Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

Mexican Rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a classic side dish in Mexican cuisine. It’s savory, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with many traditional Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. This recipe is simple to make, uses pantry staples, and comes together in just one pan. The result is a fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice that makes a great accompaniment to your favorite Mexican meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it requires minimal prep and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything is cooked in one pan, making cleanup easy and stress-free.
• Flavorful: Mexican rice is infused with rich flavors from tomato sauce, onions, garlic, and a touch of cumin, giving it that authentic taste.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to your taste, adding in vegetables, protein, or extra spices.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or pan: A non-stick pan with a lid is ideal for this recipe to prevent sticking and to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring the rice and mixing the ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure you have the right amount of each ingredient.
• Chopping board and knife: For prepping the onion, garlic, and any additional vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Toast the Rice

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Swirl the oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
2. Add the Rice: Once the oil is hot, add the uncooked long-grain white rice to the pan. Stir the rice frequently to ensure it gets an even toast. The goal is to lightly brown the rice, which will add flavor and help it maintain its texture during cooking.
3. Toast Until Golden: Cook the rice for about 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until it turns a light golden color. Be careful not to burn the rice.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Once the rice is toasted, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Stir them into the rice and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Spice It Up: Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper over the rice mixture. Stir well to ensure the spices coat the rice and aromatics evenly.

Step 3: Add the Liquid

1. Pour in the Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version) into the rice mixture. The broth will add flavor and moisture to cook the rice.
2. Stir in the Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. The tomato sauce gives Mexican rice its signature red color and rich flavor. If you prefer a more natural flavor, you can substitute with fresh diced tomatoes.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Rice

1. Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, immediately reduce the heat to low. This will help the rice cook evenly without scorching the bottom.
2. Cover and Cook: Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice simmer for 18–20 minutes. It’s essential to leave the rice undisturbed while it cooks to prevent the steam from escaping, ensuring that the rice cooks evenly and becomes tender.
3. Check the Rice: After 18 minutes, check the rice by carefully lifting the lid. If the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, it’s ready to go. If there is still liquid remaining, cover the pan again and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables

1. Stir in the Peas and Carrots: For added texture and color, stir in the frozen peas and diced carrots during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The residual heat will cook the vegetables without making them too soft.
2. Fluff the Rice: Once the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed, use a fork to fluff the rice. This will help separate the grains and keep the rice from becoming mushy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the rice for a burst of freshness and color.
2. Serve with Lime Wedges: Serve the rice with lime wedges on the side for an optional citrusy kick. The lime juice adds a fresh tang that pairs beautifully with the richness of the rice.

Tips for the Perfect Mexican Rice

1. Use Long-Grain Rice: Long-grain white rice is best for this recipe because it stays fluffy and doesn’t clump together. Short-grain rice tends to become sticky and mushy.
2. Toast the Rice: Toasting the rice before adding the liquid is a crucial step that gives the rice its signature nutty flavor and helps it maintain its texture during cooking.
3. Don’t Lift the Lid: When cooking the rice, it’s essential to keep the lid on the skillet to trap the steam and allow the rice to cook evenly. Lifting the lid releases the steam and can cause uneven cooking.
4. Adjust the Heat: If you want a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
5. Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.
6. Customize with Vegetables: You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans. Sauté the vegetables with the onion and garlic for the best flavor.

Variations on the Recipe

1. Mexican Rice with Ground Beef: Turn this side dish into a main meal by adding cooked ground beef. Simply brown the beef in the skillet before adding the rice, then proceed with the recipe as written.
2. Cheesy Mexican Rice: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the rice after it’s done cooking. Cover the skillet for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
3. Spicy Mexican Rice: If you love heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers to the onions and garlic. You can also increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
4. Mexican Rice with Black Beans: For added protein and fiber, stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans during the last few minutes of cooking.
5. Tomato-Free Mexican Rice: If you’re not a fan of tomato-based dishes, you can omit the tomato sauce and still have delicious, flavorful rice. Just increase the amount of chicken broth slightly to make up for the missing liquid.

How to Store and Reheat Mexican Rice

1. Storage: Allow the rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
2. Freezing: Mexican rice freezes well! Place the cooled rice in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label it with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Reheating: To reheat, you can either microwave the rice or warm it in a skillet over low heat. If the rice seems dry, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to help rehydrate it.

Serving Suggestions

Mexican rice is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:

• Tacos: Serve alongside beef, chicken, or fish tacos for a complete meal.
• Enchiladas: A classic pairing, Mexican rice is the perfect side dish for cheesy enchiladas.
• Burrito Bowls: Use the rice as a base for burrito bowls, adding beans, grilled vegetables, and your choice of protein.
• Fajitas: Serve with sizzling fajitas for a flavorful, hearty meal.
• Grilled Chicken: Pair with grilled chicken and a simple salad for a balanced and delicious dinner.

Conclusion

This Easy Mexican Rice recipe is a must-have in your repertoire if you love Mexican food. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and pairs perfectly with all your favorite Mexican dishes. Whether you’re making tacos, enchiladas, or just want a flavorful side for a weeknight dinner, this rice is sure to please!

Yield: 4

Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

Print

Mexican Rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a classic side dish in Mexican cuisine. It's savory, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with many traditional Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. This recipe is simple to make, uses pantry staples, and comes together in just one pan. The result is a fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice that makes a great accompaniment to your favorite Mexican meals.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes, drained)
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra spice)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional, for added texture)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Sauté the Rice
   In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   Add the rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice turns golden brown.
   Stir in the chopped onion and garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
   
2. Step 2: Add the Tomato Sauce and Broth
   Stir in the tomato sauce, mixing until the rice is coated.
   Add the chicken broth, cumin, chili powder (if using), and salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
   
3. Step 3: Cook the Rice
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid.
   Let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid while it cooks!
   
4. Step 4: Add Vegetables (Optional)
   If you’re using peas and carrots, add them to the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Stir gently to combine, then cover and let them steam with the rice.
   
5. Step 5: Fluff and Serve
   Once the rice is done, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Notes

Tomato Sauce Substitute: You can use tomato paste mixed with a bit of water if you don’t have tomato sauce on hand.

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.