Description
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe offers a flavorful and vibrant side dish perfect for any meal. Featuring fragrant sautéed onions and garlic, toasted rice, and a delicious blend of tomato sauce, cumin, and chili powder simmered to perfection in broth, this dish delivers authentic Mexican flavors in just 30 minutes. Garnished with fresh cilantro and customizable with veggies or heat, it’s a versatile and satisfying addition to your table.
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
Garnishes and Optional 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 step releases 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 enhances the 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 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 the grains. Stir in chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish before serving. Add optional toppings or mix-ins as desired.
Notes
- Use chicken broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- If substituting brown rice, increase the cooking time and broth amount accordingly.
- For added vegetables, stir in chopped bell peppers, corn, or peas before simmering.
- Adjust the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
- Stir in shredded cheese just before serving for a creamy texture.
- Keep an eye on the liquid while simmering to prevent the rice from drying out or sticking.
