Name: Instant Pot Spanish Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups broth (vegetable or chicken); 1 1/4 cups canned tomato sauce; 3 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

If you have been searching for a delightfully flavorful, easy-to-make side dish, you need to try this Instant Pot Spanish Rice Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of aromatic spices, rich tomato sauce, and tender long grain rice cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, giving you a comforting and vibrant dish that pairs wonderfully with any meal. This recipe is a total game-changer, especially when you want a fast, hands-off way to enjoy classic Spanish rice with minimal effort but maximum taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a shiny stainless steel pot, a single small cube of pale yellow butter sits on top of a layer of dry, white rice grains that cover the bottom of the pot evenly. Around the rice and butter, melted butter pools, forming a glossy golden layer that slightly soaks into the rice near the edges. The scene is bright and clear with a white marbled surface beneath the pot visible at the bottom edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and each plays a crucial role in creating delicious Spanish rice. From the fragrant garlic to the warming spices and fresh cilantro, every component adds layers of flavor, color, and texture that make this dish truly special.

1 1/2 cups long grain white rice: The base of this dish; rinsing it ensures fluffy, separate grains.
2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the rice evenly.
2 tbsp butter: Brings richness and depth to the sautéed garlic and rice.
1 garlic clove (minced): Infuses a fragrant punch that wakes up the whole dish.
1 tsp chili powder: Introduces a smoky, mildly spicy warmth tailored to Spanish flavors.
1/2 tsp cumin: Adds earthiness and complexity, balancing the acidity of the tomato sauce.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures perfect seasoning.
2 cups broth (vegetable or chicken): The cooking liquid that enriches the rice with savory goodness.
1 1/4 cup canned tomato sauce: Gives the rice its signature color and tangy, luscious base.
3 tbsp cilantro (chopped): Fresh and bright, stirring this in at the end adds freshness and color.

How to Make Instant Pot Spanish Rice Recipe

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Start by pouring the rice into a mesh sieve and rinsing it under cold water for about 30 seconds or until the water runs clear. This simple step removes excess starch from the rice, preventing clumping and helping you achieve those perfectly fluffy grains that are essential for a standout Spanish rice dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Base

Turn your Instant Pot to the “sauté” setting and let it warm up for about a minute. Add the butter, letting it melt completely, then pour in the olive oil. Toss in the rinsed rice and minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes. This gentle toasting builds a nutty flavor foundation and infuses the rice with the aroma of garlic—a delicious preview of what’s to come.

Step 3: Add Spices and Liquids

Turn off the sauté mode before mixing in the chili powder, cumin, and salt. Pour in the broth and tomato sauce, stirring gently to combine. Make sure the rice is completely submerged by the liquid; you can press it down lightly with a spoon if needed. Proper coverage ensures even cooking and that perfect texture we are aiming for.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot with the valve set to “seal.” Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. Once the cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes—this helps the rice finish cooking gently—and then carefully switch to a manual release to let out any remaining pressure. This timing is the magic that turns your rice from raw grains into a soft, flavorful masterpiece.

Step 5: Fluff and Finish

Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Now stir in the freshly chopped cilantro to add a fresh, herbaceous note and a burst of green that brightens up the dish visually and in taste. And just like that, you have a pot of beautiful, restaurant-worthy Spanish rice ready to serve!

How to Serve Instant Pot Spanish Rice Recipe

A bowl filled with one layer of reddish-orange rice that looks soft and fluffy, with flecks of green herbs mixed in. The bowl is white with a thin brown rim, and inside the bowl, there is a spoon with a silver head and a wooden handle resting on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a cream-colored textured cloth in the bottom right corner and green leafy herbs in the top left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnish isn’t just for looks; it elevates the flavors and adds texture. A sprinkle of extra cilantro or some finely diced green onions gives a lovely pop of color and freshness. For a little extra zest, a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top can complement the rice’s savory, smoky profile beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Instant Pot Spanish Rice Recipe is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic companion to grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or a classic taco night. It also shines alongside beans and a fresh salad, rounding out any meal with a comforting and satisfying touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not get a little creative? Serve the Spanish rice in vibrant mini bell peppers for a festive appetizer, or layer it in a burrito bowl with your favorite proteins, cheeses, and salsas for a colorful, eye-catching meal. Even as a bed for shakshuka or a hearty stew, this rice adds an exciting twist and beautiful vibrant color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container. Keep the rice in the fridge where it will stay fresh for up to four days. When stored properly, the rice retains most of its texture and flavor, ready for a quick reheating.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this Spanish rice! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead staple for busy weeks. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your rice by microwaving it with a sprinkle of water to restore moisture or warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and you’ll get tasty, fluffy rice every time, just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice for this Instant Pot Spanish Rice Recipe?

Brown rice can be used but will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the Instant Pot time accordingly and expect a heartier texture.

What broth works best for this recipe?

Both vegetable and chicken broth work wonderfully, depending on your preference or dietary needs. Homemade broth adds extra depth if you have it on hand.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Instant Pot Spanish Rice Recipe has mild warmth from the chili powder, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily adjust the amount of chili powder if you want more kick.

Can I omit the butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with additional olive oil or leave it out, but the butter adds a lovely richness and helps with browning the rice.

How do I make the rice less sticky?

Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking is key to achieving fluffy, less sticky rice. Also, avoid stirring after cooking to maintain separate grains.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Spanish Rice Recipe is a true treasure for anyone who loves flavorful, easy home cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a vibrant side that brings a pop of color and taste to your table. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Instant Pot Spanish Rice Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need