Description
This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned with tomato, garlic, and warm spices. Just like your favorite restaurant version, this easy Mexican rice recipe is the perfect side dish for tacos, enchiladas, and grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup tomato sauce or blended tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
Optional additions:
- ½ cup peas
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup corn
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime juice
Instructions
- Rinse rice under cold water until clear, then drain well.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add rice and toast, stirring frequently, until lightly golden.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce and mix to coat the rice.
- Pour in broth, then add salt, cumin, and chili powder.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and stir in optional additions like cilantro or lime juice before serving.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and stir in optional additions like cilantro or lime juice before serving.
Notes
Toasting the rice is key for authentic flavor and texture.Do not stir while simmering to keep rice fluffy.Use broth instead of water for deeper flavor.Let the rice rest before fluffing for best results
