Imagine a side dish so fluffy, vibrant, and flavorful that it instantly steals the show at any dinner table! That’s the magic of Homemade Mexican Rice. Each forkful is a celebration of perfectly toasted rice, a touch of tomato, gentle spices, and savory broth. Whether you’re making tacos, enchiladas, or just craving comfort, this easy recipe will have you ditching those packaged mixes for good. Plus, Homemade Mexican Rice shines just as brightly on weeknights as it does alongside a big weekend feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homemade Mexican Rice recipe relies on a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—adding flavor, color, or the signature fluffy texture that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Long grain white rice: The key to fluffy, separate grains that don’t get mushy.
- Vegetable oil: Toasting the rice in oil gives it a lovely nutty undertone and golden color.
- Finely chopped onion: Adds sweet and savory depth right from the start.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses irresistible aroma and flavor with every bite.
- Tomato sauce: Provides vibrant color and a subtle tang that’s classic in Homemade Mexican Rice.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Enriches the rice with a savory, well-rounded base (use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version).
- Ground cumin: Brings warm, earthy notes that anchor the spice blend.
- Chili powder: Offers just a hint of smoky heat—nothing overpowering, just pure flavor.
- Salt: Balances all the components and makes the flavors pop.
- Frozen peas (optional): A burst of color and sweetness; feel free to add diced carrots or corn as well.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Brings in a fresh, herbaceous finish that’s so good sprinkled in at the end.
How to Make Homemade Mexican Rice
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the long grain white rice and cook, stirring often, for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for those grains to turn beautifully golden and fragrant. Toasting is what gives Homemade Mexican Rice its signature texture and flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Once the rice is a lovely shade of toasted, add in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir everything together for another 2 minutes, just until the onion turns translucent and the garlic releases that unbeatable aroma. This is the foundation of flavor for your rice.
Step 3: Stir in Tomato Sauce and Spices
Now, pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, ground cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed. The mixture should look rich and inviting, with a deep orange-red hue. This is where Homemade Mexican Rice truly comes to life.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and cover it with a lid. Let the rice simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the grains are tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, creating that fluffy texture everyone loves.
Step 5: Rest and Fluff
Take the saucepan off the heat and keep it covered for another 5 minutes. This resting period lets the rice finish steaming, which ensures even fluffiness. Afterward, fluff the rice gently with a fork—you’ll see every grain separate perfectly.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
If you like, stir in the frozen peas and fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your Homemade Mexican Rice warm and get ready for compliments around the table!
How to Serve Homemade Mexican Rice
Garnishes
Homemade Mexican Rice is made even more delightful with a sprinkling of freshly chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a few sliced green onions or a handful of crumbled queso fresco for a creamy, salty finish.
Side Dishes
This rice is the ultimate companion to classic Mexican dishes like enchiladas, tamales, fajitas, or even grilled chicken and steak. It’s just as happy tucked next to re-fried beans, alongside flavorful salsas, or as a fluffy bed under saucy tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful! Try stuffing your Homemade Mexican Rice into burritos or taco bowls, or serve it in a hollowed-out pepper for an impressive presentation. It also works beautifully as a base for a build-your-own rice bowl, topped with veggies, avocado, or even your favorite protein.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Homemade Mexican Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it perfect for meal prep and quick weekday lunches.
Freezing
Homemade Mexican Rice freezes surprisingly well! Transfer cooled rice into a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat directly from frozen for fuss-free meal planning.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over the rice (to keep it moist), then warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. The rice will come back to life beautifully and taste just as good as when you first made it.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Mexican rice and Spanish rice?
Mexican rice is typically made with tomato sauce, broth, and a blend of warm spices that give it that signature reddish color and savory taste. Spanish rice, on the other hand, sometimes gets its hue from saffron and isn’t always tomato-based. Homemade Mexican Rice stands out for its gentle, comforting flavor and fluffy texture.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely, but it’s important to note that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and extra liquid. The final texture will be slightly chewier, but you’ll still get that lovely flavor. Adjust cooking times accordingly and keep an eye on the liquid while simmering.
Is Homemade Mexican Rice spicy?
The amount of chili powder in this recipe gives just a whisper of warmth, not true heat. If you like things spicier, add a diced jalapeno with the onion, or increase the chili powder to your taste. Prefer it mild? Leave out the chili powder altogether.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and this dish becomes completely vegan while still brimming with flavor. You can also bulk it up with even more veggies like corn, carrots, or bell pepper to make it a heartier meal.
My rice turned out gummy. What went wrong?
Gummy rice usually means there was too much liquid or the lid wasn’t tight enough during cooking. For the fluffiest Homemade Mexican Rice, resist the urge to stir or peek during simmering, and measure your ingredients carefully. Remember to let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Homemade Mexican Rice from scratch before, you’re in for a treat! This is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again—easy, colorful, and comforting, every single time. Grab your saucepan and give it a try; your kitchen (and your family) will thank you!
Print
Homemade Mexican Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Homemade Mexican Rice at home with this easy recipe. Perfectly cooked rice infused with Mexican flavors makes a great side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.
- Cook the rice: Add rice and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- Adding flavors: Stir in onion, garlic, tomato sauce, broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Rest and fluff: Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Add peas and cilantro if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
- Feel free to add diced carrots or corn for extra flavor.
- Leftovers are versatile for burrito bowls or taco fillings.
- 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: 290mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
