Instant Pot Spanish Rice

I finally have a delicious Spanish Rice Pressure Cooker Recipe to share with you today! However, you can get it done in less work and in less time because we are using an electric pressure cooker!

This literally takes minutes and your entire family will love this flavor packed Spanish rice. Check out our other Mexican Side dishes for more easy ideas. If you do not have a instant pot, you can still make Crockpot Spanish Rice and Easy Stove Top Spanish Rice Recipe with short grain rice.

Why We Love This Spanish Rice Recipe

We love going to our favorite Mexican Restaurants for their Ground Beef Enchiladas, Chicken and Rice Burritos, Refried Beans and their Spanish Rice. Now I make everything at home because it saves me money and add in spices that we prefer.

This Easy Instant Pot Spanish Rice is made with pantry staples. Often times we will make this rice with veggies such as bell peppers, corn, carrots and peas. It makes an easy side dish to our favorite Mexican Recipes.

Ingredients

• Long Grain White Rice – Use rice of your choice
• Butter – We used unsalted butter
• White Onion – Diced the onion with a vegetable chopper so they are about the same size  
• Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Chicken Broth – If you are out, see Chicken broth substitutes
• Ground Cumin – See Best Substitute for Cumin if you are out
• Chili Powder – Check out The Best Chili Powder Substitute if you are out. For a spicy taste, add in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• Paprika – See Best Paprika Substitute if you are out

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

How to Make Spanish Rice in the Instant Pot

Step 1 – Rinse the rice thoroughly in a colander. 

Step 2 – Turn the instant pot to the sauté function and add in the butter.  Heat until melted. Add in the onion and sauté for a few minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. 

Step 3 – Saute in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Turn the instant pot off. 

Step 4 – Stir in the chicken broth and make sure to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the instant pot insert. 

Step 5 – Stir in the rice and seasonings.  Make sure that the rice is covered in the broth (press it down if needed).  

Step 6 – Pour the tomato sauce on top but do not mix in. 

• Step 7 – Seal the instant pot and pressure cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.  
• Step 8 – After the cooking time, allow the pressure to release from the instant pot naturally for 15 minutes.  
• Step 9 – After 15 minutes, move the knob on the instant pot lid from the sealing to the venting position to natural pressure release the remaining pressure from the instant pot.  
• Step 10 – Let the rice sit for 5-10 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork. 
• Step 11 – Stir in the chopped cilantro, serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Measure Ingredients – For the best results, make sure to measure the ingredients accurately with a measuring cup. This will help the rice to cook tender and not mushy.
• Rest Rice – After cooking rice, allow the rice to rest in the instant pot for about 10 minutes then fluff with a fork.

What To Serve Spanish Rice?

It’s delicious served with the Best Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe. Yum! We also love these Oven Baked Tacos and Easy Baked Enchilada Chicken. 

This recipe for easy Mexican rice recipe freezes really well so it’s perfect for busy nights. You must learn how to freeze rice. It’s a time saver on busy nights when you need a quick side dish.

Can I Freeze Spanish Rice?

You definitely want to make a big batch of this rice and freeze it. It is so handy having this in the freezer for an easy side dish. You can also freeze this Spanish rice in cupcake pans. Just place in each individual cup and freeze.

Once frozen, pop them out and place in a freezer bag. You now have individual servings ready to reheat. No need to buy those overpriced rice bowls at the store! Here is the silicone cupcake pans that I use. They are really easy to pop out once frozen. Then thaw in the fridge when ready to enjoy.

Spanish Rice freezes great for about 3 months. For more tips, see Can You Freeze Rice.

How to Store and Reheat Spanish Rice

Store the leftover Spanish Rice in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop in a saucepan until heated through.