Description
This Homemade Mexican Rice recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish inspired by authentic Mexican cuisine. Featuring long-grain rice toasted to perfection and simmered with a blend of tomato sauce, spices, and broth, it delivers a vibrant and satisfying accompaniment perfect for any Mexican meal. Optional peas and carrots add color and nutrition, while fresh cilantro garnish brightens the flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 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
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. This toasting enhances the rice’s flavor and texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their aroma into the oil and rice.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly throughout the rice.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed, creating fluffy, flavorful rice.
- Add Vegetables: If using peas and carrots, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through without losing their texture or color.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the rice as a bright, fresh garnish before serving to add a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute low-sodium vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
- For a more authentic tomato flavor, blend fresh tomatoes with onion and garlic to replace the tomato sauce.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- This rice pairs beautifully with Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
