How to Make the Perfect Mexican Rice
Mexican · Easy · 30 min · 6 servings
This perfectly fluffy and flavorful Mexican rice is a staple side dish that kids request again and again with every meal. It is lightly seasoned with tomatoes and spices making it a mild and satisfying accompaniment that pairs with anything kids love to eat.
Why this recipe works
This Mexican Rice recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 210 calories with 4g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 0.5 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the dry white rice and toast it stirring constantly for 4 to 5 minutes until the grains turn a light golden color. This step adds a wonderful nutty flavor.
Step 2: Add Sauce and Broth
Carefully pour in the tomato sauce chicken broth garlic powder cumin and salt. Stir everything together and bring to a boil over medium high heat. The liquid will turn a beautiful orange red color.
Step 3: Simmer Until Cooked
Once boiling reduce heat to the lowest setting and cover the pot tightly. Cook for 18 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid until all the liquid is fully absorbed and rice is tender.
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
Remove from heat and let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and taste for seasoning. Serve warm alongside tacos enchiladas beans or any Mexican dish kids love.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken broth → vegetable broth to make this a fully vegetarian side dish
- tomato sauce → canned diced tomatoes blended smooth for a chunkier homemade flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Lifting the lid during cooking which releases steam and results in unevenly cooked rice
- Not toasting the rice first which skips the step that gives Mexican rice its distinctive golden color and flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 210 calories, 4g protein, 38g carbs, 5g fat, 2g fiber.
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