How Long to Cook Mexican Rice
Mexican rice (also called Spanish rice) gets its flavor from toasting and cooking in tomato-based liquid. Learn the secret to restaurant-quality rice.
How long to cook Mexican rice?
Mexican rice takes 20-25 minutes on the stove, 25-30 minutes in a rice cooker, or 4 minutes in an Instant Pot. Toast the rice in oil until golden before adding liquid for authentic restaurant-style flavor and color.
Mexican Rice Cooking Times
Mexican rice (also called Spanish rice) gets its flavor from toasting and cooking in tomato-based liquid with spices. The key is toasting the rice first.
| Method | Cooking Time | Water Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stove | 20-25 min | 1:1.75 | Toast rice first for best flavor |
| Rice Cooker | 25-30 min | 1:1.75 | Add tomato and spices |
| Instant Pot | 4 min + NPR | 1:1.25 | Quick release after 5 min |
| Oven | 45-50 min | 1:2 | 350°F, covered |
How Long to Cook Mexican Rice on Stove?
Mexican rice takes 20-25 minutes on the stove. Toasting is the secret to restaurant-quality rice.
Stove Method:
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in pan over medium-high
- Add 1 cup long grain rice, stir constantly
- Toast 3-4 minutes until golden brown
- Add 1 cup tomato sauce, 0.75 cup chicken broth
- Add garlic, cumin, salt to taste
- Bring to boil, reduce to low
- Cover and simmer 18-20 minutes
- Rest 5 minutes, fluff with fork
How Long to Cook Spanish Rice?
Spanish rice takes the same time as Mexican rice: 20-25 minutes on stove. The terms are often used interchangeably in American cooking, though traditional Spanish rice uses saffron.
How Long to Cook Mexican Rice in Instant Pot?
Mexican rice takes 4 minutes in an Instant Pot on high pressure.
- Use sauté mode to toast rice first
- Add 1:1.25 liquid ratio
- Pressure cook 4 minutes
- Natural release 5 minutes
- Quick release remaining pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
Mexican rice takes 20-25 minutes on the stove. Toast the rice in oil first for 3-4 minutes until golden, then add tomato sauce, broth, and spices. Simmer covered until liquid is absorbed.
Spanish rice takes 20-25 minutes on the stove, 25-30 minutes in a rice cooker, or 4 minutes in an Instant Pot. Toast the rice first for authentic flavor and color.
Mexican rice takes 4 minutes in an Instant Pot on high pressure. Use 1:1.25 liquid ratio. Let natural release 5 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
One cup of Mexican rice takes 20-25 minutes on stove. Use 1.75 cups liquid (half broth, half tomato sauce). Toast rice 3-4 minutes before adding liquid.
Two cups of Mexican rice takes 20-25 minutes on stove. Use 3.5 cups liquid total. Cooking time stays the same regardless of quantity.
Mexican rice takes 25-30 minutes on low heat after bringing to a boil. Lower heat creates fluffier rice. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
Compare Rice Types
Different rice types have different cooking times and water ratios. Find the perfect rice for your dish.