If you’re searching for a foolproof side dish that’s vibrant, fluffy, and loaded with the savory flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurants, look no further than Easy Mexican Rice. This recipe is not only incredibly simple but also delivers on taste and texture, making it the perfect companion for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Each bite is a blend of aromatic spices, tomato richness, and just the right touch of garlic, all wrapped up in a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Mexican Rice is in its straightforward ingredient list. Every item plays a starring role in creating the authentic flavor and appealing color that makes this dish so special. From pantry staples to a couple of fresh garnishes, you’ll be amazed by what a few essentials can do.
- Vegetable oil: Helps toast the rice, adding a subtle nutty flavor and preventing sticking.
- Long-grain white rice: The classic rice choice for this dish, delivering the perfect fluffy texture.
- Finely chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth, making the rice extra aromatic.
- Garlic (minced): Gives the rice a fragrant, savory backbone that’s irresistible.
- Ground cumin: A must for that earthy, unmistakably Mexican flavor.
- Chili powder: Brings gentle warmth and a beautiful color without overwhelming heat.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and ties everything together.
- Tomato sauce: Infuses the rice with a gorgeous reddish hue and a touch of tang.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Adds richness and cooks the rice perfectly; opt for veggie broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Lends a pop of green and a fresh, citrusy finish if you like.
- Lime wedges (optional): Brightens up the flavors right before serving—a squeeze goes a long way.
How to Make Easy Mexican Rice
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the long-grain white rice and stir frequently. You’ll notice the grains begin to change from translucent to golden brown, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes. This toasting step is the secret to truly flavorful and fluffy Easy Mexican Rice, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the rice is beautifully toasted, stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the onion softens and the kitchen fills with that mouthwatering aroma. This quick sauté brings out the natural sweetness of the onion and the punchy flavor of the garlic.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, and salt, stirring well to coat every grain of rice. The spices will start to bloom, releasing their fragrance and infusing the rice with those signature Mexican flavors that make this dish so crave-worthy.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomato Sauce and Broth
Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken (or vegetable) broth, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 5: Rest and Fluff
Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat but keep it covered. Let the rice sit for 5 minutes—this resting time ensures every grain is perfectly tender. Then, uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in chopped fresh cilantro if you’re using it, and you’re ready to serve Easy Mexican Rice hot and fresh.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges on the side can make your Easy Mexican Rice pop, both visually and flavor-wise. The cilantro adds a hint of herby freshness, while a squeeze of lime brings out all the savory notes in the rice. You can even add a few sliced green onions or a pinch of queso fresco if you want to go the extra mile.
Side Dishes
Easy Mexican Rice is the ultimate team player when it comes to side dishes. Serve it alongside your favorite tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or grilled meats. It also pairs beautifully with beans, roasted veggies, or a bright salad for a lighter meal. This rice is so flavorful, it can even steal the show as a main dish with some added veggies or beans.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try spooning Easy Mexican Rice into bell pepper halves and baking until tender for a colorful, edible bowl. Or, layer it into a burrito bowl with black beans, grilled chicken, and avocado. If you’re hosting a party, serve the rice in a big, vibrant platter with all your favorite toppings for a festive, self-serve setup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Mexican Rice keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure the rice is fully cooled before storing to maintain its fluffy texture and avoid any sogginess.
Freezing
This rice is freezer-friendly too! Cool the Easy Mexican Rice completely, then portion it into zip-top freezer bags or airtight containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen with a splash of broth or water.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave the rice in a covered bowl with a splash of water or broth until warmed through, stirring halfway. Alternatively, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop in a skillet. Fluff with a fork before serving to restore its original texture and enjoy that just-cooked freshness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well in this recipe, but you’ll need to increase the simmering time and the amount of broth. Plan for about 35 to 40 minutes of cooking and check the liquid as you go.
Is Easy Mexican Rice spicy?
Not at all—this version is mild, thanks to just a touch of chili powder. If you love heat, feel free to add extra chili powder or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I add vegetables to the rice?
Definitely! Frozen peas, diced carrots, or corn can be stirred in during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra color, flavor, and nutrition. It’s a great way to customize the dish to your liking.
What’s the best broth to use for vegetarian Easy Mexican Rice?
Vegetable broth is a perfect substitute for chicken broth if you want to keep things vegetarian. Just be sure to choose a low-sodium version to control the saltiness of the final dish.
Why do I need to toast the rice?
Toasting the rice in oil before adding liquid is key to achieving that signature fluffy texture and nutty flavor. It also helps prevent the grains from sticking together, making your Easy Mexican Rice restaurant-worthy every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a side dish that’s delightfully simple and bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try Easy Mexican Rice. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re spicing up a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd. Give it a go—you’ll be amazed at just how delicious and versatile homemade Mexican rice can be!
Print
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe is a flavorful and vibrant side dish perfect for complementing any Mexican meal. Made with long-grain white rice, tomato sauce, aromatic spices, and fresh cilantro, it’s a simple yet authentic dish that cooks on the stovetop and is ready in just 25 minutes. Ideal for serving alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, this vegetarian Mexican rice adds a colorful and delicious touch to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Rice and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Liquids and Garnishes
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Toast Rice: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup of long-grain white rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice turns golden brown, about 4–5 minutes. This toasting step enhances the flavor and texture of the rice.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add 1/4 cup finely chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the toasted rice. Cook together for 1–2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the mixture is fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to evenly coat the rice and aromatics with spice.
- Combine Liquids: Pour in 1/4 cup tomato sauce and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Rest the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice rest and steam for an additional 5 minutes to ensure fluffiness.
- Fluff and Garnish: Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro, if using. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the rice for a fresh citrus note.
Notes
- For additional color and texture, add frozen peas, diced carrots, or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a convenient, tasty side for tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
