If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting dish that bursts with flavor and can be whipped up in no time, this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With its perfectly seasoned rice infused with tomato, garlic, and spices, it’s an ideal side or a simple main that brings warmth and color to your table. Whether you’re a weeknight warrior or hosting friends, this recipe guarantees a delicious crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, richness, and authentic taste that make this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe stand out. You’ll find that these pantry staples come together beautifully for a wholesome dish.
- 1 cup white long-grain rice: Choose long-grain for that fluffy, separate texture essential in Mexican rice.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or 1 cup diced tomatoes: Adds a luscious, tangy base; adjust the liquid if using diced tomatoes.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavor.
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Provides savory richness and helps cook the rice perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers earthy warmth, a key to that signature Mexican rice spice profile.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds subtle heat and complexity without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive): Essential for sautéing with an appealing silkiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances every flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Brings a bright, fresh contrast at the end.
- Diced jalapeños or hot sauce (optional): For those who love an extra spicy kick.
- Chopped bell peppers, corn, or peas (optional veggies): Great for adding color and nutrition.
- Shredded cheese (optional): Stir in before serving for a creamy finish.
- Brown rice (substitute): If preferred, just adjust cooking time and broth accordingly.
How to Make Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and cook them until they become soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step creates a flavorful foundation that your rice will absorb, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Next, add the white rice to your skillet. Stir continuously so each grain gets coated in the oil and mingles with the onion and garlic. Toast the rice for about 3 to 4 minutes, watching carefully until it turns a lovely golden hue. This toasting step enhances the rice’s texture and brings out a nuttier, deeper flavor.
Step 3: Add Tomato and Spices
Pour in the tomato sauce or the diced tomatoes, stirring well to evenly distribute the tomato base. Then sprinkle in the ground cumin and chili powder, giving everything a good stir so that every grain is kissed by those warm, aromatic spices. This is where your Easy Mexican Rice Recipe starts to take on its classic rich color and irresistible smell.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer
Carefully add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Raise the heat until it reaches a lively boil, then immediately cover with a lid and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing it to absorb all the flavorful liquid and become tender.
Step 5: Fluff and Garnish
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and gently fluff the grains with a fork to separate them and keep things light. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for brightness and a fresh finish. This little touch truly elevates your Easy Mexican Rice Recipe to the next level of deliciousness.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic choice that adds a burst of color and freshness. For a bit more pizazz, diced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce will give your rice a spirited kick. If you’re feeling indulgent, stir in some shredded cheese right before serving for a creamy touch that melts beautifully into the warm rice.
Side Dishes
This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, carnitas, or fajitas. It also complements veggie tacos or enchiladas perfectly, soaking up any sauces and balancing out hearty mains with its subtle, smoky flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Mexican rice inside hollowed-out bell peppers or stuff it into warm tortillas for handheld rice burritos. You can also layer it in a casserole with beans and cheese for a comforting baked arroz dish that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The rice holds up well for up to 4 days, making it a convenient component for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It will keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your rice gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. To restore moisture, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice and cover it during reheating. Give it a quick fluff with a fork afterward to bring back that fluffy texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be used, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and broth quantity since it takes longer to soften. Adjust accordingly to get that perfect tender bite.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The flavors will remain rich and satisfying, making your Easy Mexican Rice Recipe entirely plant-based.
How spicy is this recipe?
The base recipe has mild heat levels thanks to chili powder, but you can easily adjust spice by adding jalapeños or hot sauce if you like things fiery or keep it mild for the whole family.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
For sure! Feel free to stir in chopped bell peppers, corn, peas, or your favorite veggies during cooking for added color, nutrition, and texture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers to keep them fresh?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 4 days. When reheating, add a little moisture so the rice doesn’t dry out and stays fluffy.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe is a delightful staple that transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, flavorful dish everyone will reach for again and again. It’s wonderfully versatile, quick to make, and packed with that unmistakable homey charm that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try and watch your kitchen fill with irresistible aromas while making memories over shared meals.
Print
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe offers a flavorful and vibrant side dish made with long-grain rice, aromatic onions and garlic, tangy tomato sauce, and warming spices. Ready in just 30 minutes and packed with traditional Mexican flavors, it’s perfect as a side for any Mexican meal or as a base for bowls and burritos.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup white long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or 1 cup diced tomatoes (adjust liquid if using diced)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes and Add-ins
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Diced jalapeños or hot sauce (for extra spice)
- Chopped bell peppers, corn, or peas (for extra veggies)
- Shredded cheese (to stir in before serving)
- Brown rice (substitute, adjust cooking time and broth accordingly)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This releases the deep flavors foundational to the dish.
- Toast the Rice: Add the white rice to the skillet and stir to coat each grain with the oil and aromatics. Toast the rice for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until it turns slightly golden. This step improves texture and flavor.
- Add Tomato and Spices: Pour in the tomato sauce or diced tomatoes along with the ground cumin and chili powder. Stir well to combine, allowing the rice to absorb the tomato base and spices.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains. Stir in chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish before serving. Optionally, add diced jalapeños, extra veggies, or shredded cheese at this point.
Notes
- Use chicken broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
- If using diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce, adjust the broth quantity slightly to maintain proper moisture.
- For extra veggies, add chopped bell peppers, corn, or peas when adding the tomato and spices.
- Brown rice can be substituted but will require longer cooking time and more broth.
- Customize the spice level with jalapeños or hot sauce according to your preference.
- Stirring in shredded cheese before serving adds creaminess and extra flavor.
