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
Scale
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
