I remember the first time I tried to cook a simple side that felt like a warm hug from the table — the family crowding around, the smell of toasted rice and tomatoes drifting across the kitchen — that memory is exactly why I keep this Mexican Rice Recipe in my regular weeknight rotation, it is forgiving, comforting, and pairs with so many easy meals.
Why You’ll Love It
This version of Mexican rice works because it is straightforward and reliable, perfect for cooks who want big flavor without fuss, it comes together with pantry staples, fits well into weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, and both kids and adults tend to love its bright tomato notes and fluffy texture.
Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes |
Cook Time: 20 minutes |
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce or blended canned tomatoes
- 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until shimmering, add the rinsed rice and toast, stirring often, until the grains turn a pale golden color and smell nutty, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Push the rice to the side, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and let it cook with the rice and aromatics for 1 minute so the tomato flavor warms through.
- Add the broth, salt, and cumin, stir once to combine, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cook undisturbed for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let the rice rest, still covered, for 5 more minutes to finish steaming.
- If using peas and carrots, fold them in during the resting period so they warm through without overcooking. Fluff with a fork, taste and adjust seasoning, garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Tips & Tricks
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and get fluffy separate grains.
- Toasting the rice before adding liquid adds a deep nutty flavor and helps keep the grains from getting mushy.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan and a tight lid to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Do not lift the lid during the 15 minute simmer, keeping the steam trapped is key to proper texture.
- Fluff with a fork rather than stirring vigorously to avoid crushing the grains.
- Taste and adjust salt after cooking since broths vary in sodium.
Serving Ideas
- Serve as a classic side with grilled chicken, carne asada, or roasted vegetables for weeknight dinners.
- Use as the base for burrito bowls with beans, salsa, avocado, and grilled veggies.
- Pack in meal prep bowls with cilantro lime shrimp or chicken for easy lunches.
- Bring to potlucks alongside beans and tortillas for a simple crowd-pleasing side.
- Spoon into stuffed peppers for a comforting vegetarian main.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this rice in a rice cooker
Yes, sauté rice and aromatics in a pan first for best flavor then transfer to a rice cooker with the broth and tomato sauce and cook according to your rice cooker instructions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice
You can, but brown rice needs more liquid and a longer cook time, use about 3 cups broth and cook according to brown rice instructions until tender
Why is my rice mushy
Mushy rice usually means too much liquid or stirring during cooking, use the measured broth, keep the lid on, and let it rest covered after cooking to firm up
How do I make it vegan
Use vegetable broth and check that any added ingredients like store-bought tomato sauce are free of animal products
Mexican Rice Recipe
This version of Mexican rice works because it is straightforward and reliable, perfect for cooks who want big flavor without fuss, it comes together with pantry staples, fits well into weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, and both kids and adults tend to love its bright tomato notes and fluffy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce or blended canned tomatoes
- 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until shimmering, add the rinsed rice and toast, stirring often, until the grains turn a pale golden color and smell nutty, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Push the rice to the side, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and let it cook with the rice and aromatics for 1 minute so the tomato flavor warms through.
- Add the broth, salt, and cumin, stir once to combine, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cook undisturbed for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let the rice rest, still covered, for 5 more minutes to finish steaming.
- If using peas and carrots, fold them in during the resting period so they warm through without overcooking. Fluff with a fork, taste and adjust seasoning, garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Conclusion
This Mexican rice is a friendly, dependable recipe to keep in your kitchen, it teaches a few simple techniques like toasting rice and not lifting the lid while simmering, and it adapts easily to what you have on hand so you can make it your own with vegetables, heat, or smoky chiles, try it once and you will see how a small set of easy steps can yield a comforting, flavorful side that becomes part of your regular meal rotation.
