Instant Pot Spanish Rice Recipe

Spanish rice, also known as Mexican rice or red rice, is a Mexican side dish or a component in a variety of other Mexican recipes made using white rice, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a variety of additional ingredients. The term “Spanish rice” is solely used in the United States and does not refer to rice grown in Spain.

 

However, some individuals believe that Spanish rice and Mexican rice are not the same.

Spanish rice, according to some chefs, is a touch heartier and harder, but Mexican rice is softer and “melts in your mouth.” Regardless of your point of view, you have to admit that they’re both excellent in their own right, and both are a welcome addition to any Taco Tuesday menu.

 

This simple Spanish rice recipe calls for long-grain white rice. To lighten it up, use brown rice or cauliflower rice. If you’re using brown rice, make sure to add more liquid and time to the cooking process.

 

Ingredients for the easy Spanish rice recipe

• ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup of chopped onions, 
• 1 teaspoon each of minced garlic and salt
• 2 cups of long-grain white rice
• 3 cups of chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 
•  1 Pinch of dried oregano flakes

 

If you are looking for a vegan or vegetarian version Spanish rice recipe, you can use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock in this recipe. 

 

If you don’t have tomato paste in your kitchen right now, don’t panic. You don’t need to go out to the grocery store to buy tomato paste. You can just use 1 cup of diced fresh or cooked tomatoes. 

Steps to follow when making instant pot Spanish rice

Firstly, in a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium/high heat. Add the rice and gently mix it in the oil until it is gently covered. Cook, tossing often, on medium-high heat until most of the rice has browned.

 

Then add the onion and garlic and simmer for another 3 minutes, stirring regularly, until the onions soften. Cook for another minute or so, or until the onions are transparent and softened.

Combine the broth, tomato, oregano, salt, and the browned rice and onions in a large mixing bowl:

To save time, bring the stock, tomato, oregano, and salt to a simmer in a separate pot.

Then mix the rice with the broth mixture. Put the rice in the saucepan where the broth is boiling from.  

Simmer, covered, until the rice has absorbed all of the liquid:

Lastly, bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to just keep it there.

Cook for 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the variety of rice and the package directions.

Conclusion

Turn off the heat and set the pan aside for 5 minutes.

Your Spanish rice is ready to be served. 

If you loved following this Instant pot Spanish rice recipe, be sure to check out our pozole recipe.

If you have finished making your instant pot Spanish rice, please take photos and send them to us. We will post them on our blog for the world to see how great you have become.