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4-Ingredient Tomatillo Rice – Instant Pot Recipe

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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

Top view of two bowls of 4-Ingredient Tomatillo Rice sitting on a green napkin next to two forks

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 totally understand how busy you are so if you don’t have time for our helpful tips and delicious recipe ideas, just scroll to the bottom of the page where you can find the printable recipe card.

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!

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A white bowl piled high with tomatillo rice and sprinkled with cilantro is a delicious savory recipe

Common questions about tomatillos:

Can tomatillos be eaten raw? Yes! Raw tomatillos are tart but can be chopped up into salads. Cooking or roasting tomatillos mellow out their flavor and are often made into sauces, added to salsas and dips.
How do you know when a tomatillo is ripe? Tomatillos are ripe when green and should be picked when their husk has burst. They can also be purple or yellow.
How do you prepare fresh tomatillos? Remove the husk which is like a thin paper. Rinse to remove the sticky residue I often use a citrus-based fruit and vegetable wash that works well to remove the sticky film.
Do tomatillos need to be peeled? Nope. They can be chopped raw or cooked or roasted without peeling.

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.

There’s a video in the recipe card to help you out with any questions you may have. Just keep scrolling.

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

A few things you may need:

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  • 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!

If you like this recipe leave me a comment below and 5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.

This close up of Tomatillo Rice shows a never sticky green tinted rice sprinkled with cilantro.

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

This close up of Tomatillo Rice shows a never sticky green tinted rice sprinkled with cilantro.
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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

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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    Comments

    1. Dana says

      I can’t wait to make this over and over again! It’s so easy. I’ve always wanted to do something with tomatillos, but whenever I’d see them, I wouldn’t have anything in mind so I’d refrain. This is a great way to use them, though. And I’m sure anyone who has ever made rice in the Instant Pot would agree that IP rice is the ONLY rice. It always cooks to perfection!

      Reply

    2. Annemarie says

      What a great idea for a Mexican meal! I often make rice for burritos but I know they would be even better with your tomatillo rice. Yet another reason I’m happy I have an instant pot. The rice can cook while I make the rest of dinner and then it’s time to eat.

      Reply

      • Julie Menghini says

        Thank you! It took me a while to get on the Instant Pot bandwagon but I’m really enjoying it now.

        Reply

    3. Kylee from Kylee Cooks says

      I need to pull my instant pot out again and dust it off! This recipe looks like the one I needed to get me started again. Can’t wait!

      Reply

    4. Marisa F. Stewart says

      Why have plain rice when you can jazz it up with some tomatillos?? Love the ease of this recipe but it sure doesn’t stint on flavor. This is going to be perfect for our Tex-Mex night that is coming up. A great recipe to serve often.

      Reply

    5. Jennifer Stewart says

      This is a great twist on a Mexican rice. Tomatillo sauce is one of my favorites so this rice is perfect for us.

      Reply

    6. Daniela says

      I’m making spicy salmon tostadas tonight, and this tomatillo rice would be perfect as a side. Like you, I love tomatillos and can’t get enough of them! I think my favorite way to use them is to make fresh tomatillo salsa. It’s not a super inventive way to use them, but it’s my favorite 🙂

      Reply

    7. Debra says

      Yum. We love rice and always look for additional and flavorful options. Using the instapot means this isn’t just for sunday meal prep. I could pull this off on a weeknight too. Will add it to Tuesdays menu when we make tacos!!

      Reply

    9. Hadia says

      I will have to make your recipe as soon as possible. I have made lots of rice dishes with fresh red tomatoes, but never thought of making it with tomatillos! Interesting!

      Reply

    10. Sarah says

      Honestly I’ve always been super intimidated by tomatillos– that husk worries me! LOL. I love how easy this looks though, and I want to try it. Tomatillo salsa is the best- I’m sure this rice is amazing!

      Reply

    13. Jenni LeBaron says

      I love that this recipe is only 4 ingredients and can be made int he pressure cooker in such a short time. The tomatillos are a brilliant and flavorful addition. I’d love to serve this with grilled chicken or even on taco night!

      Reply

    15. Gloria says

      You are so lucky to have tomatillos. I have seen them only a few times here. When I go to get some, they are nowhere to be found. I would devour this rice. Perfect for our Mexican themed dinner nights. I am going to look again!!

      Reply

    18. Jackie says

      What a great side dish that would pair well with any main entree. I am adding this to my menu for next week. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply

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