Mexican Rice Recipe
Mexican Rice is a classic side dish that is full of flavor and very easy to make at home. It is made with toasted rice, tomato sauce, broth, and simple spices like cumin and garlic. This rice is fluffy, colorful, and tastes just like restaurant-style Mexican rice. You can serve it with tacos, burritos, grilled chicken, or beans.
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Ingredients Needed
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this delicious Mexican Rice recipe:
- Long grain white rice
- Cooking oil such as vegetable or olive oil
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce or tomato paste
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional add ins like peas, carrots, cilantro, or jalapeño
These ingredients are easy to find in any grocery store and give the rice a rich and authentic taste.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Mexican Rice recipe is great for many reasons. First, it is very easy to make, even if you are a beginner cook. The rice is toasted before cooking, which gives it a deep and delicious flavor. The spices are mild, so the rice is not too spicy, but you can add more heat if you like spicy food. It also goes well with many dishes and is perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep.
Mexican Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- Long-grain white rice
- Cooking oil
- Onion finely chopped
- Garlic minced
- Tomato sauce or tomato paste
- Chicken broth or water
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: peas carrots, cilantro, or serrano pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the dry rice and stir often until it turns light golden. This step adds flavor and keeps the rice fluffy.
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato sauce, broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and cover the pan.
- Let the rice cook on low heat for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Notes
Why This Mexican Rice Turns Out Perfect
- Toasting the rice adds deep flavor
- Broth gives better taste than plain water
- Simple spices keep it authentic
- Resting the rice makes it light and fluffy
Variations and Tips
- Add peas or carrots for extra color
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
- Add chopped cilantro before serving for freshness
- For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeño
