Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
If you’re searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with flavor and comes together quickly, you absolutely need to try this Easy Mexican Rice. With fluffy grains, a gorgeous reddish hue, and a delicious blend of garlic, tomato, and warming spices, this side dish is a weeknight essential and the perfect companion to your favorite Mexican meals. Trust me, once you make Easy Mexican Rice at home, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Easy Mexican Rice is how it uses simple, accessible ingredients, each bringing its own little spark to the finished dish. Every component plays a vital role in creating that signature taste, color, and irresistible aroma—and you probably have most of them on hand already!
- Long Grain White Rice: The foundation for fluffy, tender rice with just the right amount of bite.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps toast the rice for a delightfully nutty flavor and prevents sticking.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, creating an aromatic base.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the rice a rich, savory punch you can’t skip.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses the grains with savory richness; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
- Tomato Sauce: Gives the rice that signature color and tangy backbone.
- Ground Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that’s essential for authentic Mexican flavor.
- Chili Powder: Adds gentle heat and beautifully rounds out the spices.
- Salt: Pulls everything together and enhances every flavor.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro (optional): Sprinkling this on at the end brings color and garden-fresh zest.
- Lime Wedges: A quick squeeze adds just the right pop of acid to balance every bite.
How to Make Easy Mexican Rice
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. As soon as the oil thins and shimmers, stir in the rice. Keep it moving! You’ll toast the grains, stirring frequently for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the rice turns a lovely golden color. This crucial step builds the dish’s nutty flavor and guarantees those perfect, separate grains.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, add in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook alongside the rice for another 2 minutes. You’ll notice the onion getting soft and translucent, and the whole kitchen will smell fantastic. Don’t skip this step—the aromatics are what set restaurant-style Easy Mexican Rice apart!
Step 3: Add Liquids and Spices
Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, then sprinkle on the cumin, chili powder, and salt. Give everything a good stir to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed. Watch the color turn a gorgeous brick red—this is where the magic starts!
Step 4: Simmer Gently
Bring the whole mixture just to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes. This slow cooking allows the rice to absorb all those wonderful flavors and stay perfectly fluffy.
Step 5: Rest, Fluff, and Finish
Remove the pan from the heat and keep it covered for 5 additional minutes. This quick rest helps the rice finish steaming. Take off the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and stir in that fresh cilantro if you like. Serve it up warm with lime wedges on the side for that zingy finishing touch!
How to Serve Easy Mexican Rice
Garnishes
Nothing tops off Easy Mexican Rice quite like a scatter of fresh cilantro or a drizzle of lime juice. You can also add diced green onions, a crumble of cotija cheese, or fresh jalapeño slices for a hint of extra color and kick—perfect for making your side dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
It pairs like a dream with almost any main: tuck it beside tacos, pile it into burrito bowls, or serve alongside enchiladas, grilled chicken, or even homemade tamales. It’s a must-have for any Mexican-inspired feast, whether you’re having a weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little fun, try spooning Easy Mexican Rice into roasted bell pepper halves for a colorful side, or layer it into a Mexican casserole with your favorite beans and cheese. You can even use it as a base for lunchtime burrito bowls topped with all your favorite fixings—it’s endlessly adaptable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Easy Mexican Rice tasting fresh, let leftovers cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. Stored this way in the refrigerator, the rice stays delicious for up to four days. This makes it ideal for meal prepping or next-day lunches!
Freezing
Easy Mexican Rice freezes beautifully. Scoop individual portions into freezer-safe bags or containers (remove as much air as possible), label by date, and freeze for up to three months. Let the rice thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over the rice, then cover loosely and microwave until hot. Alternatively, you can warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. The splash of liquid keeps it moist and prevents drying out—tastes just as good as day one!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white for Easy Mexican Rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and will need more liquid. Add at least 10–15 extra minutes to your simmering time and check for tenderness before serving.
What if I don’t have tomato sauce?
If tomato sauce isn’t on hand, a few tablespoons of tomato paste thinned with water, or even pureed canned tomatoes, can work beautifully. The key is a little tomato tang for that signature color and flavor.
Can I make Easy Mexican Rice vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply swap the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth. It’ll be just as flavorful—and perfect if you’re serving vegetarian guests.
Is Easy Mexican Rice spicy?
Not particularly—chili powder mainly adds warmth and color. If you prefer more heat, try tossing in a pinch of cayenne or serve with hot sauce on the side!
How do I prevent the rice from being mushy or sticky?
To get beautifully fluffy Easy Mexican Rice, make sure you toast the rice in oil thoroughly at the start, don’t over-stir during simmering, and let it rest covered before fluffing. Measuring liquids carefully is also key!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving true restaurant-style Easy Mexican Rice, let this be the recipe that lands on your regular rotation. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and every bit as simple as promised. Gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a timeless side dish that makes any meal a little more special!
Print
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican dishes. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate restaurant-style rice at home.
Ingredients
Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Rice: Heat oil in a medium saucepan, add rice, and cook until golden brown.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in chopped onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Combine Ingredients: Add broth, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, stir in cilantro if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm with lime wedges.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Add peas, diced carrots, or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
