Why Make This Recipe
Mexican Rice is a tasty and colorful side dish that brings a bit of festivity to any meal. It’s perfect for adding flavor to tacos, burritos, or a simple grilled chicken dinner. Making this rice is easy and quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, the mix of spices and fresh cilantro makes it a crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Mexican Rice
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 14 oz chicken broth
- 3 Tbsp cilantro
Directions:
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add rice and stir until the rice begins to get light brown in color.
- Add garlic, salt, and cumin. Stir until it’s a golden brown.
- Add broth, tomato sauce, and cilantro. (Be careful adding the broth in—the steam will scald your hand! We usually put an oven mitt on before adding the broth.)
- Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring to a boil.
- Turn heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until all moisture is gone and the rice is done. Be sure to stir occasionally!
- Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Enjoy!
How to Serve Mexican Rice
Mexican Rice makes a great side dish for any Mexican meal or as a base for a rice bowl. Serve it warm alongside tacos, quesadillas, or grilled meats. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for a fresh touch.
How to Store Mexican Rice
Store leftover Mexican Rice in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it before reheating.
Tips to Make Mexican Rice
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This will keep the rice from becoming too sticky.
- Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor.
- You can adjust the spice levels by adding more cumin or even some chili powder for a kick.
Variation
If you want to make this dish even heartier, consider adding cooked vegetables like peas and carrots or even black beans for extra protein. You can also substitute vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice ahead of time and reheat it when you are ready to serve.
What can I serve with Mexican Rice?
Mexican Rice goes well with a variety of dishes like grilled meats, tacos, enchiladas, or even just on its own with some salsa.
Mexican Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add rice and stir until the rice begins to get light brown in color.
- Add garlic, salt, and cumin. Stir until it’s a golden brown.
- Add broth, tomato sauce, and cilantro. Be cautious of steam from the broth.
- Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring to a boil.
- Turn heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until all moisture is gone.
- Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.