If there’s one dish that truly brings everyone to the table, it’s Easy Mexican Rice. Lightly toasted grains, a gentle tomato hue, a whisper of garlic and cumin—it’s comfort food with a vibrant twist. Whether you’re building a taco night or just need a satisfying sidekick, this rice offers that signature flavor in a quick, unfussy way. Every fluffy forkful feels like a celebration, perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Mexican Rice comes together with just a handful of pantry staples, and each one is a hero. You’ll love how the rice soaks up bold flavors, while the seasonings and just a bit of oil help the dish turn out aromatic, colorful, and authentic every single time.
- Long grain white rice: Delivers the classic fluffy texture and holds its shape perfectly as it cooks.
- Vegetable oil: Toasts the rice to a lovely golden color and brings out a nutty depth in each grain.
- Garlic (minced): Lends a rich, savory base for all the other flavors to shine.
- Finely chopped onion: Adds sweetness and a gentle bite that softens as it cooks down.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with richness and a savory, comforting flavor; swap for veggie broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Tomato sauce: Gives beautiful color and that mild tangy undertone distinctive to Easy Mexican Rice.
- Cumin: Adds warm, earthy notes and classic Mexican fragrance to every bite.
- Chili powder: Provides just a gentle heat and subtle smokiness without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors, so nothing falls flat.
- Frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional): Adds color, sweetness, and a little nutritional boost if you’re in the mood.
- Chopped fresh cilantro or lime wedges for garnish (optional): These finishing touches brighten and freshen up the rice right before serving.
How to Make Easy Mexican Rice
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Start by heating vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once warm, add the rice and stir constantly. Toasting for 5 to 6 minutes, you’ll see the grains shift to a delicate golden color. This small step adds flavor and ensures each grain remains distinct and fluffy. Patience here really pays off for your Easy Mexican Rice!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic straight into the pan with the rice. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, just until the aroma is irresistible and the onion softens. It’s a quick burst of flavor-building—the kitchen will smell incredible.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Seasonings
Stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. As soon as bubbles appear, cover the pan and knock the heat down to low. Let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes—resist the urge to peek, as this helps the rice cook evenly and soak in all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Add Veggies (Optional)
If you want to invite a pop of color or extra veggies into your Easy Mexican Rice, toss in frozen peas or mixed vegetables about 5 minutes before it’s done. This gives them just enough time to warm through and finish with a tender bite.
Step 5: Rest, Fluff, and Serve
Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. This rest makes the rice extra fluffy. Fluff with a fork, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime, if you like, for a final hit of freshness.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a few lime wedges take Easy Mexican Rice from tasty to totally tantalizing. If you’re feeling bold, you can even scatter a handful of diced avocado or crumbled queso fresco for added richness and flair.
Side Dishes
This rice makes the perfect company for classic Mexican mains—think juicy grilled chicken, saucy enchiladas, tangy carnitas, or even a big sizzling skillet of fajitas. It also pairs beautifully with simple black beans or a fresh corn salad for a radiant, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to have fun! Scoop Easy Mexican Rice into taco shells as a base, use it in burrito bowls loaded with your favorite toppings, or even stuff it into bell peppers for a festive, crowd-pleasing twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your rice completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or reviving a weeknight dinner.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Easy Mexican Rice! Portion cooled rice into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s a lifesaver when you want to whip up a delicious meal on short notice.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the rice and warm gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to fluff it back up. This helps revive that just-cooked texture and flavor we all love.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely, but keep in mind that brown rice needs more liquid and a longer simmer time. The result will be a heartier, slightly nuttier version of Easy Mexican Rice—just follow package instructions for brown rice and adjust accordingly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chili powder adds a gentle warmth but isn’t truly spicy. If you love more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne, a diced jalapeño, or serve hot sauce on the side.
How do I keep the rice fluffy and not sticky?
The secret is all in that initial toasting step and not stirring too much while it simmers. Make sure to let the rice rest, covered, at the end before you fluff it with a fork—it really does make a difference in texture.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a bigger pot if you double it and check the rice as it cooks—you might need to add a few extra minutes or a splash more broth for larger batches.
Is Easy Mexican Rice gluten free?
It sure is, as long as your broth and chili powder are gluten-free. Always check your labels for peace of mind, especially if serving guests with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If you crave a side dish that’s both vibrant and soul-satisfying, you’ll want to try Easy Mexican Rice for your next meal. It comes together simply, delivers huge flavor, and always attracts compliments. Give it a try and let this cozy, colorful classic become a favorite at your table!
Print
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe is a flavorful and vibrant side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy delicious homemade Mexican rice in no time. Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos, burritos, or as a standalone dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional:
- 1/4 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
- Chopped fresh cilantro or lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Cook the rice: Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly golden, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the onion and garlic, sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add liquids and spices: Stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Add optional vegetables: If using peas or mixed vegetables, stir in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Rest and fluff: Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Garnish: Garnish with cilantro or lime wedges as desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- You can customize with additional ingredients like diced tomatoes, corn, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
