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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. 
    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

    Sodium: 581mgCalcium: 30mgVitamin C: 15mgVitamin A: 141IUSugar: 2gFiber: 2gPotassium: 261mgCalories: 218kcalTrans Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gFat: 4gProtein: 4gCarbohydrates: 41gIron: 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. 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
    2. 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

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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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