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 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!
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!
- 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 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.
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
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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!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Dana! The instant pot is the only way to go when it comes to making rice!
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.
Julie Menghini says
Thank you! It took me a while to get on the Instant Pot bandwagon but I’m really enjoying it now.
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!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Kylee!
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.
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Marisa!
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.
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Jennifer!
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 🙂
Julie Menghini says
Oh salmon tostadas? I bet that was amazing and this rice would go with them!
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!!
Julie Menghini says
Thanks, Debra! I love making rice in my IP!
Misbah says
Your rice looks so beautiful and delicious . I have never seen tomatilo here in Denmark..
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Misbah! W loved it!
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!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Hadia!
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!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Sarah! That husk is like paper and easy to take off.
Christine says
Great side dish.
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Christine!
Brandi Burgess says
I love my instant pot and this recipe is a must make! Love that its only 4 ingredients too!
Julie Menghini says
Me too! Thank you Brandi!
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!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you! I’m with you Jenni!
Diane Baker says
this sounds perfect! cannot wait to make this!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Diane!
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!!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you Gloria!
Caroline says
I love how easy this looks but with great flavors too – yum!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you!
Lynn Elliott Vining says
Can you believe that I have never used/cooked with Tomatillos? I need to make this!
Julie Menghini says
i wasn’t to far behind you Lynn but am making up for lost time!
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!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Jackie! I’ve made it several times and we loved it!
Taryn says
Yum! I’ve been trying to use my instant pot more and this rice recipe was a winner!
Julie Menghini says
Thank you, Taryn!