Description
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe features fluffy, golden rice cooked with aromatic spices, tomato sauce, and a hint of garlic and onion. Perfect as a flavorful side dish, it can be enjoyed on its own or alongside your favorite Mexican meals. With simple ingredients and stovetop preparation, it’s a quick and satisfying addition to any dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Toast Rice: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice turns a golden brown color, about 5 minutes. This step adds a nutty flavor and helps the rice stay fluffy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the rice. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the onions become translucent.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, then add the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes. Cook until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the skillet from the heat and keep it covered for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and settle. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Add Peas and Garnish: If using, stir in the frozen peas to warm through. Garnish the rice with freshly chopped cilantro before serving to add a fresh and vibrant flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add diced jalapeño or green bell pepper when cooking the onion.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
