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    Home » Appetizers & Sides » Mexican Rice

    Mexican Rice

    Published: Feb 24, 2021 · Modified: Mar 3, 2021 by Jennie · This post may contain affiliate links

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    This Mexican Rice makes the BEST side dish recipe for your Mexican inspired dinners. 

    Mexican Rice in a white bowl

    Easy Mexican Rice

    Mexican inspired food is my all time favorite and it's on our menu a lot. I love serving this recipe as a side dish. It's so easy to make and it taste amazing.

    Mexican rice also called Spanish Rice originated in Veracruz. This recipe is my simple version that I love to make at home and how my family enjoys it best.

    How to make Mexican Rice:

    Step one: Get started by heating your oil in a medium saucepan. Over medium heat add rice and toast until just golden brown.

    • TIP: You want to make sure to use a big enough pan for all ingredients and roll for the rice to expand.

    Step two: Next carefully add in chicken broth, tomato sauce, garlic powder, and cumin.

    rice and sauce in a pan

    Step three: Now you want to bring this to a boil then reduce heat and cover. Allow to simmer for 25-35 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a work.

    Step four: Last mix in diced cilantro and lime juice. If you dislike cilantro you can skip that part. Fluff again then serve.

    Mexican Rice in a bowl with lime

    FAQ and Tips:

    Can I use another type of rice? I prefer long grain rice but you can use a standard short grain rice in it's place. The rice could be more sticky but will still taste great.

    Can I freeze this rice? Yes, you can definitely freeze this recipe. Once it's ready allow it to cool completely. Then place it in freezer bags and into the freezer for 3-6 months.

    When you are ready to eat place your bag of rice in the fridge to thaw. To warm it just place it in the microwave for a few minutes.

    Mexican Inspired Recipes:

    Here are some of my favorite recipes to serve with this Mexican Rice.

    • Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
    • Baked Chicken Tacos
    • Easy Beef Enchiladas

    close up image of Mexican Rice

    If you tried any of my recipes I would love to hear from you, leave me a comment below. You can also connect with me on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST. I would love for you to follow along and discover more amazing recipes.

    Show me what you are making, use hashtag #TDOARH

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    Mexican Rice in a white bowl

    Mexican Rice

    Jennie Duncan
    This Mexican Rice makes the BEST side dish recipe for your Mexican inspired dinners. 
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 35 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Side, Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Mexican
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 218 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ⅛ cup oil
    • 2 cups long grain rice
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 8 oz tomato sauce
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
    • ¼ teaspoon cumin (or to taste)
    • 2 tablespoons cilantro (diced)
    • 2 limes

    Instructions
     

    • Heat oil in a medium saucepan. Over medium heat add rice and toast until just golden brown.
    • Carefully add in chicken broth, tomato sauce, garlic powder, and cumin.
    • Bring to a boil then reduce heat and cover. Allow to simmer for 25-35 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a work.
    • Mix in diced cilantro and lime juice. Fluff again then serve.

    Notes

    Can I use another type of rice? I prefer long grain rice but you can use a standard short grain rice in it's place. The rice could be more sticky but will still taste great. 
    Can I freeze this rice? Yes, you can definitely freeze this recipe. Once it's ready allow it to cool completely. Then place it in freezer bags and into the freezer for 3-6 months. 
    When you are ready to eat place your bag of rice in the fridge to thaw. To warm it just place it in the microwave for a few minutes. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 218kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 581mgPotassium: 261mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 141IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Mexican Rice
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

     

    signature image. Jennie Duncan

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Katy

      September 17, 2022 at 5:19 pm

      I usually use boxed Spanish rice but this recipe tops it! Will never go back! Thank you for sharing, my family and I love it.

      Reply
    2. Chris

      September 07, 2022 at 4:23 pm

      Do you have this recipe for a pressure cooker?

      Reply
      • Jennie

        November 14, 2022 at 12:52 pm

        I do not have this recipe for a pressure cooker. I am sure it would work fine in there though!

        Reply
    3. Nicole

      July 27, 2021 at 9:28 pm

      My rice is crunchy! How do I fix?

      Reply
      • Jennie

        July 29, 2021 at 9:47 am

        If the temperature was too high the liquid can evaporate sooner than the rice is cooked. I would just add more water or broth and allow it to cook longer to get your rice tender.

        Reply
    4. Gina

      July 15, 2021 at 10:06 am

      May I double this recipe?

      Reply
      • Jennie

        July 15, 2021 at 2:09 pm

        Yes, you can!

        Reply
      • May

        October 19, 2021 at 1:07 am

        Hello,

        What tomato sauce do you recommend for this recipe? Are you using a home made one?

        Thanks!

        Reply
        • Jennie

          October 19, 2021 at 2:28 pm

          Hi May, I use canned tomato sauce. Any brand or type works well as long as it's just tomato sauce and nothing added.

          Reply
        • Natalie

          September 13, 2022 at 4:00 pm

          I haven't tried this yet but it looks delicious.

          This looks like just the kind of recipe I was looking for. I've been looking for a traditional style Mexican rice with out chunks of tomato.

          I was wondering can this be made in a rice cooker and if so, amy adjustments need to be made?

          Reply

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    Hi, I'm Jennie! I'm a busy mom of three and I love cooking and sharing easy recipes. From slow cooker meals to casseroles all my recipes are simple to make and ones the entire family will love.

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