This Easy Mexican Rice is a perfect side dish! With colorful veggies, rice, and spices, it’s as tasty as it is simple to make. You’ll love its bright flavor!
When I cook this rice, the kitchen smells amazing. Plus, it pairs well with so many meals! Just toss everything together and let it simmer—can’t get easier than that!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this dish as it cooks up fluffy without sticking together. If you prefer something different, jasmine or basmati rice can also work well.
Broth: Vegetable broth gives it depth, but chicken broth adds a richer flavor. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand. You can also use homemade broth for an extra personal touch!
Onion: A medium onion is essential for base flavor. Yellow or white onions are your best bets. If you’re in a pinch, shallots or even green onions can substitute.
Tomato: Fresh tomatoes bring brightness, but canned diced tomatoes work great too! Look for no-salt-added varieties for a healthier option.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are key for that Mexican flavor. If you want to switch things up, try adding some smoked paprika for a smoky twist or even a pinch of cayenne for heat.
How Do I Get the Rice Just Right?
Getting the rice perfectly cooked is crucial. Here are some simple steps to ensure it’s fluffy and delicious:
- Rinse the rice under cold water first to remove excess starch; this helps prevent it from being sticky.
- When you sauté the rice with the onions and garlic, keep an eye on it! The rice should turn slightly translucent before adding other ingredients.
- Always cover the skillet when simmering to trap steam which helps cook the rice evenly.
- After cooking, let the rice rest covered. This step allows any remaining steam to finish cooking it, ensuring it’s perfectly fluffy. Fluff with a fork gently to separate grains.
How to Make Easy Mexican Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes of cooking time. So, in just under an hour, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent—this is where a delightful aroma begins to fill your kitchen!
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you just want it to become fragrant and slightly golden.
3. Toast the Rice:
Now it’s time to add the rice! Pour the long-grain rice into the skillet and stir well to coat the grains with the oil and mix them with the onion and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the rice looks a little less white and slightly translucent. This step helps enhance the flavor of the rice.
4. Season It Up:
Stir in your chopped tomato (fresh or canned), tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until well combined—this is where the dish starts to come alive with flavor!
5. Cook the Rice:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling nicely, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
6. Final Touches:
After the rice has cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This step allows the rice to finish steaming. When you’re ready, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and make it fluffy.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish your Easy Mexican Rice with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it up warm, and enjoy it as a delightful side to your favorite Mexican dishes!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice has a longer cooking time. You will need to increase the simmering time to about 35-40 minutes and may need to add an extra half cup of broth because it absorbs more liquid than white rice. Keep an eye on the liquid levels and taste to ensure it’s cooked to your liking!
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Vegetable Broth?
If you don’t have vegetable broth, chicken broth works perfectly as a substitute and will give the rice a richer flavor. Alternatively, you can use water and add extra seasonings like a bouillon cube or a dash of soy sauce for added flavor.
How to Store Leftover Mexican Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it with a splash of water to help steam it back to life, or heat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Rice?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the rice by adding vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic for the best flavor. Make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using fresh vegetables that may need longer to soften.
