Description
This easy Mexican Rice recipe is a flavorful and vibrant side dish that complements any Mexican-inspired meal. Made with long-grain white rice toasted to perfection, sautéed onions and garlic, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce and spices, it’s a delicious and colorful addition to your dinner table. Optional peas add a pop of color and texture, while fresh cilantro finishes the dish with a fragrant touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Spices & Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the rice and toast it, stirring constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the rice turns a light golden color. This step enhances the rice’s nutty flavor and improves texture.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the toasted rice. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes or until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Mix everything well and bring the mixture to a boil on medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add Peas (Optional): If using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of the simmering process to cook them through without losing their bright color and texture.
- Rest the Rice: Remove the skillet from heat and keep it covered. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to absorb and the grains to become fluffy.
- Finish and Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm as a vibrant side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian.
- For added heat, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Using fresh tomatoes blended into a sauce can be a great alternative to canned tomato sauce for a fresher taste.
- Cover your skillet securely during simmering to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
