Description
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe delivers a flavorful, vibrant side dish ready in just 30 minutes. Toasted rice is simmered with tomato sauce, aromatic onions, garlic, and classic spices like cumin and chili powder, then garnished with fresh cilantro for an authentic taste of Mexico. Perfect as a side to Mexican entrees or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup white long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or 1 cup diced tomatoes (adjust liquid if using diced)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes and Add-ins
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Diced jalapeños or hot sauce (for extra spice)
- Chopped bell peppers, corn, or peas (for extra veggies)
- Shredded cheese (to stir in before serving)
- Brown rice (substitute, adjust cooking time and broth accordingly)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This releases the deep flavors foundational to the dish.
- Toast the Rice: Add the white rice to the skillet and stir to coat each grain with the oil and aromatics. Toast the rice for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until it turns slightly golden. This step improves texture and flavor.
- Add Tomato and Spices: Pour in the tomato sauce or diced tomatoes along with the ground cumin and chili powder. Stir well to combine, allowing the rice to absorb the tomato base and spices.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains. Stir in chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish before serving. Add optional garnishes or mix-ins if desired.
Notes
- If using diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce, adjust the amount of broth to maintain proper liquid ratio.
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
- To add more veggies, incorporate chopped bell peppers, corn, or peas along with the aromatics.
- Stir in shredded cheese after cooking for a creamy texture.
- Brown rice can be substituted but requires longer cooking time and more broth (about 2.5 cups broth and 40-45 minutes simmer).
