Description
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe: Delicious and comforting rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
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.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg