Instant Pot Mexican Rice (Arroz Mexicano) is a tasty side dish to any Mexican food recipes.

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Mexican rice next to an instant pot and cilantro leaves.

Instant Pot Mexican Rice is made in less time than regular Arroz Mexicano.

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Growing up, it was something we had at almost every dinner. Although, we didn’t call it “Mexican Rice.” We called it “rice” or “Spanish Rice.”

Somewhere, somehow, it became known as Mexican Rice, and so it is.

More Mexican Side Dishes: Papas con Rajas, Instant Pot Pinto Beans, Fideo Seco

Ingredients for Mexican Rice on a white marble surface.

There are variations of this recipe where people add oregano, or they add tomato bouillon. Salsa was NEVER used to make Mexican Rice.

Ingredients to Make Mexican Rice (Arroz Mexicano):

olive oil
2 Roma tomatoes
¼ onion
1 garlic clove
white rice
Whole Cumin
chicken bouillon
Water

Very simple and not complicated at all.

Note: There is a white version made in Mexico called Arroz Blanco that is equally as tasty.

Start by adding the tomatoes, onion, and garlic to a blender.
You can skip this step by using tomato sauce.

Pro Tip: Make homemade tomato sauce ahead of time. It freezes in an airtight plastic bag for up to 6 months.

Here’s a swap out option: use tomato bouillon. This will help give the rice a more reddish look.

Water pouring into a blender filled with tomatoes.

Only use enough water to blend the tomatoes. This is ½ cup of water.
You can also use chicken broth to help blend the tomatoes instead of water.

Learn how to make homemade chicken broth. It gives delicious flavor to the Mexican rice.

Blend until smooth.
Set the tomato mixture aside

Start with this step first. The next steps require your undivided attention.

Tablespoon of olive oil over an instant pot.

Start by pressing the “Saute” button.
Add the oil.

You need enough oil to brown the rice.

For 1 cup of white rice, use 2 tablespoons of oil.

A measuring cup filled with rice over the instant pot.

Rice is nice.

This is long grain white rice.

Sushi rice, wild rice, (anything other than long grain white rice) is not recommended.

Wooden spoon stirring white rice in an instant pot.

Toast the rice.
It will turn slightly golden. About 2 minutes.

Word to the Wise: Do not let the rice turn black!

If it burns, you will need to start all over again. You will also need to wash the Instant Pot bowl too. No bueno.

What do you do when your instant pot says burn?
Basically, the instant pot is overheated. If the “burn” sign is on, press the “cancel” button. Switch the Instant Pot valve to “venting” mode. Release all the pressure. Open the lid. Make sure there is no burned food stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Cup pouring tomato sauce inside the instant pot.

Add the chicken broth and tomato sauce to the instant pot.

Metal tablespoon holding chicken bouillon over an instant pot.

Chicken bouillon. This is a commonly used ingredient in Mexican cooking.

If this ain’t yo thang, you can very easily swap this out for salt.

A pinch of whole cumin also goes into the pot. Don’t use ground cumin, or your Instant Pot Mexican Rice will turn brown.

You just need a pinch. Not too much, either, or it will overpower the flavor of the rice.

How much rice do you need per person?
The norms is about ½ cup to ⅓ cup rice per person.

Cover the Instant Pot with the lid.
Set it for 7 minutes and make sure that the venting knob is on SEALING.

How long does rice take in instant pot?
Rice takes anywhere from 5-8 minutes. Then, the pressure needs to be released. This step takes about 10 minutes, sometimes less.

Back of a wooden spoon pushing the instant pot knob to venting.

Turn the knob to “VENTING.” Stand back at a safe distance.

Release pressure carefully, using the back of a cooking spoon.

Carefully unlock and remove the lid. All you need to do now is stir to combine and serve.

Great Idea! Add frozen peas and carrots here. Then close the instant pot with the lid again. Do not turn the Instant Pot on. Just let is sit there for a few minutes. This will heat the frozen vegetables.

Arroz Mexicano, or Instant Pot Mexican Rice, on a decorative Mexican clay plate and cilantro.

This yummy Instant Pot Mexican Rice is perfect for all your favorite dishes like Picadillo, Chicken Diablo, Carnitas, and Carne Asada Street Tacos.

Hope you enjoy this Mexican staple. iProvecho!

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