Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Introduction
This easy Mexican rice recipe delivers a flavorful and vibrant side dish perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal. With simple ingredients and just 25 minutes of cooking time, it’s a great staple to keep on hand. The tomato sauce and spices give the rice a deliciously rich color and taste.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 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
- Step 1: Rinse the rice thoroughly in a mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents mushy rice.
- Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the rice becomes translucent.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken stock or broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic salt, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 4: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for 20 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows the liquid to absorb and the rice to cook fully.
- Step 5: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for 2-3 minutes. Then uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth.
- Add diced onions or bell peppers when sautéing the rice for extra flavor and texture.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving for a fresh finish.
- Adjust chili powder to taste for more or less heat.
Storage
Store leftover Mexican 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 prevent drying out.
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 time to about 40-45 minutes and increase broth to 2¼ cups.
Is it okay to use water instead of chicken stock?
You can use water, but chicken stock adds more flavor. If using water, consider adding extra seasoning to boost taste.
Print
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A simple and flavorful Mexican rice recipe that combines aromatic spices and tomato sauce with long-grain rice, creating a perfect side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal. The rice is sautéed to a translucent state before simmering in chicken broth and spices, resulting in a fluffy, savory dish ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 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 thoroughly in a mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps keep the cooked rice from becoming fluffy and non-mushy.
- Cook Rice: Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the rice grains become translucent, which helps develop a nutty flavor.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in the chicken stock or broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic salt, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 20 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows the liquid to absorb fully and the rice to cook evenly.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 2-3 minutes. Then, uncover and use a fork to fluff the rice gently, separating the grains before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice is essential to avoid clumping and ensures fluffier rice.
- Do not lift the lid while the rice is simmering to prevent steam from escaping.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian.
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped onions or garlic when sautéing the rice.
- If you prefer spicier rice, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Mexican rice, easy side dish, long-grain rice, tomato rice, Mexican cuisine, rice recipe
