Andy’s Sizzling Homemade Mexican Rice Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting authentic Mexican rice can challenge even seasoned home cooks with its delicate balance of flavors.

Skilled chefs know perfectly cooked grains require precise techniques and quality ingredients.

Every grain tells a story of tradition and passion on your plate.

Watching rice transform from plain kernels to a vibrant side dish feels like culinary magic.

Simple spices and careful stirring create a symphony of taste that transports you straight to mexico.

Each bite promises a warm, comforting experience that connects you to generations of home cooking.

Dive into this recipe, and you’ll master a classic dish that will impress everyone at your table.

Why Andy’s Mexican Rice Is a Family Favorite

• Boost Family Meals: Pack this Mexican rice with hidden veggies and bold flavors that kids and adults will love, transforming a simple side dish into a crowd-pleasing sensation.
• Master Quick Cooking: Learn an authentic Mexican rice technique that requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks wanting to expand their culinary repertoire.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or adding protein to create a personalized dish that suits your taste and dietary preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy a convenient cooking method that minimizes cleanup, uses a single skillet, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making weeknight dinners stress-free and delicious.

Key Ingredients That Bring Mexican Rice to Life

• Long Grain White Rice: A staple grain that provides the perfect texture for Mexican rice.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps toast the rice and create a golden color with rich flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory taste to the rice while providing moisture for cooking.
• Tomato Sauce: Gives the rice its signature red color and tangy Mexican-style flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a classic flavor base that enhances the overall taste of the rice.
• Salt, Cumin, Chili Powder: Create a warm, authentic Mexican seasoning profile with depth and slight heat.

• Peas, Carrots: Add color, nutrition, and a slight sweetness to the rice dish.

• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the rice with its distinctive herbal flavor.

How to Make Authentic Homemade Mexican Rice

Step 1: Cleanse Rice Thoroughly

Wash rice under cold water, swirling and rinsing until water becomes completely transparent. Drain excess water completely using a fine-mesh strainer.

Step 2: Toast Rice Golden

Heat vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Add rice and continuously stir until kernels transform into a warm golden-brown shade.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté vegetables until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Liquid Base

• Tomato sauce
• Chicken broth
• Salt
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder

Stir ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious mixture.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook Rice

Increase heat to bring liquid to a rolling boil. Immediately reduce temperature to low, cover skillet with tight-fitting lid.

Allow rice to steam and absorb liquid for 15-20 minutes until grains become tender.

Step 6: Incorporate Optional Vegetables

• Frozen peas
• Diced carrots

Gently fold vegetables into rice during final 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Fluff rice using a fork to separate grains. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across surface before serving.

Handy Notes for Perfectly Flavored Mexican Rice

• Thoroughly rinse rice to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffy and separate grain texture.
• Toast rice in oil until golden brown for a nutty, rich flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Add frozen peas and carrots in the last few minutes of cooking to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
• Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version that keeps the same depth of flavor.
• Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow moisture to distribute evenly and improve final consistency.

Flavor Twists to Customize Your Mexican Rice

• Cauliflower Rice Version: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative that maintains similar Mexican flavor profile.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and add diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Increase chili powder, add jalapeños, and mix in black beans for a more intense, hearty Mexican-inspired side dish.
• Protein-Packed Option: Stir in cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken during the final cooking stage to transform the rice into a complete meal.

Delicious Pairings to Enjoy with Mexican Rice

• Fiesta Flavor Companions: Pair this zesty Mexican rice with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty main course that bursts with southwestern charm.
• Taco Night Sidekick: Serve alongside crispy tacos, fresh salsa, and guacamole to create a complete Mexican-inspired meal that will delight family and friends.
• Quick Lunch Bowl: Transform leftovers into a protein-packed lunch by topping the rice with black beans, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a satisfying midday meal.
• Potluck Superstar: Bring this colorful rice to gatherings as a crowd-pleasing side dish that's easy to transport and sure to impress fellow food lovers.

Tips for Keeping Mexican Rice Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover Mexican rice to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer Preservation: Place cooled rice in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Microwave Reheating: Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water over the rice, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Reviving: Warm rice in a skillet with a splash of broth or water, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and restore moisture, heating until steaming hot throughout.

FAQs

• Why should I rinse the rice before cooking?

Rinsing removes excess starch, prevents clumping, and helps create fluffy, separate rice grains that aren’t sticky.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires longer cooking time and more liquid, so you’ll need to adjust the recipe’s cooking time and broth quantity accordingly.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spices like cumin and chili powder, which add flavor without making the rice intensely hot. You can adjust the amount of chili powder to control the spice level.

• What if I don't have tomato sauce?

You can substitute with diced tomatoes, tomato paste mixed with water, or even salsa for a similar flavor profile and moisture content.

Best Homemade Mexican Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Andy’s homemade Mexican rice delivers authentic flavors straight from traditional Mexican kitchens. Mexican rice serves as a perfect side dish that complements grilled meats and enhances your dining experience.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (56 grams)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (240 milliliters)

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse rice under cold water, ensuring water runs clear, then drain completely to remove excess starch.
2. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, carefully toasting rice grains until achieving a rich golden-brown color.
3. Introduce finely diced onion and minced garlic into the skillet, sautéing until aromatic and translucent.
4. Pour tomato sauce and chicken broth into the rice mixture, seasoning with salt, ground cumin, and chili powder, stirring ingredients to create a uniform blend.
5. Elevate heat to generate a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to low, covering skillet with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and moisture.
6. Allow rice to gently simmer for 18-22 minutes, monitoring liquid absorption and ensuring grains become perfectly tender.
7. During final cooking stage, fold in vibrant peas and diced carrots, distributing vegetables evenly throughout the rice.
8. Remove from heat and let rice rest, covered, for 3-5 minutes to complete steam absorption.
9. Delicately separate rice grains with a fork, creating a light, fluffy texture.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves, adding a bright, herbal finish to the dish.

Notes

• Rinsing rice removes excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that won’t clump together.
• Toast rice until golden brown to develop a nutty, rich flavor that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Add frozen vegetables during the last cooking minutes to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture without overcooking.
• For a healthier version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use brown rice, increasing cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg