Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

Introduction

This easy Mexican rice is a flavorful side dish perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal. With tomato sauce and warm spices, it adds a vibrant touch to your table without any fuss.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock or broth
• 8 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from getting mushy.
2. Step 2: Heat the oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the grains become translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken stock, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic salt, and ground cumin to the pan. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a rapid boil over high heat.
4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and let it stand, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.
• Add finely chopped onions or bell peppers when sautéing the rice for extra flavor and texture.
• For a spicier kick, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño.
• Toast the spices briefly in the oil before adding the rice to enhance their aroma.

Storage

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust cooking times and broth quantities accordingly.

What can I serve with Mexican rice?

Mexican rice pairs well with grilled meats, beans, tacos, or any Mexican-themed dishes to round out your meal.

Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 137 reviews

This Easy Mexican Rice recipe is a flavorful, simple side dish made by sautéing rice before simmering it in a tomato and chicken broth mixture seasoned with chili powder, garlic salt, and cumin. Perfectly fluffy and mildly spiced, this classic Mexican rice complements any Mexican meal or can be enjoyed on its own.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Oil

• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

Liquid and Seasonings

• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock or broth
• 8 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

1. Rinse the Rice. Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step is optional but recommended as it removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy after cooking.
2. Heat the Oil and Toast the Rice. In a 4-quart saucepan, heat the vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice turns translucent or somewhat clear, about 3-4 minutes. This toasting step enhances the nutty flavor and texture of the rice.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients and Boil. Pour in the chicken stock or broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic salt, and ground cumin. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a rapid boil over high heat.
4. Simmer Covered. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer (just under medium-low heat). Stir once to ensure even cooking, cover the saucepan, and let the rice cook undisturbed for 20 minutes, allowing it to absorb the liquid fully.
5. Rest and Fluff. After 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and keep the lid on. Let the rice rest for 2-3 minutes to finish steaming. Then remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice is optional but helps prevent mushiness.
• Use chicken broth for added flavor, or substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version (note: adjust diet accordingly).
• Adjust chili powder to taste for more or less spiciness.
• Fluffing the rice prevents clumping and helps it stay light and fluffy.
• Leftover rice can be refrigerated and reheated with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Keywords: Mexican rice, easy rice recipe, side dish, tomato rice, seasoned rice, stovetop rice