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Flavorful Mexican Rice in Rice Cooker In Just 30 Minutes!

Mexican rice in rice cooker

Mexican rice in Rice cooker is a quick and easy way to make a delicious side dish for any Mexican meal. You can use your Rice cooker to cook the rice with chicken broth or vegetable broth or water, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, and spices, and get fluffy and flavorful rice in just 30 minutes. You can also add some diced carrots, peas, or corn for extra color and nutrition. You can enjoy this rice with your kids and family, and serve it with some tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or your favorite Mexican dish.

This recipe is suitable for beginners, as it only requires a few simple steps and ingredients. You just need to sauté the onion, garlic, and rice, then add the rest of the ingredients and cook for 15 minutes. The Rice cooker will infuse the rice with the flavors of the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and spices, and make it tender and moist. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili powder, or adding some chopped jalapeños.

This rice has a great texture, with the rice grains being separate and not sticky. It also has a wonderful flavor, with the tomato sauce, chicken broth/Vegetable broth, and spices giving it a savory and slightly spicy taste. It also has a nice color, with the red from the tomato sauce, the green from the peas and cilantro, and the yellow from the corn and carrots. It is a very versatile dish, as you can pair it with different meats, beans, cheese, or vegetables. You can also use it to make burritos, stuffed peppers, or casseroles.

You can make this rice any time of the year, but it is especially good for the colder seasons, as it is warm and comforting. It is also a great dish for the holidays, as it is festive and easy to make. You can make a large batch and keep it warm in the oven, or reheat it in the microwave. Your guests will be impressed by the taste and aroma of this Mexican rice, and they will ask you for the recipe!

Tips and Tricks for Mexican rice in rice cooker

  1. Properly Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, resulting in a fluffier texture. Use a fine mesh strainer and rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Saute Aromatics Separately: While it's common to sauté onions and garlic directly in the rice cooker, sautéing them in a skillet beforehand can enhance their flavor and prevent them from burning in the rice cooker.
  3. Use High-Quality Broth or Water: The liquid you use significantly impacts the flavor of the rice. Opt for high-quality chicken or vegetable broth for added depth of flavor. If using water, consider adding a bouillon cube or seasoning for extra taste.
  4. Adjust Spice Level: Customize the spice level of the rice to suit your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of chili powder and paprika according to your desired level of heat.
  5. Add Fresh Ingredients Carefully: If using fresh tomatoes, ensure they are diced finely to ensure even cooking. Add them to the rice cooker along with the liquid to distribute them evenly throughout the rice.
  6. Check Rice Texture: After the cooking cycle is complete, check the texture of the rice. If it's too firm, add a little more liquid and continue cooking until it reaches the desired consistency.
  7. Avoid Opening the Lid During Cooking: Resist the temptation to open the rice cooker lid during the cooking process, as this can disrupt the cooking cycle and result in unevenly cooked rice.
  8. Let it Rest: Allow the rice to rest in the rice cooker for a few minutes after the cooking cycle is complete. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures the rice is evenly cooked.
  9. Garnish Just Before Serving: Add fresh cilantro as a garnish just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
  10. Experiment with Variations: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own unique version of Mexican rice. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or peas, or even protein like diced chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

Finally, I request You to please check my other recipes with this post of Mexican rice in rice cooker.

Particularly, the Red velvet cupcakes, fudgy brownies, and Natural peanut butter.

Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 5 mins Rest Time: 10 mins Total Time: 25 mins
Servings 4
Description

Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is also known as Spanish rice or arroz rojo ("red rice") because of its red color. It is a popular dish in Mexico and other Latin American countries, and it is often served as a side dish or a base for other dishes. It is believed that Mexican rice originated from the Spanish paella, which was introduced to Mexico by the Spanish colonizers. However, Mexican rice has its own distinct flavor and ingredients, such as tomato, onion, garlic, and cumin.

Ingredients
    Basic Ingredients
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 3/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (or 2 large fresh tomatoes, diced)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Equipment:
  • Pressure cooker
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board and knife
Instructions for Mexican rice in rice cooker
    Step-by-Step Guide for Mexican rice in rice cooker
  1. Prepare Ingredients:
    • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
    • Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
    • If using fresh tomatoes, dice them.
    • Gather all other ingredients and equipment.
  2. Saute Onion and Garlic:

    Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Saute for about 2-3 minutes until they turn soft and translucent.

  3. Add Rice and Spices:

     

    • Transfer the sauteed onion and garlic into the rice cooker.
    • Add the rinsed rice, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.
  4. Add Liquid and Tomatoes:
    • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth (or water) into the rice cooker, stirring to combine with the rice and spices.
    • Add the diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes) to the rice cooker, stirring again to evenly distribute.
  5. Cook Rice:

    Close the rice cooker lid and select the "Cook" or "White Rice" setting. Start the cooking cycle.

  6. Fluff and Serve:
    • Once the rice cooker indicates that the cooking cycle is complete, open the lid carefully.
    • Use a fork to fluff the rice gently.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or spices if desired.
    • Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.
  7. Enjoy!

    This recipe should yield delicious and fluffy Mexican rice right out of your Rice cooker. Adjust the spices according to your preference for a milder or spicier flavor. Enjoy your homemade Mexican rice which is prepared in a Rice cooker!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 200kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3g5%
Saturated Fat 0.49g3%
Sodium 400mg17%
Potassium 300mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 3g
Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 500 IU
Vitamin C 10 mg
Calcium 50 mg
Iron 2 mg
Vitamin E 1 IU

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  1. Rinsing Rice: It's important to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.

  2. Adjusting Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of chili powder and paprika to make the dish more or less spicy.

  3. Vegetarian Option: This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

  4. Natural Release: Allowing the pressure cooker to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes helps ensure that the rice cooks evenly and prevents it from becoming mushy.

  5. Garnish: Garnishing the rice with fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish, but it's optional. You can omit it if you're not a fan of cilantro.

  6. Storage: Leftover Mexican rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

  7. Versatility: This Mexican rice is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, or black beans.

  8. Nutritional Information: The nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and any modifications made to the recipe.

Keywords: Mexican rice, pressure cooker, easy, quick, flavorful, vegetarian