as instructed and set the Instant Pot to 20 minutes for the high-pressure cooking cycle.

Storage and reheating instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To reheat, add a splash of chicken stock or water and cover loosely, then microwave until warmed through.

If you try this recipe, don't forget to leave a RATING or COMMENT below. I would love to hear from you!!! And FOLLOW me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

Mexican rice shown in a serving bowl.

Instant Pot Spanish Rice Recipe

Flavorful Spanish rice, just like your favorite Mexican restaurant, made quick and easy in an Instant Pot.
Author: Scott
4.34 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 3 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Natural Pressure Release: 10 mins
Total Time: 23 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 83kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white rice
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ cup frozen peas

Instructions

  • Set Instant Pot to saute and allow to preheat. While the pot heats, rinse the rice under cold water in a mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Add oil, then add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the rice and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice is light golden brown.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients and scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Seal the lid and set to manual and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then vent any remaining steam.
  • Carefully remove the lid, then fluff the rice with a fork. Add the frozen peas and cover with the lid for 2-3 minutes until the peas are warmed, then serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 83kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSodium: 344mgPotassium: 84mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Tried this recipe?Don't forget to leave a rating above and mention @disheswithdad or tag #disheswithdad on social media!

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About Me

Hello, I'm Scott! ! I'm a former professional cook and a long-time home cook. I created this space to share my favorite quick and easy, family-friendly recipes and hopefully inspire you to try some of them for yourself!

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