If you’re looking for a vibrant, foolproof side that will instantly brighten up any meal, this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe is the answer! Fluffy grains of rice infused with a magical blend of tomato, garlic, and warming spices come together in under 30 minutes. Whether you want the perfect partner for your tacos or a tasty bowl for meal prep, this dish delivers everything you crave: rich color, irresistibly soft texture, and that classic flavor you remember from your favorite Mexican restaurants. Let’s make your kitchen the happiest spot on the block!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe calls for staple ingredients, but every single one plays a starring role in the finished dish. Prepare to be amazed by how a few simple pantry and fridge basics can create something truly memorable!
- Long-grain white rice: Fluffy and tender, this is the perfect canvas for soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Vegetable oil: Gives your rice a gorgeous toasted edge and helps every grain cook up just right.
- Finely diced onion: Adds sweetness and aroma for that classic Mexican rice taste.
- Minced garlic: Brings a gentle kick and depth of flavor—you’ll notice the difference!
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with a savory, comforting note (swap for veggie broth to go meatless!).
- Tomato sauce: Delivers color, moisture, and the “secret sauce” vibe you love.
- Ground cumin: Lends earthy, slightly smoky undertones that set this rice apart.
- Chili powder: Just enough warmth to keep things interesting, without overpowering.
- Salt: Balances all the flavors and makes them truly pop.
- Black pepper: Adds a final touch of gentle heat and bite.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Brightens everything up, both visually and flavor-wise, as a finishing flourish.
How to Make Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice to the hot oil and stir frequently for about 4 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for the grains to turn lightly golden and pick up a delicious nutty aroma. Toasting is what gives the Easy Mexican Rice Recipe its signature fluffy texture and rich flavor, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the rice is golden, add the diced onion and minced garlic straight into the pan. Stir and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the onion is soft and everything smells mouthwateringly fragrant. This quick sauté helps the onion and garlic release their flavors and gently perfume the rice.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Spices
Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, then sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a thorough stir, making sure the spices are evenly distributed and the liquids fully cover the rice. This magical blend is what transforms the dish into a true Easy Mexican Rice Recipe favorite!
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture up to a boil, then drop the heat to low, cover your saucepan, and let it all gently simmer away for 18 to 20 minutes. This is when the rice soaks up all the liquid and flavor, becoming tender without turning mushy. No peeking or stirring—just let the pot do its thing!
Step 5: Rest, Fluff, and Garnish
When the time is up and the liquid is absorbed, remove the pan from the heat and keep it covered for another 5 minutes. This rest period lets the steam finish its job, making the rice even fluffier. Finally, gently fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh, restaurant-inspired finish.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, chopped cilantro is a classic and gives the rice an herby lift and pretty green pop. For even more flair, try sliced green onions, a squeeze of lime, or crumbled queso fresco on top. Customizing the garnish lets you adapt this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe to any vibe, from casual weeknight to festive feast!
Side Dishes
This rice adores being paired with anything Mexican: tacos, enchiladas, sizzling fajitas, grilled chicken, or even simple beans. It also makes a fantastic partner alongside grilled shrimp, steak, or a hearty chili. Basically, if your plate looks a little lonely, this rice is the perfect sidekick!
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the rice into small bowls for an easy grab-and-go side, stuff it into burritos or tacos, or even use it as a colorful base in burrito bowls. For parties, try serving it in hollowed-out bell peppers or alongside a build-your-own taco bar—everyone loves adding their own scoop!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Mexican Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool it to room temperature first to keep it fluffy, and avoid traps of excess moisture building up in the container. This way, your next-day rice tastes just as amazing as the first night!
Freezing
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe freezes beautifully! Let the rice cool completely, pack it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and squeeze out extra air before sealing. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the grains stay light and tasty.
Reheating
To reheat, add a small splash of water or broth and cover the rice—either zap it in the microwave or gently rewarm it on the stovetop over low heat. Fluff again with a fork once it’s hot. If you’ve frozen the rice, be sure to thaw in the fridge for best results before reheating.
FAQs
What type Side Dish
Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe, as it cooks up fluffy and absorbs the flavors without becoming sticky. Avoid using short-grain or instant rice, as the texture can become mushy and less authentic.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The result is still wonderfully savory and satisfying, making it perfect for vegetarian meals or family members who don’t eat meat.
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
The key is to toast the rice thoroughly in oil first and don’t stir or lift the lid while it simmers. Measure your liquids accurately, and let the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking to help it absorb any last bits of moisture and stay fluffy.
What if I want to add vegetables?
Great idea! Stir in frozen peas, corn, or even diced carrots during the last 5 minutes of simmering. This adds extra flavor, color, and nutrition to your Easy Mexican Rice Recipe without altering the cooking process.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or even triple this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe. Use a larger saucepan, keep the rice-to-liquid ratio the same, and allow a bit more cooking time if you’re making a bigger batch. The steps remain identical, so it’s perfect for sharing at gatherings!
Final Thoughts
Once you see how simple and delicious this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe turns out, you’ll want to tuck it into your regular dinner rotation. It’s brimming with flavor, is quick to make, and pairs with absolutely everything. Give it a try this week—you’ll soon discover why it’s a household favorite!
Print
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Mexican rice recipe that is perfect as a side dish for your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex meals. This dish is fragrant with garlic and cumin, and it’s a colorful addition to any table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and toast the rice: In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, for 4–5 minutes or until the rice is lightly golden and toasted.
- Cook the aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the liquids and spices: Stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer and fluff: Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
- Add frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra flavor and texture.
- This rice pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
