Instant Pot Spanish Rice
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, this Instant Pot Spanish Rice will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With its vibrant colors and delicious spices, this dish is perfect for pairing with your favorite proteins, or even as a stand-alone vegetarian delight. Plus, using an Instant Pot means you can whip it up in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot at your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Instant Pot Spanish Rice is not just about convenience; it’s also about flavor. With ingredients that blend beautifully together, you’ll experience the warmth of spices and the freshness of vegetables in every bite. Here are a few reasons why this recipe stands out:
- Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of cooking rice, making it a time-saving option for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices or add in your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and broth gives this rice a depth of flavor that elevates any meal.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a plus, and this recipe keeps everything contained in one pot.
What You’ll Gather
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards making this delicious dish. Here’s what you will need:
- 2 cups long-grain rice (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low sodium chicken stock or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
Toolbox for This Recipe
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right tools on hand:
- Instant Pot: The star of the show that will help you achieve perfectly cooked rice.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Cutting Board and Knife: To chop your onions, jalapeño, and garlic.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring and combining ingredients.
- Serving Dish: To present your delicious Spanish rice.
How to Prepare Instant Pot Spanish Rice
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a delightful dish:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once hot, add the extra virgin olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the diced yellow onion and jalapeño. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 2: Add the Spices
Once your vegetables are sautéed, it’s time to add the flavor! Sprinkle in the kosher salt, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices, allowing them to toast for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.
Step 3: Combine Rice and Liquid
Next, add the long-grain rice to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetable and spice mixture. Pour in the low sodium chicken stock (or vegetable broth) and the tomato sauce. Give everything a good stir to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Close the lid of your Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 6 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Once all the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid. If using, add the unsalted butter for a rich finish and stir to combine. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, and it’s ready to serve! Enjoy it as a side dish or as a base for your favorite toppings.
Better Choices & Swaps
Looking to make some adjustments or substitutions? Here are a few ideas:
- For a vegan version, opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
- Brown rice can be used, but cooking times will differ—adjust accordingly.
- Add diced bell peppers or corn for additional texture and flavor.
- For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Avoid These Traps
Cooking rice in the Instant Pot can be a breeze, but here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Don’t skip rinsing your rice! Rinsing helps remove excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy.
- Ensure your broth is low sodium to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Be mindful of the natural release time; rushing it can lead to less fluffy rice.
- Don’t forget to fluff the rice after cooking; it helps separate the grains for a better texture.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
Want to make a big batch for future meals? Here’s how to store and freeze your Spanish rice:
- Let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Instant Pot Spanish Rice FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for long-grain rice, you can experiment with other varieties like basmati or jasmine. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more jalapeño or incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper. Additionally, using spicy tomato sauce can amp up the flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this rice dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in peas, diced bell peppers, or corn during the sautéing step to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
What can I serve with Instant Pot Spanish Rice?
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it as a filling for burritos or as a side to tacos.
The Takeaway
This Instant Pot Spanish Rice recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a flavorful addition to any meal that brings a taste of home into your kitchen. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
So grab your Instant Pot and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious, vibrant dish. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite proteins or enjoying it on its own, this Spanish Rice is sure to become a beloved favorite in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!
Instant Pot Spanish Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once hot, add the extra virgin olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the diced yellow onion and jalapeño. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Once your vegetables are sautéed, it’s time to add the flavor! Sprinkle in the kosher salt, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices, allowing them to toast for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.
- Next, add the long-grain rice to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetable and spice mixture. Pour in the low sodium chicken stock (or vegetable broth) and the tomato sauce. Give everything a good stir to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
- Close the lid of your Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 6 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
- Once all the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid. If using, add the unsalted butter for a rich finish and stir to combine. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, and it’s ready to serve!
Notes
- For a vegan version, opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
- Brown rice can be used, but cooking times will differ—adjust accordingly.
- Add diced bell peppers or corn for additional texture and flavor.
