4-Ingredient Tomatillo Rice – Instant Pot Recipe

Tomatillo Rice is a 4-ingredient recipe that cooks up in a fast 15 minutes using the Instant Pot. It makes a great side dish and is delicious stuffed into your favorite burrito recipe

Tomatillo Rice is so easy to make. It’s nice and fluffy and never sticky. It tastes great right next to your favorite Mexican recipe or makes a flavorful filling in burritos.

It’s been several years since we were first introduced to a green salsa made from tomatillos at a Mexican restaurant that we like. I was so smitten (yep I said smitten) that I asked the waitress for the recipe. She gave us her mother’s tomatillo recipe and we tried it shortly thereafter.

First of all, it was quite a bit of work. Secondly, it was so hot that I’ve just now recovered. It was a great start though.

We liked tomatillos so much that we actually planted a couple. Note to self one plant produces enough fruit for the whole neighborhood! For this recipe, I actually used canned tomatillos. Fresh definitely have their place but the canned tomatillos work perfectly in this recipe. They worked perfectly in my Poblano Pork Stew over Tomatillo Rice. That rice was made without an Instant Pot too.

I was really curious about what a tomatillo actually is. We grew up eating green tomatoes and these are kind of like them, right? It turns out, like tomatoes, it’s a member of the nightshade family but a totally different plant. Scientists have actually found tomatillo fossils dating back 52 million years in Argentina!

Common questions about tomatillos:

Is Green Rice and Tomatillo Rice the same thing?

No. Mexican Green Rice is a Cilantro Rice Pilaf and traditionally has poblano chiles, onions, cilantro, parsley, carrots, and peas.

A few things you may need:

• 6-Qt 9-in-1 Programmable Instant Pot – I really recommend this Instant Pot. It has been so easy getting to know. I have the 8-quart size but the 6-quart size would be adequate for most recipes.
• Silicone Spatulas –  This pretty set has a flat side and a curved side to take on your toughest job. I love that they are all one piece and can withstand 500°F! Throw out those old chipped ones and treat yourself!

Pin this delicious Tomatillo Rice recipe to your favorite Sides, Vegetarian, or Mexican food board

• Spicy Chile Con Carne – An Instant Pot Recipe
• Mom’s Taco Casserole
• Green Mole Chicken Enchiladas – Zacatecas Style
• Easy Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos
• Green Chili Pork
• Chicken Taco Salad Bowl

Do you have a favorite tomatillo recipe? I’d love to use this fruit a lot more and would love it if you’d share it with us by posting it in the comments below. Or, send me an email. I answer all of my own correspondence and never share or sell your contact information.

If you like this recipe, we would appreciate your comment and a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review!

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5 from 15 votes

4-Ingredient Tomatillo Rice – Instant Pot Recipe

4-Ingredient Tomatillo Rice cooks up in a fast 15 using an Instant Pot.  It’s a perfect side to your Mexican meal or a great filler for your favorite burrito recipe.

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 15 mins

Natural Release 10 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Servings 4

Author Julie Menghini

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice rinsed
• 1 cup tomatillos *canned pureed
• 1 cup chicken stock low sodium – vegetable broth or water will work too
• 2 tsp butter

Fresh Cilantro Garnish is optional

Instructions

• Puree the can of tomatillos in a blender.  You will only use 1 cup.  The remaining puree can be frozen or use it in your favorite salsa recipe.
• Add all of the ingredients to the instant pot and stir to combine.  Replace the lid and close the vent valve.  Set the instant pot for 15 minutes at high pressure.  When the 15 minutes is up let the instant pot release naturally for 10 minutes and then do a quick release.

Video

Notes

I’ve only been able to find the 28oz-sized can.  I would get a smaller one if I could find one.  You will only use 1 cup.  The remaining puree can be used to make salsa or other sauces.

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 278mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 3.9mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1.2mg

This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.

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