Mexican Rice Recipe
Mexican rice recipe is your ticket to a fiesta of flavors! This vibrant dish combines fluffy rice with zesty tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a hint of cumin, creating a delightful harmony that dances on your palate. Toss in colorful bell peppers and fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness that elevates any meal. Perfect as a side for tacos or grilled veggies, this easy-to-make recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible, comforting dish that brings a taste of Mexico right to your table!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Mexican Rice Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet For sautéing vegetables and cooking rice.
- 1 Fine mesh strainer For rinsing the rice.
Ingredients
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain rice Ideal for fluffy texture and even cooking.
Liquids
- 2 cups vegetable broth Adds depth of flavor; use low-sodium for a healthier option.
- 1 cup tomato sauce Provides a rich, tangy base for the rice.
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion Enhances flavor; sauté until translucent for the best results.
- 2 cloves garlic Adds aromatic goodness; fresh is best for maximum flavor.
- 1 medium bell pepper Adds sweetness and color; any variety works well.
Spices
- 1 teaspoon chili powder Brings a mild heat; adjust to your spice preference.
- 1 teaspoon cumin Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the dish.
- to taste teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste.
- 1 can black beans A great protein addition; rinse and drain before using.
- to garnish cup fresh cilantro Adds a fresh, zesty finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather your ingredients: long-grain rice, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and spices.
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
- Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 4: Toast the Rice
- Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat it in the oil and veggies. Toast for about 2-3 minutes until slightly golden.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
- Carefully add vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet. Stir in your favorite spices like cumin, chili powder, and salt.
Step 6: Bring to a Boil
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
Step 7: Simmer
- Let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Resist the urge to peek!
Step 8: Fluff and Serve
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Mexican rice!
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Rice Recipe
- It’s a simple, one-pot dish that saves you time in the kitchen.
- Packed with vibrant flavors that will transport your taste buds to Mexico.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins for a personal touch.
- Perfect as a side dish or a main course, making it versatile for any meal.
- Healthy and wholesome, using fresh ingredients you can feel good about.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Mexican |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 20 minutes |
| Total Time: | 30 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian, Gluten-Free |
| Serves: | 4 |
| Best Served: | With tacos or grilled chicken |
Ingredients for Mexican Rice Recipe
- Long-grain rice – ideal for fluffy texture and even cooking.
- Vegetable broth – adds depth of flavor; use low-sodium for a healthier option.
- Tomato sauce – provides a rich, tangy base for the rice.
- Onion – enhances flavor; sauté until translucent for the best results.
- Garlic – adds aromatic goodness; fresh is best for maximum flavor.
- Bell pepper – adds sweetness and color; any variety works well.
- Chili powder – brings a mild heat; adjust to your spice preference.
- Cumin – adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the dish.
- Salt – enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste.
- Black beans – a great protein addition; rinse and drain before using.
- Fresh cilantro – for garnish; adds a fresh, zesty finish.
How to Make the Mexican Rice Recipe
Gather your ingredients: long-grain rice, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, bell pepper, and spices.
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat it in the oil and veggies. Toast for about 2-3 minutes until slightly golden.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
Carefully add vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet. Stir in your favorite spices like cumin, chili powder, and salt.
Step 6: Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
Step 7: Simmer
Let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Resist the urge to peek!
Step 8: Fluff and Serve
Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Mexican rice!
Pro Tips for Making the Mexican Rice Recipe
- Use long-grain rice for a fluffy texture that won’t clump together.
- Toast the rice in a bit of oil before adding liquids for a nutty flavor.
- Substitute vegetable broth for water to enhance the taste.
- Add fresh lime juice and cilantro just before serving for a zesty kick.
- Let the rice sit covered for a few minutes after cooking to absorb all the flavors.
How to Serve Mexican Rice Recipe
Here are some fun and delicious ways to enjoy your Mexican rice:
- Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
- Pair with black beans and avocado for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Use as a filling for burritos or tacos for a tasty twist.
- Mix in diced tomatoes and corn for added color and flavor.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Enjoy as a side dish with your favorite salsa or pico de gallo.
- Incorporate into a salad for a refreshing lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers properly ensures your Mexican rice stays fresh and delicious.
Storing Leftovers
• Allow the rice to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
• Portion the rice into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
• Use a microwave-safe dish with a lid for reheating.
• Add a splash of water to keep it moist.
• Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
• For stovetop, heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little broth if needed.
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FAQs
What type of rice is best for this Mexican rice recipe?
Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe as it cooks up fluffy and separate. You can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist. Just be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch!
Can I make this Mexican rice recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use olive oil instead of any animal fats. This will keep the dish flavorful and satisfying without any meat ingredients.
How can I add more flavor to my Mexican rice?
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding spices like cumin, chili powder, or even a bay leaf while cooking. Fresh cilantro or lime juice added at the end can also brighten up the dish beautifully!
Can I prepare this Mexican rice in advance?
Yes, you can! Cook the rice ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.