Easy Mexican Rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. With its vibrant color and savory taste, this classic recipe uses pantry staples to create a dish that’s both delicious and versatile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make with basic ingredients.
- A perfect complement to any Mexican-inspired meal.
- Made in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Great for meal prep or as a leftover.
- Family-friendly and budget-conscious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Long-grain white rice
- Olive oil
- Onion, finely diced
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Diced tomatoes (optional)
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Toast the rice: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté until golden and lightly toasted, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the aromatics: Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. If using diced tomatoes, add them now. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and serve: Remove the pot from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy rice: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Tomato-free: Replace tomato sauce with an equal amount of red bell pepper puree.
- Loaded rice: Stir in cooked black beans, corn, or shredded cheese for a heartier dish.
- Brown rice option: Use brown rice and increase the cooking time to 35-40 minutes, adding more liquid as needed.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
1. What type of rice works best for Mexican rice?
Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe, as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well.
2. Can I use instant rice?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time and liquid according to the package instructions.
3. How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Make sure to toast the rice in oil before adding liquids and stir occasionally during the initial simmer.
4. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Peas, carrots, or bell peppers make excellent additions.
5. Is Mexican rice spicy?
Not inherently, but you can make it spicy by adding jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce.
6. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, it reheats well and can be made up to a day ahead.
7. How do I avoid mushy rice?
Use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid overcooking. Let the rice rest after cooking to absorb any remaining moisture.
8. Can I make this recipe in a rice cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients in the rice cooker and cook according to the appliance’s settings.
9. What can I serve with Mexican rice?
Tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, steak, or beans pair wonderfully with this dish.
10. How do I add more flavor?
Use homemade broth, add a squeeze of lime juice, or stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Conclusion
Easy Mexican Rice is a must-have side dish that’s simple, flavorful, and versatile. With its vibrant color and savory taste, it’s the perfect accompaniment to your favorite Mexican dishes. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
PrintEasy Mexican Rice
Easy Mexican Rice is a flavorful and simple side dish made with long-grain rice cooked in a savory tomato broth with onions, garlic, and spices. It’s the perfect accompaniment to tacos, enchiladas, or any Mexican-inspired meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices) or 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Toast the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns lightly golden, about 5 minutes. - Add Aromatics:
Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. - Season the Rice:
Mix in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. - Add Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) or tomato sauce and the chicken broth. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. - Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. - Rest and Fluff:
Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork. - Garnish and Serve:
Stir in chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Rice Type: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. Using other types may require adjustments to liquid and cooking time.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add-Ins: For extra flavor, add diced bell peppers or peas when sautéing the onions.