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Authentic Mexican Rice

Authentic Mexican rice with vibrant red color from tomato sauce and visible tomato-and-vegetable pieces throughout. Long-grain rice is toasted until translucent, then simmered until fluffy and fragrant for an easy side dish.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
rest time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Rice base
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cup long-grain white rice
  • 0.5 white onion
  • 3 garlic
Sauce and vegetables
  • 2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 0.5 cup diced carrots
  • 0.5 cup frozen peas
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • 0.25 tsp salt to taste
  • 0.25 tsp pepper to taste
  • 1 fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 large saucepan

Method
 

Toast the rice
  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the long-grain white rice and stir constantly until it turns translucent and lightly toasted, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the diced white onion and minced garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook, stirring, about 1-2 minutes to deepen the red color and aroma.
Simmer until tender
  1. Add the chicken broth, diced carrots, frozen peas, bay leaf, cumin, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, about 15 minutes, keeping the top covered and steady.
Rest, fluff, and serve
  1. Remove from heat and let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
  2. Fluff the rice with a fork and remove the bay leaf.
  3. Garnish with fresh cilantro right before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, keep the rice covered during the 15-minute low simmer so the liquid fully absorbs. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days in an airtight container; reheat with a splash of water. Freezing is not recommended because the vegetables can soften too much. For a vegetarian option, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth while keeping the rest the same.