4-Ingredient Tomatillo Rice – Instant Pot Recipe
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Tomatillo Rice is a 4-ingredient recipe that cooks up in less than 30 minutes using the Instant Pot and canned tomatillos. This tomatillo rice recipe 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 love tomatillos so much that we wanted a tomatillo recipe that wasn’t salsa.
What are Tomatillos?
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!
Tomatillos are not hot. They’re sour and bitter. The most common tomatillo recipes include sauces, salsas, and dips.
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.
Tomatillo Rice Recipe Ingredients
- Rice – I used brown rice but traditionally Mexican rice is made with long-grain white rice.
- Tomatillos – Canned Tomatillos are what I used. They’re flavorful and a lot less work than using fresh.
- Chicken stock – Low fat and low sodium are what I prefer. You can use vegetable stock for a vegetarian tomatillo rice recipe option.
- Butter – A small amount of butter adds flavor to this tomatillo rice recipe.
How do you make this recipe for tomatillo rice?
Please note, that the printable recipe card has the full list of ingredients, quantities, complete instructions, and nutritional information. The following is a quick overview of the recipe.
- Puree the can of tomatillos in a blender.
- 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.
- Fluff up the rice and serve.
Tomatillo Rice Variations
- We love cilantro tomatillo rice so I stir it into the cooked rice as well as garnish the top. Other delicious toppings include diced tomatoes, green onion, and Cotija cheese.
- Add chopped jalapenos or onion to the rice before cooking.
- Add chicken! Chicken and tomatillo rice is a delicious tomatillo recipe! Chicken and tomatillo rice can be cooked together just like we did in this electric cooker Chicken and Rice recipe
We love this recipe as a side dish especially when we have Pork Stew Rice or Green Chili!
Tips for the perfect Instant Pot Tomatillo Rice
- I’ve had readers say that their rice had too much liquid after cooking it in the instapot. I use brown rice. If you use a different variety it may need a different cooking time.
- If the rice is watery but cooked use less liquid next time.
- If the rice isn’t cooked completely, increase the cooking time.
Common FAQs about tomatillos:
Yes! Raw tomatillos are tart but can be chopped up into salads. Tomatillos do not need to be cooked, however, cooking or roasting tomatillos mellow out their flavor.
Tomatillos are ripe when green and should be picked when their husk has burst. They can also be purple or yellow.
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.
No. They can be chopped raw or cooked or roasted without peeling.
What you need for this Tomatillo Rice Instant Pot Recipe
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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!
I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.
4-Ingredient Tomatillo Rice – Instant Pot Recipe
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
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
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.
Here are a few more recipes you may like
- 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
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If you like this recipe, we would appreciate your comment and a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review!
We liked Mexican 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 has 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 IP too.
Do you have a favorite tomatillo recipe? I’d love to use Mexican tomatillos 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.
This post was originally released in 2019 so it was time for an update. Detailed instructions, tips, and FAQs have been added to improve our readers’ experience. No changes were made to the recipe.
Ohhh Julie, this looks FAB! Searching for some other ways to use up my HUGE tomatillo harvest and I found your awesome recipe. Each year, I can salsa verde with my jalapenos, tomatillos and cilantro. This year, I will do some in half pints (1 cup) so that I can easily make your Tomatillo Rice. YUMMO!
Thank you so much! I’d love to have a pantry full of fresh salsa verde with canned tomatillos! That would be like gold in the bank. This https://hostessatheart.com/green-mole-chicken-enchiladas/ would be amazing with your salsa verde too!
Mine goes to the burn notification each time I try this. Any ideas? I added a little more liquid but it was still wet and super chewy. Not sure what I’m doing wrong.
I’ve never had that issue, Ali. 1:1 rice and water or 1 rice to 1.25 water is all you should need. Do you have a rice setting on your instant pot? I’ve always just used the manual high pressure setting but if you have a rice setting you may want to try that?
Hey, i was wondering if you can use fresh tomatillo instead of caned ? and if i have to do anything different if i use fresh, thank you in advance.
You can but canned tomatillos are packed in the juice so after you puree them make sure you have a total 2 cups. You can compensate with more chicken stock or whatever liquid you’re using. Thanks for stopping by!
What would the time be if I used long grain white rice? I have a huge bag!
No difference. I’ve used both.
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!
Thank you, Dana! The instant pot is the only way to go when it comes to making rice!
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.
Thank you! It took me a while to get on the Instant Pot bandwagon but I’m really enjoying it now.
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!
Thank you, Kylee!
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.
Thank you Marisa!
This is a great twist on a Mexican rice. Tomatillo sauce is one of my favorites so this rice is perfect for us.
Thank you, Jennifer!
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 🙂
Oh salmon tostadas? I bet that was amazing and this rice would go with them!
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!!
Thanks, Debra! I love making rice in my IP!
Your rice looks so beautiful and delicious . I have never seen tomatilo here in Denmark..
Thank you Misbah! W loved it!
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!
Thank you, Hadia!
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!
Thank you, Sarah! That husk is like paper and easy to take off.
Great side dish.
Thank you, Christine!
I love my instant pot and this recipe is a must make! Love that its only 4 ingredients too!
Me too! Thank you Brandi!
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!
Thank you! I’m with you Jenni!
this sounds perfect! cannot wait to make this!
Thank you Diane!
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!!
Thank you Gloria!
I love how easy this looks but with great flavors too – yum!
Thank you!
Can you believe that I have never used/cooked with Tomatillos? I need to make this!
i wasn’t to far behind you Lynn but am making up for lost time!
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!
Thank you, Jackie! I’ve made it several times and we loved it!
Yum! I’ve been trying to use my instant pot more and this rice recipe was a winner!
Thank you, Taryn!