Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

Introduction

Easy Mexican Rice is a flavorful, colorful side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. This simple recipe uses pantry staples and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups chicken stock or broth
• 8 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the rice thoroughly in a mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps keep the rice from becoming mushy.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until the rice turns translucent.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken stock or broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic salt, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 20 minutes without lifting the lid to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and cook fully.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 2–3 minutes. Uncover and fluff gently with a fork before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock.
• Add finely chopped onions or bell peppers when sautéing the rice for extra flavor and texture.
• If you like your rice spicier, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic salt for a more pronounced garlic flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave or warm gently on the stovetop, covered, until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but cooking times will be longer and you may need to adjust the amount of liquid. Brown rice typically takes about 40–45 minutes to cook.

What can I serve with Mexican rice?

Mexican rice pairs well with a variety of dishes such as tacos, grilled chicken, beans, enchiladas, or fajitas. It also works great as a base for burrito bowls.

Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe is a flavorful and simple side dish perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal. Made with sautéed long-grain white rice, tomato sauce, and a blend of chili powder, garlic salt, and cumin, this dish is cooked on the stovetop to achieve fluffy, well-seasoned rice every time.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1½ cups chicken stock or broth
• 8 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly in a mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy when cooked.
2. Cook Rice: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until the rice becomes translucent and lightly toasted.
3. Add Ingredients: Pour in the chicken stock or broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic salt, and ground cumin. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors, then bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking to allow the liquid to be fully absorbed and the rice to cook evenly.
5. Fluff and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it rest, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains before serving.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice is crucial to prevent clumping and achieve fluffy rice.
• Use chicken stock for extra flavor, or substitute with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
• Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
• Keep the lid closed during simmering to prevent steam from escaping, ensuring proper cooking.
• Fluffing rice after cooking helps separate grains and improves texture.

Keywords: Mexican rice, easy rice recipe, Mexican side dish, tomato rice, chili powder rice