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
Scale
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.
