If you have been craving something vibrant, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting, then this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe is absolutely going to become your new favorite go-to side dish. It combines fluffy, perfectly cooked rice with rich tomato sauce and a delightful blend of spices that create a warm, inviting aroma and taste you’ll want alongside everything from tacos to grilled chicken. Best of all, it’s so simple to pull together, making it ideal for weeknights or any time you want to add a little fiesta to your table without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe shines because of its simple, accessible ingredients that each play a key role in delivering authentic flavor and perfect texture. Every component, from the rice itself to the spices, works together to create that signature taste and vibrant color you expect.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Helps toast the rice and prevents sticking while adding a mild, neutral flavor.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: The star of the dish, long-grain rice stays fluffy and separate after cooking.
- Chicken stock or broth: Provides a savory base that infuses the rice with depth compared to just water.
- Tomato sauce: Adds richness, moisture, and that classic reddish hue to the rice.
- Chili powder: Brings a subtle spicy warmth that brightens the flavor.
- Garlic salt: A convenient way to add savory garlic flavor and seasoning in one go.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and a hint of smokiness that make the dish truly Mexican-inspired.
How to Make Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Begin by rinsing 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is essential because it removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy and ensuring each grain stays light and fluffy during cooking.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook it, stirring frequently, until it becomes translucent and slightly golden – about 3 to 4 minutes. Toasting the rice at this stage brings out nutty flavors and enhances the texture.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Spices
Pour in 1 ½ cups of chicken stock or broth and the entire 8-ounce can of tomato sauce. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, and ½ teaspoon ground cumin. Stir everything together, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
Step 4: Simmer and Fluff
Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the rice simmer gently for 20 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring. This allows the rice to absorb all the flavorful liquid. After cooking, remove the pot from heat, let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes, then fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and release steam.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Mexican rice is a wonderful way to enhance its look and flavor. Freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or some diced green onions add bursts of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich rice. For those who love a little heat, sprinkle sliced jalapeños or a pinch of smoked paprika on top.
Side Dishes
This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with almost any Mexican-inspired main course. Think grilled chicken, carne asada, or tender carnitas. It also complements vegetarian options like black bean burritos or sautéed vegetables. Adding refried beans or a fresh avocado salad alongside makes for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining or simply spicing up your meal presentation, serve the rice in colorful bowls or use it as a base for a layered burrito bowl with beans, grilled veggies, and your favorite toppings. You can even stuff it inside bell peppers and bake for a festive twist. The vibrant color and enticing aroma make this dish a crowd-pleaser no matter how you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Mexican Rice Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it promptly once cooled to keep it fresh and maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Mexican rice by portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months, making it perfect for meal prepping or busy nights.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover rice, reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Cover while reheating to trap steam so the rice stays fluffy and doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth, and you’ll have a wonderful vegetarian or vegan version that doesn’t compromise on flavor at all.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is preferred because it stays fluffy and separate after cooking. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice, as they tend to clump and become mushy.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
You can, but you’ll need to cook the tomatoes down first to achieve a similar rich, saucy consistency. It’s easier and more consistent to use canned tomato sauce for this recipe.
Is it important to toast the rice before cooking?
Yes, toasting the rice in oil helps develop a nuttier flavor and improves the texture, preventing it from turning mushy once cooked with the liquids and spices.
Can I add vegetables to this rice?
Definitely! Chopped onions, bell peppers, or frozen peas work well. Add them after toasting the rice, before adding the broth and tomato sauce, so they cook along with the rice.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe is such a delightful way to bring flavor, color, and warmth to your table with minimal effort. It’s genuinely one of those recipes that feels like a comforting hug, ready in under half an hour and loved by all ages. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a beloved classic in your home kitchen!
Print
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe offers a flavorful, vibrant side dish perfect for complementing any Mexican-inspired meal. With simple ingredients like tomato sauce, chicken broth, and a blend of spices, it delivers a deliciously savory rice with a mild kick that can be prepared quickly in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Rice and Oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
Liquids and Spices
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock or broth
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy during cooking.
- Sauté the rice: Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice becomes translucent and lightly toasted, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add liquids and spices: Pour in the chicken stock, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic salt, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer the rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer gently for 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Rest and fluff: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth.
- You can add finely chopped vegetables like peas or carrots during the simmering step for added texture and nutrition.
- Adjust chili powder to taste for more or less spiciness.
- Using long-grain rice ensures fluffier, non-sticky results.
- Letting the rice rest before fluffing helps steam the grains perfectly.
