If you’re searching for the perfect side dish to round out your next family dinner, look no further than Easy Mexican Rice. This flavorful classic combines aromatic rice, sautéed onion and garlic, and savory tomato sauce with a cozy blend of spices for an unbeatable taste and vibrant color. Whether paired with tacos, grilled chicken, or simply dished up on its own with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, Easy Mexican Rice brings warmth and authenticity to any meal in just about 25 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Mexican Rice lies in its uncomplicated, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays an important role in layering that irresistible taste, fluffy texture, and the signature golden-reddish hue that makes this dish shine.
- Vegetable oil: Helps toast the rice for a nutty flavor and ensures every grain cooks up perfectly separate.
- Long grain white rice: The backbone of Easy Mexican Rice; it absorbs all the delicious flavors and stays fluffy.
- Finely chopped onion: Adds sweetness and a gorgeous aroma as it cooks.
- Minced garlic: Builds depth and brings out those classic Mexican flavors.
- Tomato sauce: Gives the rice its beautiful color and a mellow tang that ties everything together.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Infuses every grain with savory notes and keeps the rice moist rather than mushy.
- Ground cumin: Earthy and warm, this spice makes the rice taste homemade.
- Chili powder: For a subtle kick and a gorgeous color boost.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of every ingredient in the pot.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and a bit of complexity.
- Frozen peas (optional): For bursts of color and a touch of sweetness—totally traditional but not mandatory.
- Diced carrots (optional): Bring pretty orange flecks and extra nutrition to your Easy Mexican Rice.
- Chopped cilantro & lime wedges (optional): For a fresh, zesty finish when serving.
How to Make Easy Mexican Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Rice
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. You want the rice to become lightly golden and wonderfully nutty-smelling—this simple step unlocks so much flavor right from the start!
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Once the rice is just starting to color, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for another 2 minutes. The kitchen will fill with the warm aroma of toasted rice and garlic, signaling it’s time to move to the next step.
Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Spices
Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients quickly turn the rice a bright, beautiful red-orange. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil—this helps infuse the rice with all those savory flavors.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight lid, and let the rice simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. All the liquid should be absorbed and the rice perfectly tender—resist the urge to peek often since steam is the secret to light, fluffy grains.
Step 5: Stir in Veggies (Optional)
Got peas and carrots? Add them to the saucepan during the last 5 minutes of cooking, giving a quick stir to incorporate. These add classic color (and a fun veggie boost) to your Easy Mexican Rice.
Step 6: Rest and Fluff
When the rice is done, take it off the heat and keep it covered for another 5 minutes. This resting time lets the grains firm up and stay separate. Fluff everything gently with a fork; your Easy Mexican Rice is now ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Easy Mexican Rice
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over your rice for an herbal pop, and serve with lime wedges on the side—just a squeeze absolutely transforms the flavors into something bright and zesty.
Side Dishes
Easy Mexican Rice is wonderful alongside so many of your favorite dishes. Scoop it next to sizzling fajitas, juicy grilled meats, tangy enchiladas, or plant-based tacos. It’s versatile enough to upgrade both simple weeknight meals and special gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve your Easy Mexican Rice in fun, unexpected ways? Try dishing it up in roasted bell pepper boats, use it as a base for burrito bowls, or stuff it into wraps with beans and salsa. Kids and adults alike love the playful presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Mexican Rice can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks.
Freezing
If you want to save your rice for even longer, simply portion it into zip-top freezer bags or containers. Press out as much air as you can and freeze for up to three months—just remember to label each bag for easy identification!
Reheating
To bring your Easy Mexican Rice back to life, sprinkle it with a small splash of water or broth, then microwave in 30-second bursts, fluffing with a fork in between. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, covered, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely, you can swap in brown rice, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook (usually about 40 to 45 minutes) and you might need extra broth. The flavor will be nuttier and the texture heartier, which some people adore!
How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?
The key is to toast the rice well before adding any liquid and avoid stirring too much while it cooks. Also, use the right amount of broth and let the rice sit covered off the heat to finish steaming—these tricks ensure fluffy, perfect Easy Mexican Rice every time.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe is mild, so it’s family-friendly and perfect for those who prefer less heat. If you want a spicier kick, feel free to bump up the chili powder or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper!
Can I make this vegan?
For a completely vegan version, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. All the other ingredients are plant-based, so you won’t lose any flavor or color.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Easy Mexican Rice is fantastic as a filling for burritos, scooped into salads, used in stuffed peppers, or added to soups for an instant upgrade. It’s one of those sides that turns into tomorrow’s main event!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your taste buds and add a festive splash to your dinner table, give this Easy Mexican Rice recipe a try. It’s budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and so much more flavorful than anything from a box—once you taste it, you’ll want it on repeat all year long!
Print
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe is a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican dishes. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious rice dish ready in no time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1/2 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Additions:
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup diced carrots
For Serving:
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Sauté Rice: In a medium saucepan, heat oil and sauté rice until lightly golden.
- Add Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, cook until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until rice is tender.
- Optional Additions: Add peas and carrots, if desired, during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork, and garnish with cilantro and lime.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, toast the rice longer for a deeper golden hue before adding liquids.
- Consider using tomato bouillon for a more authentic taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 3/4 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
