Looking for the ultimate side dish to round out your next Mexican-inspired meal? This Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe is just what you need. Fluffy grains of rice toasted to golden perfection, simmered gently in tomato broth with hints of garlic, onion, and warm spices—each bite delivers a comforting taste of tradition. Whether you’re pairing it with sizzling fajitas or simply enjoying a spoonful straight from the pot, this classic arroz rojo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for any weeknight yet special enough for your next fiesta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity: a few humble pantry staples transform into a deeply flavorful dish. Each ingredient—no matter how small—has a starring role in building the rice’s unforgettable taste and sunset-like color.
- Long grain white rice: The foundation of this dish. For the best fluffy texture, always rinse until the water runs clear before cooking.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for toasting the rice to bring out a nutty, golden flavor.
- White onion: Finely chopped to melt into the rice, lending sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic perfumes the rice and makes the aroma irresistible.
- Chicken broth: Adds rich, savory flavor; swap in vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly rice.
- Tomato sauce or Roma tomatoes: The heart of that signature red hue and tangy background note.
- Cumin: This classic spice brings warmth, earthiness, and a little magic to the mix.
- Salt: On-point seasoning is key for maximizing flavor—don’t skip or skimp!
- Chili powder (optional): For a gentle kick of heat and extra depth if you like a little spice.
- Peas or diced carrots (optional): Stir in at the finish for pops of color and sweet bite, true to tradition in many Mexican homes.
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges (optional): The freshness of cilantro and brightness of lime make every plate sing.
How to Make Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe
Step 1: Rinse and Drain the Rice
Rinsing the rice may seem like a small extra step, but it makes all the difference! Place your long grain rice in a fine mesh strainer and run cool water over it until the water runs completely clear. This process removes excess surface starch, helping your finished rice turn out delightfully fluffy instead of sticky. Make sure to drain the rice well so you don’t add extra liquid to your pot.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Set a medium saucepan over medium heat and add your vegetable oil. Once it’s shimmering, scatter in the drained rice. Stir it gently and continuously for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the grains begin to turn golden and toasty. This step gives that unmistakable nutty undertone that distinguishes any great Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
With the rice beautifully toasted, push it to the sides of the pan and add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the center. Sauté everything together for 1 to 2 minutes, letting the veggies release their aroma and meld with the rice’s warmth. Don’t let the garlic brown, just cook until fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer in Broth and Tomato
Pour in your chicken broth and tomato sauce, mixing well to combine. Sprinkle in the cumin, salt, and chili powder if using. Give everything a good stir, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat to the smallest simmer. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and leave the rice to cook undisturbed for about 18 to 20 minutes. No peeking! The steam is crucial to perfect texture.
Step 5: Rest, Fluff, and Finish
Once the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed, remove the pan from the heat and keep the lid on for another 5 minutes. This rest allows every grain to finish steaming and set its flavor. Uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork to keep it airy, and fold in peas or carrots at this stage for color and sweetness. Finish with vibrant cilantro and a squeeze of lime just before serving.
How to Serve Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe
Garnishes
The classic touch for any Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe is a scatter of freshly chopped cilantro and a wedge of lime. The fresh herbs wake up the dish and the lime adds just the right amount of tang. Don’t be shy—a sprinkle of extra peas, a crumble of queso fresco, or even a few sliced radishes will elevate your presentation and delight your tastebuds.
Side Dishes
This rice is made to cozy up next to all your favorites! Serve alongside hearty beans, sizzling chicken or steak fajitas, cheese enchiladas, or even simple grilled veggies. It’s bold enough to stand up to rich, saucy mains, but gentle enough to complement lighter dishes too. You’ll find it shows up on tables everywhere because it goes with, well, just about everything.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe with a few fun serving ideas! Try packing molded domes of rice using a small bowl for a restaurant-style touch, or spoon into colorful mini cazuelas for a festive look. For gatherings, create a vibrant rice bar with assorted toppings like chopped jalapeños, avocado, or even roasted corn so everyone can customize their own side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days. Let the rice cool completely on the counter before you seal it up—this helps prevent condensation and mushy grains. Scoop out just what you need for easy reheating without drying out the rest.
Freezing
If you want to stash a batch away for future dinners, you’re in luck: Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe freezes beautifully! Once cooled, portion the rice into zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers. Press out extra air to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
The secret to reviving leftover rice is a splash of broth or water—about a tablespoon per cup. Cover and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. This keeps the rice moist and fluffy, as if freshly made. Don’t forget to freshen up with a sprinkle of cilantro or a quick squeeze of lime.
FAQs
Why do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing removes surface starch from the rice, which helps prevent clumping and leads to a lighter, fluffier final dish. If you skip this step, your rice may turn out sticky or gluey—definitely not what you want for an Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe!
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and may need a bit more liquid. The texture will be chewier, and the flavor more robust. For the classic experience, stick with long grain white, but don’t be afraid to experiment!
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you have ripe Roma tomatoes, simply blend two of them with a little onion and garlic to make your own tomato base. You can also use canned tomato puree in a pinch. Either way, the goal is that rich tomato backbone distinctive in any Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe.
How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?
Perfect rice depends on using the right rice-to-liquid ratio and cooking low and slow. Avoid lifting the lid while it simmers so the steam stays trapped. Also, be sure to let the rice rest off the heat before fluffing—this step makes a big difference in texture!
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep your Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe fully vegetarian and vegan friendly. The result will be every bit as flavorful, colorful, and tempting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the way a batch of Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe comes together—rich in tradition, effortless to make, and loved by all ages. I hope this recipe helps you bring that magic to your own table, whether it’s for a simple weeknight dinner or a joyful family gathering. Give it a try, and let the irresistible aroma and flavor turn any meal into a celebration!
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Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make authentic Mexican rice at home with this easy recipe. Toasted rice cooked with flavorful seasonings and tomato sauce, this side dish is a perfect complement to your favorite Mexican meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup white onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or 2 Roma tomatoes blended)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup peas or diced carrots (optional)
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- Toasting the Rice: Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and cook, stirring often, for 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in onion and garlic, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in broth, tomato sauce, cumin, salt, and chili powder. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Rice: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Final Touches: Fluff rice with a fork, stir in peas or carrots if desired. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, use homemade chicken stock and blend fresh tomatoes with onion and garlic instead of tomato sauce.
- Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
