If you’re craving a vibrant and comforting side that brings a burst of flavor to the table, this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. With its perfectly toasted grains, aromatic spices, and a splash of tomato sauce, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a colorful, crowd-pleasing classic that pairs wonderfully with nearly any Mexican-inspired meal. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will make you fall in love with homemade Mexican rice all over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial part in achieving the delicious final flavor and texture. From the toasty long-grain rice to the fragrant spices, every element adds its own special touch to this dish.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The base of the dish; long grains stay fluffy and separate when cooked.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for toasting the rice to a golden perfection.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant warmth that enhances every bite.
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth: Adds richness and balances the tomato’s acidity.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: Gives the rice its vibrant color and tangy base.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Imparts an earthy, warm spice that’s signature in Mexican cooking.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Adds just a hint of heat and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a smoky undertone for deeper flavor layers.
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional): Offers a pop of green color and a hint of sweetness.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Brings a fresh, zesty finish to brighten the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfectly balance and season the rice to your liking.
How to Make Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the long-grain rice and toast it gently, stirring constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the rice grains turn a light golden brown. This step is key because it gives the rice a nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté together for about 2 to 3 minutes until the fragrant onions start to soften and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma. This builds the flavor base for your rice in a very natural, flavorful way.
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Spices
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the tomato sauce. Then sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil. The broth and tomato sauce combine to cook the rice as well as infuse it with rich, comforting flavors.
Step 4: Simmer the Rice
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow cooking lets the rice absorb all the spices and liquids, resulting in tender grains full of delicious taste.
Step 5: Add Peas
If you’re including peas, sprinkle them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This way, they stay tender and vibrant, adding texture and a lovely touch of sweetness without overpowering the dish.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Fluff
Remove the skillet from the heat but keep it covered. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes—this helps any remaining steam finish cooking the rice perfectly. Then use a fork to fluff up the grains gently, making sure they’re light and airy.
Step 7: Stir In Fresh Cilantro and Season
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and season the rice with salt and pepper according to your taste. The fresh herb adds a pop of brightness that lifts the dish beautifully just before serving.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling additional cilantro leaves or a wedge of lime on top can brighten the presentation and taste even more. Some like to add diced avocado or a few sliced jalapeños for an extra dimension of flavor and color that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, as well as vegetarian options such as black beans, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. It can also serve as a fantastic base for burrito bowls or alongside crispy tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, consider serving the rice in individual small bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. Or spread the rice on a serving platter and top with colorful roasted corn and diced tomatoes to create a welcoming centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, let the rice cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick meals during the week.
Freezing
This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the rice into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a homemade Mexican rice fix, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rice gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave it covered in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating helps to restore its fluffy texture and prevents drying out.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice can be used, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time and a bit more liquid. The texture will be heartier, which some people prefer for extra bite and nutrition.
Is it necessary to toast the rice?
Toasting the rice is an important step because it enhances the flavor and helps achieve that perfect fluffy texture. You can skip it, but the final result won’t be quite as rich or appealing.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To amp up the heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne powder along with the other spices. Fresh sliced chili peppers on top can also deliver extra kick just before serving.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and double-check that your tomato sauce has no animal-derived ingredients. The recipe is naturally suitable for plant-based diets that way.
How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?
Using the right ratio of liquid to rice and not over-stirring while it cooks helps prevent mushy rice. Also, allow the rice to rest covered after cooking to let steam finish the process without turning it soggy.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite ways to add bold flavor and beautiful color to your meals. It’s approachable, satisfying, and so rewarding each time you make it. Give it a whirl—you’ll soon see why homemade Mexican rice can be so much better than store-bought and why it’s a staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe offers a flavorful and vibrant side dish perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal. Made with long-grain white rice toasted to a golden perfection, simmered in a savory tomato broth seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, and finished with fresh cilantro and optional peas for added color and texture. A simple stovetop recipe that delivers comforting, aromatic rice in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Rice and Seasoning
- 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 Add-ins
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Toast the rice: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the long-grain white rice and stir continuously for 5 to 7 minutes until the rice turns a light golden color, which enhances its nutty flavor.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the toasted rice. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the mixture is fragrant.
- Add liquids and spices: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and tomato sauce. Stir in cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the rice: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the rice simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Add peas: If using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to cook through without losing their bright color and texture.
- Rest the rice: Remove skillet from heat and keep it covered. Let the rice sit for 5 minutes to finish steaming, which ensures a fluffy texture.
- Finish and serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro for brightness. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To add extra flavor, consider adding a small diced jalapeño with the onions.
- Adjust chili powder amount according to your spice preference.
- Stir the rice gently after cooking to prevent mashing the grains.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of water to restore moisture.
