Perfect Mexican Rice an Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe doesn't have to come from a box or a restaurant, this is a simple recipe requiring a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes to make. You'll want this for your next Taco Tuesday.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
What others are saying: Danielle- "My husband and I really enjoyed this rice a lot. He asks for it often! Thank you!!!"
Christy L.- "Made this rice to accompany Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce. The entire family loved it, including our 3 boys (which never happens!)..."
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Years ago, I never would have thought that I could make delicious Mexican rice without using a box or stopping by a local Mexican restaurant.
However, this is the best Mexican Rice recipe that is our go to side dish for Taco Tuesdays.
JOANNA'S PERSONAL PLATE
Easy Recipe: If you can make rice of any kind, including Rice a Roni, you can make this!
Cheap Side Dish: You most likely have all of these ingredients in your pantry. Well maybe not the cilantro! But you could also use dried cilantro.
Crowd Pleaser: Even my readers agree that their kids and teens enjoy this recipe!
Times change when you are forced to cook from scratch because you have to avoid artificial ingredients in boxed mixes, and when a local restaurant no longer works because of cross contamination of your daughter's allergens.
However, this rice is so ridiculously simple there is not an excuse for anybody not to make this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe.
You'll thank me once you give it a try, and you'll never look at another box in the store again!
Plus this pairs so well with our Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe that you'll be able to skip take out!
When I served this for the first time, my family loved it, and has requested it every time we have tacos, burritos, or any other dish that has Mexican flavors.
What ingredients are in Mexican Rice:
- olive oil
- long grain rice - Jasmine or Basmati are my favorites
- fresh minced garlic
- salt
- cumin
- tomato sauce
- chicken broth
- chopped fresh cilantro
How to make Perfect Mexican Rice:
- Over medium heat, add the oil and rice to the pot.
- Cook, stirring the rice frequently for about 3 minutes, to toast the rice. This brings out a nuttiness that this dish needs.
- Stir in all the ingredients except for the fresh cilantro. If you use dried, stir this in at the same time.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid and allow to slowly simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, toss in the cilantro and stir.
Recipe Tips and Faq's
What does Mexican Rice taste like? Slightly sweet yet warm savory flavor. You get the sweetness from the tomato sauce and the savory from the cumin and chicken broth.
What is the difference between Spanish Rice and Mexican Rice? Spanish rice is made using saffron, this gives it a sweeter flavor, and a slight yellow color. Whereas Mexican rice uses cumin to lend that warm spice that we all love in Mexican dishes.
What spices can be added to rice? Tomato, garlic and cumin are the flavors of this restaurant style Mexican rice.
For regular rice, I love added salt and butter. This makes rice a versatile side dish for so many dinner recipes.
What kind of rice is best to use to make Mexican rice? I like Jasmine or Basmati, but you can use your favorite long grain rice.
Can you freeze Mexican Rice? Yes! Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How long is rice still good for? This Mexican Rice will be good for 5 days when stored in the fridge inside of an airtight container.
What is the best pan/pot to cook rice in? A good quality nonstick pot. This keeps the rice from sticking. But you can use whatever your favorite pot is. I like using stainless steel, because that is what I am used to cooking in.
Ingredient Substitutions + Add in's
Fresh garlic - instead use 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Olive oil - you can also sub vegetable, canola, corn or avocado oil
Fresh cilantro - use one teaspoon dried cilantro, fresh is going to give the best flavor, but dried definitely works
Vegetables - feel free to add frozen peas and carrots when you add the broth.
Tomato - ½ cup chopped tomato would be a delicious way to add some freshness to this dish. Add right before serving.
Serrano peppers - chopped serrano peppers can add some additional flavor without adding a lot of heat. Sprinkle this in when covering the rice to simmer.
What do you serve Perfect Mexican Rice with?
- Taco Hand Pies
- Simple Sheet Pan Fajitas
- One Pan Fajita Flavored Salmon
- Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
Perfect Mexican Rice
Perfect Mexican Rice doesn’t have to come from a box or a restaurant, this is the perfect side dish alongside your next Taco Tuesday!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup long grain rice uncooked
- 1 clove fresh minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 14 oz chicken broth
- 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Over medium heat, add the oil and rice to the pot.
- Cook, stirring the rice frequently for about 3 minutes, to toast the rice. This brings out a nuttiness that this dish needs.
- Stir in all the ingredients except for the fresh cilantro. If you use dried, stir this in at the same time.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid and allow to slowly simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, toss in the cilantro and stir.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 125Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 744mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g
Jennifer S. says
This looks so good. I'm sure my family would enjoy it even though they're not huge fans of rice.
Joanna says
This definitely packs flavor that rice normally lacks, I think that you'll love it!
Tiffany (A Touch of Grace) says
Oh this looks so good! We do tacos a lot and this would definitely be the perfect side dish!
Thanks for sharing on the Shine Blog Hop!
Joanna says
Enjoy Tiffany, it is so good! 🙂
Vickie @Vickie's Kitchen and Garden says
What a great recipe and easy too! Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty
Joanna says
Thanks Vickie!
Miz Helen says
We would really enjoy your Mexican Rice, it looks awesome. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope you have a great week.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Joanna says
Thanks Miz Helen!
Miz Helen says
Congratulations!
Your recipe was a Top Ten on Full Plate Thursday! Hope you enjoy your new Red Plate and have a great day.
Miz Helen
Joanna says
Thank you so much Miz Helen!