If you’re searching for a side dish that’s always a hit, look no further than this Easy Mexican Rice. With its tender grains, bright tomato flavor, and gentle hint of spice, it’s the perfect companion for any Mexican-inspired meal. Whether you’re serving tacos, enchiladas, or just need something to jazz up a weekday dinner, this simple recipe delivers big taste with very little effort. It’s one of those dishes that always brings people back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Mexican Rice is how every ingredient earns its place in the pot. Each one adds something special, from flavor and color to the perfect fluffy texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Vegetable oil: Helps the rice toast up with a subtle, nutty aroma and prevents sticking.
- Long-grain white rice: The classic choice for fluffy, separate grains that soak up all the flavors.
- Finely chopped onion: Sweetens and deepens the dish’s savory base as it cooks with the rice.
- Minced garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic warmth that complements the spices.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses the rice with rich, savory flavor without overpowering saltiness.
- Tomato sauce: Gives the rice that signature reddish color and a lovely tang.
- Ground cumin: Brings warm, earthy undertones that make Mexican rice distinctive.
- Chili powder: Offers a gentle kick and subtle smokiness for depth.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t skip it!
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Lends a fresh, herbal pop at the very end.
- Juice of 1/2 lime (optional): Brightens everything up with a hint of citrusy zing.
How to Make Easy Mexican Rice
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll notice the grains turning golden and smelling nutty—this step is key for that delicious, slightly chewy texture and extra flavor.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Once the rice is lightly toasted, stir in the finely chopped onion. Cook for about 2 minutes, letting the onion soften and sweeten. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Step 3: Simmer with Seasonings
Now pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, then sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is evenly coated. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before lowering the heat, covering the pot, and letting it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. This is when the rice soaks up all that flavor and turns beautifully tender.
Step 4: Rest and Fluff
Once the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender, take the pot off the heat and keep it covered for 5 more minutes. This rest lets any remaining steam finish the cooking. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork—this helps separate the grains and avoid mushiness.
Step 5: Finish with Cilantro and Lime (Optional)
If you’re using them, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. These final touches add a burst of freshness that makes Easy Mexican Rice even more irresistible. Serve it warm and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Easy Mexican Rice
Garnishes
For a vibrant finish, sprinkle chopped cilantro or sliced green onions over your Easy Mexican Rice. A few lime wedges on the side invite everyone to add a bit of zing, and a light dusting of queso fresco makes it extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair this rice with classic favorites like refried beans, sautéed veggies, or a crunchy corn salad. Easy Mexican Rice is also fantastic alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp—it truly rounds out any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, use Easy Mexican Rice as the base for burrito bowls, stuff it into bell peppers, or layer it in a casserole with beans and cheese. It’s a flexible side that’s always ready to shine in new ways!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Easy Mexican Rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great candidate for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can easily freeze Easy Mexican Rice for future meals. Just spoon the cooled rice into freezer bags or containers, press out extra air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and cover it with a damp paper towel. Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot, fluffing with a fork to restore its lovely texture. It’s just as tasty the next day!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and add a bit more liquid. Expect the rice to be a little chewier, but it will still take on all the wonderful flavors of Easy Mexican Rice.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The rice will be just as flavorful and perfect for vegetarian meals—no other adjustments needed!
Is Easy Mexican Rice spicy?
This recipe has only a mild kick from the chili powder, so it’s family-friendly. If you love heat, feel free to add chopped jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce while it simmers.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger pot and double all the ingredients. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, but Easy Mexican Rice scales up beautifully for a crowd.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Easy Mexican Rice is incredibly versatile. Use it in burritos, breakfast bowls, or even as a base for fried rice with a Mexican twist. It’s a delicious way to stretch your meal into the next day!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Easy Mexican Rice a try—it’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a staple. With just a few pantry ingredients and minimal effort, you can bring a taste of Mexico right to your table. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This easy Mexican Rice recipe offers a flavorful and vibrant side dish perfect for pairing with your favorite Mexican meals. Made with long-grain white rice, aromatic spices, and a tomato-infused broth, it’s a classic, simple dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes and can be customized to suit vegetarian preferences.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1/2 lime
Instructions
- Heat the oil and toast the rice: In a medium saucepan, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the grains begin to turn a lovely golden brown, which enhances the flavor and texture of the rice.
- Add onion and garlic: Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for an additional 2 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
- Combine liquids and spices: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and tomato sauce, then incorporate the ground cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir everything together thoroughly to evenly distribute flavors.
- Simmer the rice: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender to the bite.
- Rest and fluff: Remove the saucepan from heat and keep it covered for 5 minutes. This resting period lets the rice finish steaming and settle.
- Finish with cilantro and lime: Fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in the fresh chopped cilantro and lime juice if desired, adding a bright fresh finish. Serve the rice warm as a perfect side dish.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian or vegan.
- For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during the simmering step.
- Leftover rice reheats well and can be used in burritos, bowls, or as a base for other meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
