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
Scale
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
