Mexican Rice Recipe (Easy and Flavorful)
This Mexican Rice Recipe is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that elevates any meal. Perfect for taco nights, family gatherings, or casual dinners, it transforms plain white rice into a dish bursting with taste from spices and fresh vegetables. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare this easy homemade Mexican rice that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, tacos, or as a base for your favorite toppings. The recipe is customizable to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors while keeping your meals healthy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 small jalapeno (seeded and finely diced)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- Optional: Finely chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly using a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeno for 1-2 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pan and sauté until lightly toasted and golden brown (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in cumin, kosher salt, tomato sauce, and chicken broth; mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 15 minutes until rice is fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (160g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg