Why is my Mexican rice hard?

If the heat is too high, the water evaporates before the rice has a chance to fully cook . If you don't add enough water, the rice ends up dry and crunchy.

How long does rice take to cook?

Once boiling, lower heat to a simmer and cover. Ensure it's simmering and not boiling or the rice can cook too quickly. Simmer until water is completely absorbed and rice is tender – about 15-25 minutes (will depend on size and freshness of rice). Drain off any excess water if there is any (there shouldn't be).

How can I make my rice harder?

While it may sound unusual, you can quickly fix mushy rice with some table salt. Fill a small sauce bowl with salt. Place the bowl with the salt inside the pan of rice. Leave it in there and the salt should absorb all the extra moisture. May 5, 2023

What makes Mexican rice mushy?

The rice should be a tiny bit on the dry side (but still soft and fluffy). If your rice is really wet and mushy, you probably added too much water and/or overcooked it .

How do you know if rice is cooked enough?

Check the rice is cooked at the end by trying a grain - this should also be indicated by the appearance of small holes on the surface and all the water having been absorbed . Keep cooking for another couple of mins if it isn't quite ready, then turn the heat off.

How many cups of rice for 4 people?

One (1) cup raw rice yields 3 ½ cups cooked rice, or enough for 3 light eaters. To be sure you have enough rice, prepare 1 ½ cups raw rice for 3 or 4 people and 2 cups raw rice for 4 to 6 people. Time required to cook a pot of rice? Plan on 30 minutes from the moment you turn on the heat to when the rice is cooked.

How long do you have to soak rice before cooking?

Soaking any variety of rice covered in water for just 30 minutes plumps the grains of rice. This plumping allows the grains to absorb a little water prior to cooking, the grains of rice will be very tender without getting mushy and the rice cooks very evenly.

How to fix crunchy Mexican rice?

Whatever the case, if your rice is looking dried out, or the texture is still hard or crunchy when all the liquid has been absorbed, add up to ½ cup water and return to a simmer with the lid on . Be patient. Don't raise the temperature to rush the rice—that'll just put you right back where you started.

How do you soften hard Spanish rice?

After cooking for the recommended period of time, if the rice is still hard or chewy, add a little bit of water to create more steam (for every cup of uncooked rice used, add about 2 tablespoons of water). Cover the pot tightly and place over very low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Let rest before serving.

What causes rice to get hard?

The word of the day is “retrogradation,” and it takes place when cooked rice is refrigerated. The rice's starch cells collapse, squeezing out moisture and causing a realignment of starch molecules that results in the texture changing from soft and tender to hard and chewy.

How do you keep rice from getting hard?

Those little cardboard take-out containers may be cute, but they will also let in air, making leftover rice chewy and hard. Transfer the cooled, cooked rice into an airtight storage container or a zippered plastic storage bag (remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing), then store in the refrigerator.

Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe (2024)

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This Mexican Rice Casseroleis a family favorite dinner and is perfect for busy weeknights because it is made in the Instant Pot. You will love this one pot meatless meal!

This post is sponsored byUSA Pulses & Pulse Canada.

Who got an Instant Pot for Christmas andneeds Instant Pot recipes? If your hand is raised, it is your lucky day because we are sharing one of our very favorite Instant Pot meals. You are going to LOVE this Mexican Rice Casserole. It is made in thepressure cooker and is a huge hit with the entire family, including our boys. It is vegetarian, gluten-free and SO good!

And if you don’t have an Instant Pot yet, you are going to want one after you see this easy dinner recipe:)

How to Make Instant Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

This Mexican Rice Casserole has all of our favorite ingredients in ONE pot! I love the Instant Pot because you can sauté right in the Instant Pot. This is a great one pot meal!
We combine brown rice, black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, red bell pepper, garlic, onion, lime juice, lots of spices, and vegetable broth in the Instant Pot and let it do it’s magic.
When the Instant Pot is done, we stir in corn, shredded cheese, cilantro, and green onion. The cheese melts into the rice and black beans creating the perfect cheesy rice and bean casserole!
We serve the casserole in bowls and top with avocado slices. The boys like to eat their casserole with tortilla chips. They are all about dipping!
This easy rice casserole reheats well, making great leftovers for lunch or dinner all week. It also freezes well. I love keeping a container in the freezer for busy weeknights. Defrost and heat up in the microwave!

We are always trying to add more pulses (delicious, protein-packed, sustainable foods such as dry peas, chickpeas, lentils and beans) to our recipes and this Mexican Rice Casserole hasTWO kinds of beans, black peans and pinto beans.Looking for simple ways to eat healthier in the New Year? Just add pulses! Sign up for the Half-Cup Habit, and see how easy it can be to add ½ cup serving of pulses to your diet just 3x per week for added nutrients.

Get out your Instant Pot and make this Mexican Rice Casserole. It is an easy dinner winner!It is packed with protein and a great easy, kid friendly meal! Our boys ask to have this casserole for dinner almost every single week.

Instant Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

This easy Mexican Casserole is made in the Instant Pot and a family favorite weeknight meal! The leftovers also freeze well.

4.43 from 28 votes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion chopped
1 medium red bell pepper seeds removed and chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
1 4 oz can diced green chiles
1 cup vegetable broth
Juice of 1 large lime
1 cup long grain brown rice
1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15 oz can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
2 green onions sliced
1 large avocado sliced
Tortilla chips for serving, optional

Instructions

Put the olive oil in the Instant Pot and select Browning/Sauté. When the oil is hot, add the onion and red bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes, green chiles, vegetable broth, lime juice, brown rice, black beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined. Lock the lid on the Instant Pot, select high pressure, and set to 22 minutes cook time.
After the 22 minutes, turn off the Instant Pot and let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. After the 10 minutes, carefully turn the vent to a quick pressure release.
Stir in the corn, shredded cheese, cilantro, and green onions. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
Serve with sliced avocados and tortilla chips, if desired.

Have you tried this recipe?

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Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe (2024)

How to Make Instant Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

Instant Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

Ingredients

Instructions

FAQs

Why is my Mexican rice hard? ›

How do you keep rice from getting hard? ›