Description
Easy Mexican Rice is a vibrant, flavorful side dish made with long-grain white rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and authentic Mexican spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers a home-cooked, comforting taste perfect for weeknight dinners, taco nights, or as a versatile base for bowls and burritos.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce or 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime (for garnish)
- Chopped jalapeños or pinch of cayenne (for spice)
- Diced bell peppers, peas, or corn (for added veggies)
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese (for cheesy twist)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they soften and turn translucent to create a fragrant base.
- Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the pan and stir frequently. Toast until the rice turns lightly golden and smells nutty, which prevents stickiness and enhances flavor.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in tomato sauce or diced tomatoes along with chicken or vegetable broth. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the rice evenly with the spices and tomato mixture.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let simmer undisturbed for 15-20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender yet fluffy.
- Fluff and Garnish: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains. Add lime juice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired, for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for fried Mexican rice variation to prevent mushiness.
- Do not lift the lid while cooking; trap steam for even cooking.
- Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier texture.
- Adjust liquid amounts according to desired rice softness.
- Use fresh ground cumin and chili powder for best flavor.
- To make vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To add heat, include chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Mexican rice, easy side dish, authentic Mexican flavors, quick rice recipe, gluten free rice, stovetop rice, vibrant rice, seasoned rice