Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

The aroma of perfectly spiced Easy Mexican Rice wafting through your kitchen is enough to transport you straight to a vibrant cantina south of the border. This classic side dish balances fluffy grains with rich tomato flavor and just the right kick of spices. Whether you’re serving it alongside enchiladas or using it as a base for burritos, this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe delivers authentic flavor without hours of work. You’ll learn how to achieve that perfect texture every time while mastering the simple techniques that make restaurant-quality Mexican rice achievable in your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe stands out for its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Unlike other versions that can turn out mushy or bland, this recipe creates distinctly separate grains that remain tender while absorbing all the savory spices. The combination of toasted rice with rich tomato sauce creates a delightful contrast between the slightly crisp exterior and fluffy interior of each grain.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to vegetarian bean dishes, making it the perfect foundation for countless meals. The gentle heat from the jalapeños and cayenne provides warmth without overwhelming spice, allowing the dish to appeal to both adventurous eaters and those with milder palates.

Best of all, this homemade Mexican rice requires minimal hands-on time. With just one pan and basic ingredients you likely already have, you can create a side dish that outshines restaurant versions while requiring far less effort than many people assume.

Ingredients

For this authentic Easy Mexican Rice Recipe, you’ll need:

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain white rice
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 small onion (about 1 cup/150g), finely diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic (about 1 tablespoon/9g), minced
• 1 small jalapeño (optional), seeded and minced
• 1 can (14.5oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon (6g) tomato paste
• 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (1g) ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup (8g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving

The long-grain rice is essential as it produces the fluffy, separate grains characteristic of perfect Mexican rice. Fresh garlic and onion create the aromatic base, while the combination of diced tomatoes and tomato paste delivers that signature rich, red color and depth of flavor.

Pro Tips

Toast the Rice First
The most crucial step for perfect Easy Mexican Rice is properly toasting the grains before adding any liquid. Heat your oil until shimmering, then add the rice and stir continuously until it turns light golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). This process creates a protective coating around each grain, preventing them from clumping together and developing a wonderful nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Perfect Your Liquid Ratio
For ideal texture, maintain the ratio of 1 part rice to 1.5 parts liquid. Too much liquid creates mushy rice, while too little leaves it undercooked. When adding your broth, pour it in slowly to prevent the temperature from dropping dramatically, which can lead to uneven cooking. Let the mixture come to a boil before reducing to a simmer.

Resist the Urge to Stir
Once your rice is simmering, fight the temptation to lift the lid or stir the pot. This releases steam and disrupts the cooking process. Instead, set your timer and trust the process. After cooking, remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the moisture to distribute evenly, resulting in perfectly fluffy homemade Mexican rice every time.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by rinsing 2 cups of rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping. Drain thoroughly and set aside. Meanwhile, finely dice your onion, mince the garlic and jalapeño (if using), and gather all spices and remaining ingredients to keep your cooking process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Toast the Rice
Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the rice and stir constantly for 5-7 minutes until it turns a light golden color and emits a nutty aroma. This crucial step creates the foundation for perfect Easy Mexican Rice texture.

Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the toasted rice and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic which can turn bitter.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Mixture
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to coat the rice evenly. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the tomato flavors and take on that beautiful reddish hue characteristic of authentic Mexican rice.

Step 5: Add Broth and Seasonings
Carefully pour in the chicken broth, then add salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes without stirring.

Step 6: Rest and Finish
Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, remove from heat but keep covered. Let your Easy Mexican Rice Recipe rest for 10 minutes undisturbed. This resting period is essential for achieving perfect texture. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork, fold in fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for a bright finish.

Variations

Vegetarian Mexican Rice
Transform this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe into a complete vegetarian main dish by adding 1 can (15oz) of drained black or pinto beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and mix in 1 cup of roasted corn kernels along with the cilantro. This protein-packed variation creates a satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for meatless Mondays.

Seafood Mexican Rice
For a coastal-inspired twist, prepare the basic Mexican rice recipe as directed, but fold in 1 pound of cooked shrimp or crabmeat just before serving. Add 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning along with the other spices and finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions. This seafood version makes an impressive yet simple dinner that’s ready in minutes.

Spicy Mexican Rice
Heat-seekers can amp up the traditional recipe by doubling the jalapeño and cayenne, then adding 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce when cooking the onions. Finish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes and serve with hot sauce on the side for those who want even more kick in their homemade Mexican rice.

Storage and Serving

Properly stored, this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe keeps beautifully for later enjoyment. Allow leftover rice to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water per cup of rice to restore moisture, then microwave covered or gently warm in a skillet over low heat.

For serving, this versatile side pairs perfectly with classic Mexican mains like enchiladas, tacos, or grilled carne asada. Create a memorable rice bowl by topping with grilled chicken or beef, fresh avocado, pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. For a simple yet satisfying lunch, stuff the Mexican rice into bell peppers with cheese and bake until bubbly.

For an impressive presentation, pack the warm rice into a small bowl, then invert onto serving plates for a perfectly formed mound. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs, lime wedges, and a light sprinkle of cotija cheese to elevate this simple dish into a restaurant-worthy accompaniment.

FAQs

Why is my Mexican rice mushy?
The most common reason is using too much liquid or not toasting the rice properly beforehand. For perfect Easy Mexican Rice, maintain the 1:1.5 rice-to-liquid ratio and ensure you toast the rice until golden before adding other ingredients.

Can I make Mexican rice with brown rice instead?
Yes, though you’ll need to adjust cooking time and liquid. For brown rice, use 2¼ cups of broth per cup of rice and extend cooking time to 35-40 minutes. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

What’s the best rice for Mexican rice?
Long-grain white rice works best for this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe as it produces fluffy, separate grains. Avoid short-grain or arborio rice, which becomes sticky.

Is Mexican rice gluten-free?
Yes, traditional Mexican rice is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth is also gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mexican rice reheats well and actually develops more flavor overnight. Prepare up to two days ahead, refrigerate, then reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Print