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
Scale
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.
