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
Scale
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
