Pressure-cooker Mexican Brown Rice

Super flavorful Mexican Brown Rice easily made right in your Instant Pot along with your favorite salsa for the reliable side dish that comes out fluffy and satisfying every single time!

You guys, this is truly the only side dish you will ever need. Using the Instant Pot to make rice has been a total game changer for us because it is just so dang simple to use and the rice literally comes out reliable every single time! This instant pot Mexican rice recipe (also known as Spanish rice) makes the reliable side to any Mexican-inspired dish and all you need are just a f

The best thing about using the Instant Pot is that you can just dump everything in, set it and LEAVE it. Pretty much like using a crock pot except waaaay quicker. And everything just tastes so much better in the opinion!

What goes in

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning, or store bought
• 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups long grain brown rice
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth, or water
• 3/4 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• Squeeze of lime, optional

How it comes together

1. Begin by pressing the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Drizzle a little olive oil and wait for the pot to heat up and the oil to glisten. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, then add in garlic and sauté for about 30 more seconds.
2. Hit the 'cancel' button on the Instant Pot to turn the heat off and add in the taco seasoning, ancho chili powder and salt. Mix together with the onion and garlic then add in the rice, giving it a quick stir. Pour in the vegetable (or chicken) broth and salsa, mixing well until everything is all combined.
3. Secure the lid of your Instant Pot and make sure the steam release valve is set to sealing. Next press the pressure cook function and set the timer to 22 minutes (if using long grain white rice set the timer to 3 minutes). The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the countdown starts.
4. Once the 22 minutes are up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes (this just means do not touch it at all until the timer counts up to 15). Then using a hand towel or oven mitt, carefully turn the steam release valve to the venting position to release any remaining steam.
5. Twist open the lid of the Instant Pot and give the rice a good stir. Mix in some fresh cilantro and it is ready to serve. You can also squeeze a little lime juice on top for a bright fresh pop of flavor!