Description
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe offers a flavorful and vibrant side dish perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal. Made with long-grain white rice cooked in a savory vegetable or chicken broth, sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, and a blend of spices, this dish is both simple and delicious. Garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a fresh, tangy finish to the fluffy, aromatic rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Liquid
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring the rice cooks up fluffy and separated.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Bell Peppers: Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until they are just tender but still retain some crunch.
- Bloom the Spices: Add the ground cumin, chili powder, and salt to the pan. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their flavors.
- Add Rice & Liquid: Stir in the rinsed rice and diced tomatoes, then pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff & Finish: Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered for 5 minutes to steam. Then fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice is key to preventing it from becoming sticky and helps achieve a light texture.
- If you prefer a spicier rice, you can add finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the sauté step.
- Use either vegetable or chicken broth depending on your dietary preference or what’s available.
- For a vegan version, be sure to use vegetable broth and omit any animal-based garnishes.
- Leftover rice can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of water to restore moisture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
