If you’ve ever wanted a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly simple to make, this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect balance of fluffy, tender rice infused with aromatic spices and rich tomato sauce, bringing a vibrant pop of color and warmth to your plate. Whether you’re pairing it with tacos, grilled chicken, or just enjoying it on its own, this dish will quickly become a go-to classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe is a breeze thanks to just a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect taste, texture, and vibrant appearance.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The base of this dish, long-grain rice stays fluffy and separate when cooked.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Helps toast the rice for a nutty flavor and prevents sticking.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant, savory kick that’s essential in Mexican cooking.
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth: Infuses the rice with savory richness while cooking.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: Gives the rice its beautiful color and tangy base.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Brings warm, earthy notes that define this dish.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle spice layer without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky depth that makes the rice truly unforgettable.
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional): For a touch of sweetness and color contrast.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and enhance all flavors.
How to Make Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the rice and stir continuously for 5 to 7 minutes until it turns a lovely light golden color. This toasting step is key—it adds a subtle nuttiness and keeps the grains fluffy instead of mushy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next up, throw in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes fragrant and the onions soften just a bit. This step helps build the base flavor and aroma that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Spices
Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Bring everything to a gentle boil; this is where the spices bloom and infuse their wonderful flavors directly into the rice.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to low, cover your skillet, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The rice will absorb the flavorful liquid and become tender. Remember not to peek too often; keeping the lid on ensures even cooking and steam retention.
Step 5: Add Peas (Optional)
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas if you’re using them. They’ll add a lovely pop of green and a touch of sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
Step 6: Rest and Fluff
Once the rice is cooked through, remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered for 5 minutes. This resting time lets the steam finish off the cooking perfectly. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and avoid clumps.
Step 7: Stir in Cilantro and Season
Finally, fold in the chopped fresh cilantro and season with salt and pepper to your taste. This last step adds brightness and the finishing touch to your Easy Mexican Rice Recipe, making it irresistibly fresh and flavorful.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a few lime wedges on the side can elevate your presentation and add a zesty twist. You might also enjoy some diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess that contrasts the spice.
Side Dishes
This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe pairs fabulously with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or shrimp. It also works beautifully alongside beans, roasted vegetables, or as a filling side for taco night or fajitas. The versatility makes it an excellent companion for countless meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the rice nestled inside halved bell peppers or use it as a base for a burrito bowl loaded with your favorite toppings. You can even layer it in a casserole with beans and cheese for a hearty baked dish. The options are endless and always delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the rice has cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent condensation.
Freezing
You can freeze this rice for up to 3 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air to preserve texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, or microwave it covered for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. Fluff it again after warming to restore that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and ensure your tomato sauce doesn’t contain any animal products. This recipe is naturally very adaptable and still tastes amazing without animal ingredients.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but keep in mind brown rice requires longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth amount accordingly and expect roughly 40–45 minutes of simmering to get the perfect texture.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don’t have tomato sauce on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, or even a blend of fresh tomatoes pureed in a blender. Just make sure to adjust the cooking liquid so the rice doesn’t dry out.
Is it necessary to toast the rice first?
Toasting the rice is highly recommended because it adds a delightful nuttiness and helps keep the grains separate after cooking. Skipping this step can result in softer, slightly sticky rice that might lack depth.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Diced carrots, corn, or bell peppers can be fantastic additions. Add them along with the peas in the final minutes of cooking to keep their color and texture vibrant and fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that is as straightforward as it is delicious, this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and comforting texture make it a winning choice any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your home kitchen.
Print
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe delivers a flavorful, vibrant side dish perfect for pairing with your favorite Mexican entrees. Toasted rice combined with aromatic spices, tomato sauce, and fresh cilantro creates a deliciously savory and slightly smoky taste. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a comforting, restaurant-style Mexican rice ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the rice and toast it, stirring constantly for 5–7 minutes until the grains turn lightly golden and fragrant.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the mixture is aromatic.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and tomato sauce. Stir in cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the Rice: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and tender, absorbing all the liquid.
- Add Peas: If using frozen peas, stir them into the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking so they can heat through without becoming mushy.
- Rest the Rice: Remove the skillet from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes, allowing the steam to finish cooking the grains and enhance fluffiness.
- Finish and Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then stir in chopped fresh cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- To add more depth, you can substitute tomato sauce with diced tomatoes for texture.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use chipotle chili powder.
- If keeping it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Rinsing rice before cooking can remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- The recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups, just adjust the cooking time if necessary.
