The Easiest Instant Pot Spanish Rice (Vegan & Foolproof)

Tired of plain, boring side dishes that feel like an afterthought? Let’s fix that.

This Instant Pot Spanish Rice recipe transforms a simple staple into the vibrant, flavorful star of your dinner plate. Using the magic of the pressure cooker, you can achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy brown rice infused with the savory taste of tomatoes, onions, and garlic—all in about 30 minutes with minimal effort.

It’s a true one-pot wonder that’s not only delicious but also naturally vegan and gluten-free. Get ready to make this your new go-to side for every taco night.

Why You’ll Love This Foolproof Recipe

This isn’t just another rice recipe; it’s designed for deliciousness and convenience. Here’s why it will become a permanent fixture in your meal rotation:

• Perfectly Fluffy, Every Time: The Instant Pot controls the temperature and pressure precisely, cooking each grain of brown rice to the perfect texture without ever getting mushy or sticky.
• One-Pot Wonder: From sautéing the onions to cooking the rice, everything happens in the Instant Pot. That means cleanup is an absolute breeze.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Once you lock the lid, you can walk away. No more watching the stove or worrying about pots boiling over. It’s set-it-and-forget-it simple.
• Packed with Flavor: Toasting the rice with onions and garlic before cooking deepens the flavor, while the diced tomatoes and green chilies add a savory, tangy kick.

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few pantry staples to create a dish bursting with flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and toasting the rice.
• Yellow Onion & Garlic: These form the essential flavor base of the dish. Don’t be shy with the garlic!
• Long-Grain Brown Rice: Provides a wonderful, slightly chewy texture that holds up well to pressure cooking. It also adds a nice nutty flavor and extra fiber.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (like Rotel): This is the secret weapon! It provides the tomato flavor, a hint of spice, and liquid all in one convenient ingredient.
• Water or Vegetable Broth: Using vegetable broth instead of water is a simple way to add another layer of savory depth.
• Salt: Crucial for bringing all the flavors together.

How to Make Spanish Rice, Step by Step

Making this rice is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these steps for perfect results.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Once hot, add the olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
2. Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked brown rice directly to the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about 1 minute. This toasting step enhances the rice’s natural nutty flavor and helps keep the grains separate.
3. Combine and Seal: Pour in the water (or vegetable broth), the canned tomatoes, and the salt. Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, set the steam release valve to ‘Sealing,’ and cook on High Pressure for 24 minutes.
5. Natural Release and Fluff: Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure release naturally. This is a crucial step for perfect rice texture. It allows the grains to absorb any remaining moisture and finish steaming. Once the pin drops, open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve warm.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

Want to guarantee success? Keep these simple tips in mind.

• Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onion, garlic, and rice is the most important step for building a deep flavor base. It only takes a few minutes but makes a world of difference.
• The Magic of Natural Release: For grains like brown rice, a natural pressure release (NPR) is non-negotiable. According to food experts at The Kitchn, a quick release will result in unevenly cooked, watery rice. The gentle, gradual release of pressure allows the rice to finish cooking perfectly.
• Avoid the ‘BURN’ Error: Always make sure to stir well after adding the liquids, scraping the bottom of the pot to ensure nothing is stuck. This prevents the Instant Pot’s sensors from triggering a ‘BURN’ warning.
• Rinse Your Rice (Optional but Recommended): For extra-fluffy rice with distinct grains, rinse the brown rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess surface starch which, as Serious Eats explains, is a primary cause of stickiness.

Fun Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Feel free to get creative with these additions:

• Add Some Veggies: Stir in 1 cup of frozen corn or peas right after you fluff the rice. The residual heat will warm them through perfectly. For a boost of greens, you can also add some pre-cooked veggies like this 3-minute Instant Pot kale.
• Boost the Protein: Add a can of rinsed and drained black beans or pinto beans along with the other ingredients before cooking.
• Adjust the Spice: If you like it spicy, use a can of ‘Hot’ Rotel or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño with the onions.
• Swap the Rice: If you prefer white rice, you can use long-grain white rice instead. Just reduce the cook time to 4 minutes with a 10-minute natural pressure release.

What Should I Serve This With?

This Spanish rice is the ultimate team player and pairs beautifully with so many dishes. It’s the perfect foundation for a complete and satisfying meal.

• Taco Night: Serve it alongside your favorite tacos, like these incredible Cauliflower Walnut Mushroom Tacos.
• Burrito Bowls: Use it as the base for a hearty burrito bowl. Top with beans, corn salsa, avocado, and a drizzle of our creamy vegan nacho cheese sauce.
• Enchilada Companion: It’s the perfect side dish for a flavorful Roasted Vegetable Enchilada Casserole.
• Fajitas: Complete your sizzling fajita platter with a generous scoop of this rice.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This rice makes for fantastic leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

To reheat, simply microwave it for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water or vegetable broth before microwaving to help it steam and prevent it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this on the stovetop? Yes!

Sauté the onion, garlic, and rice in a large pot or Dutch oven for 3-4 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Just be sure to use a vegetable broth that is certified gluten-free if you go that route. My rice came out mushy.

What did I do wrong? This is almost always due to a quick pressure release.

For brown rice, it’s essential to let the pressure come down naturally. This gentle process allows the rice to absorb all the steam and set up properly.

Another culprit could be an inaccurate water-to-rice ratio, so be sure to measure carefully.

Conclusion

With this simple, flavorful, and foolproof Instant Pot Spanish Rice recipe, you’re well on your way to elevating your entire meal. It’s a testament to how modern kitchen tools can help us create delicious, healthy food with minimal fuss.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a requested favorite for every taco night and meal prep Sunday!