Colorful Easy Mexican Rice Recipe: Fiesta in Every Bite

Crafting a delightful mexican rice recipe can turn an ordinary meal into a vibrant culinary adventure.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet magical side dish.

Warm spices and fluffy grains create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Each forkful tells a story of traditional cooking techniques passed down through time.

Rich tomato undertones and fragrant herbs bring depth to every serving.

Quick and uncomplicated, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Grab a wooden spoon and let’s make something delicious that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Variations to Enhance Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

• Spicy Jalapeño Rice: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: Stir in fresh chopped cilantro and squeeze lime juice after cooking for a zesty flavor.
• Vegetable-Packed Rice: Mix in diced bell peppers, corn, and peas during the cooking process for extra nutrition.
• Coconut Mexican Rice: Replace half the water with coconut milk for a creamy, tropical undertone.

Pairings That Go Well With Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

• Elevate with Proteins: Pair this zesty Mexican rice with grilled chicken fajitas, carnitas, or tender barbacoa for a complete meal that brings authentic Mexican taste sensations.
• Cool and Creamy Companions: Serve alongside fresh guacamole, cool sour cream, or tangy pico de gallo to balance the rice's warm, spicy notes and add refreshing texture contrast.
• Wine and Beverage Harmony: Complement the rice with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial, a bright margarita, or a zesty sangria to enhance the vibrant flavors and create a festive dining experience.

Proper Storage of Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

• Store leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Transfer cooled rice to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for 1-2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to restore moisture. Cover and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm rice in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water, stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Heat for 3-5 minutes until thoroughly hot and steamy.

FAQs About Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

• Why should I rinse the rice before cooking?

Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky and clumpy, and helps create a fluffy, separated texture in the final dish.

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice works best, but you can substitute with medium-grain rice. Avoid using short-grain or sticky rice as they won’t yield the same light, separate grains.

• What if I don't have a mesh strainer?

You can rinse rice in a regular bowl, gently swirling and draining water multiple times until it runs clear, though a mesh strainer is more efficient.

Why Easy Mexican Rice Recipe Is a Pantry Staple

• Boost Flavor Fast: Transform plain rice into a zesty Mexican-style side dish with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps that pack a punch of authentic taste.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Perfect for busy families needing a delicious accompaniment that comes together faster than ordering takeout, requiring just basic pantry staples.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe allows home cooks to adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, and make it their own personal culinary creation without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish: Delivers restaurant-quality Mexican rice that complements multiple main courses, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

• Rice: Long-grain white rice is the perfect base for this classic Mexican side dish.
• Oil: The cooking oil helps toast the rice and create a rich, golden color.
• Water: Essential liquid for cooking and softening the rice grains.

• Tomato Sauce, Chicken Broth: These ingredients add depth of flavor and moisture to the rice.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Cumin: Spices that provide authentic Mexican-style seasoning and aromatic warmth.

• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add a bright, fresh finish to the cooked rice.

How to Prepare Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Rice Base

Grab a mesh strainer and thoroughly rinse the rice under cool running water until the water runs crystal clear. This magical step helps eliminate excess starch, ensuring your rice turns out perfectly fluffy and separate.

Step 2: Toast Rice Kernels

Grab a spacious saucepan and warm up some oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add rice and stir continuously, allowing the grains to become golden and translucent. This toasting process develops a rich, nutty flavor that transforms ordinary rice.

Step 3: Build Flavor Profile

• Tomato sauce
• Chicken broth
• Garlic
• Onion
• Salt
• Cumin

Stir everything together and crank the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Gently stir once, then cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, letting the rice absorb all those incredible flavors. Cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Rest and Fluff

After cooking, remove the lid and let the rice rest for 2-3 minutes. Use a fork to delicately separate and fluff the grains, releasing steam and creating a light, airy texture. Your Mexican rice is now ready to serve and devour!

Tips for Perfect Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that won't clump together.
• Toast rice in oil until golden and translucent, developing a nutty flavor and preventing soggy texture.
• Use fresh ingredients like homemade or high-quality chicken broth for more robust and authentic Mexican rice taste.
• Allow rice to rest after cooking, letting steam distribute evenly and creating perfectly tender, moist grains.
• Select long-grain white rice for the most authentic and traditional Mexican rice texture and appearance.

Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful Mexican Rice brings zesty flavors straight from Mexico’s culinary heart to your dinner table. Fluffy grains infused with tomato, garlic, and aromatic spices promise a delicious side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) chicken stock or broth
• 8 ounces (227 grams) tomato sauce

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin

Cooking Fat:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable or canola oil

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, which prevents excessive starchiness and ensures fluffy texture.
2. Select a 4-quart saucepan and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature, carefully adding rice and stirring continuously until grains become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour remaining liquid ingredients into the pan, allowing mixture to reach a vigorous boil across high heat.
4. Gently stir contents once, then immediately cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, reducing heat to a gentle simmer slightly below medium-low.
5. Allow rice to cook undisturbed for precisely 20 minutes, maintaining consistent low heat to achieve perfect absorption and even cooking.
6. After cooking time concludes, remove lid and let rice rest for 2-3 minutes to allow residual steam to distribute evenly throughout the grains.
7. Fluff rice delicately with a fork, separating kernels and creating a light, airy texture before serving.

Notes

• Rinsing rice thoroughly prevents clumping and ensures each grain stays separate and fluffy during cooking.
• Toast rice in oil until golden to enhance its nutty flavor and create a delicious aromatic base for the dish.
• Use low sodium broth or water to control salt levels, making the recipe adaptable for those watching their sodium intake.
• Let rice rest after cooking to allow steam to redistribute, resulting in perfectly tender and evenly cooked grains.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg