Simple Fiesta Mexican Rice Recipe Everyone Will Love

Cooking delicious easy mexican rice recipe at home brings pure culinary joy to any meal.

Fragrant spices and simple ingredients create a vibrant side dish bursting with flavor.

Home cooks adore this straightforward approach to traditional Mexican cuisine.

Warm, fluffy rice becomes the perfect companion to tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.

Each grain absorbs rich tomato and garlic notes that dance on your palate.

The recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Dive into this delectable dish and transform your dinner table with authentic Mexican charm.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything That Goes Into Easy Mexican Rice

• Rice: Neutral canvas for flavor absorption, choose long-grain white rice for best texture and traditional Mexican rice style.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates golden foundation, use neutral oil with high smoke point for even toasting.

• Onion, Garlic: Builds deep savory base, select fresh firm onions and crisp garlic for maximum flavor punch.
• Ground Cumin, Chili Powder: Authentic Mexican spice profile, look for fresh, fragrant spices from reputable brands.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning elements, use kosher salt for balanced taste and freshly ground pepper for robust warmth.

• Diced Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and tangy undertone, choose low-sodium varieties for better control.
• Chicken Broth: Adds richness and depth, opt for low-sodium versions to manage overall saltiness.
• Cilantro: Optional bright finishing herb, select vibrant green leaves without wilting for fresh zesty garnish.
• Lime Wedges: Adds zingy brightness, choose firm, heavy limes with smooth skin for maximum juice.

Cooking Tools For Easy Mexican Rice

• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for toasting, cooking, and simmering rice with all ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring rice and preventing sticking during toasting and cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure rice, broth, and other liquid ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for precise seasoning with spices and salt.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and cilantro.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Fork: Used for fluffing rice after cooking.
• Lid: Tight-fitting lid is necessary to cover saucepan during simmering.

How To Cook Easy Mexican Rice Fluffy And Light

• Oil Dance

Warm a pan and pour in oil. Toss rice around until it transforms into a beautiful golden shade, creating a rich nutty aroma that fills your kitchen.

• Flavor Awakening

Introduce diced onions and dance them around until they soften. Sprinkle minced garlic and let their fragrance bloom, creating a tantalizing base.

• Spice Symphony

Blend cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the rice. Let these spices whisper their magic and release deep flavors.

• Liquid Magic

Stream in tomatoes and broth, creating a vibrant pool that will transform your rice. Stir gently to marry all ingredients together.

• Gentle Simmer

Cover the pan and let rice slowly absorb the liquid. This quiet cooking process turns simple ingredients into a luxurious side dish.

• Resting Moment

Remove from heat and let rice settle. This quiet time allows grains to become perfectly fluffy and tender.

• Final Touch

Scatter fresh cilantro across the rice. Serve with bright lime wedges for a burst of freshness that makes every bite sing.

Tips To Make Easy Mexican Rice Shine

• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a completely plant-based version. This simple swap maintains the rich flavor profile while making the dish suitable for vegetarian diets.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the rice by stirring in cooked black beans, shredded chicken, or diced chorizo during the final fluffing stage. These additions create a more substantial one-pot meal with added nutritional value.
• Texture Perfection: Ensure golden-brown rice by using a wide, heavy-bottomed pan and stirring frequently during toasting. Avoid stirring too aggressively to prevent breaking rice grains and maintain a fluffy final texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the rice in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore moisture and maintain the original delicious taste.

How To Serve Easy Mexican Rice With Any Meal

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this zesty Mexican rice with grilled chicken or fish for a protein-packed meal that bursts with southwestern charm.
• Taco Night Companion: Transform your rice into a killer side dish for taco night, topping it with fresh salsa, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños for extra kick.
• Fiesta Bowl Builder: Create colorful rice bowls by adding black beans, roasted corn, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of queso fresco for a complete and satisfying dinner.
• Leftover Magic Remix: Repurpose cold Mexican rice into a delicious breakfast scramble by mixing with eggs, chorizo, and a dash of hot sauce for a morning flavor explosion.

Keep Easy Mexican Rice Ready To Reheat

• Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up a double batch and refrigerate extra rice in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Keeps perfectly fresh for 4-5 days when sealed tightly.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Cool rice completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 2 months for instant side dish emergency stash. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheating Hack: Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water over cold rice before microwaving to restore moisture. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly and prevent dry spots.
• Flavor Transformation Trick: Repurpose leftover rice by turning it into delicious fried rice, stuffed peppers, or Mexican-style rice bowls with added proteins like grilled chicken or black beans.

Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Authentic Mexican rice sparkles with robust flavors from Mexico’s culinary traditions. Home cooks can quickly prepare this classic side dish that complements numerous main courses and brings warm comfort to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes (with juices) or 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium temperature, gently toasting rice until achieving a golden shade while stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
2. Aromatics Infusion: Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent, then introduce minced garlic, allowing the ingredients to release their rich fragrance and develop deep flavor profiles.
3. Spice Integration: Incorporate ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly and activate their robust essence throughout the rice mixture.
4. Liquid Foundation: Pour diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth into the pan, creating a vibrant cooking liquid. Blend ingredients meticulously, ensuring all caramelized particles are fully incorporated.
5. Simmering Process: Increase heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, allowing rice to steam and absorb seasoned liquid for 18-20 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed and grains appear tender.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and let rice rest, keeping lid sealed to redistribute moisture. Fluff grains delicately with a fork, creating a light, airy texture. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve alongside zesty lime wedges for an authentic culinary experience.

Notes

• Control Oil Temperature: Toast rice carefully to achieve a golden color without burning, keeping heat at medium and stirring constantly for even browning.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Sauté onions and garlic thoroughly to develop rich, aromatic undertones that elevate the overall taste profile of the Mexican rice.
• Prevent Sticky Texture: Use a fork to fluff rice after cooking, separating grains gently to maintain a light, airy consistency and avoid clumping.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or use brown rice for a whole grain alternative with added nutritional benefits.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg