Mexican Rice Recipe: A Flavorful and Savory Side Dish

Mexican rice is a classic, vibrant dish that pairs perfectly with any Mexican or Tex-Mex meal. This Mexican Rice Recipe will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey, blending the aromatic spices of cumin with the rich taste of chicken broth and tomato sauce. Whether you’re serving it with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, this easy-to-make side dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making Mexican Rice, give you some advanced techniques to enhance the flavor, and provide tips on how to store and adapt the recipe to suit different dietary preferences.

For more Mexican-inspired recipes, check out these authentic Mexican dishes or learn more about how to use rice in various cuisines with this comprehensive guide to rice cooking.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Mexican Rice

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This flavorful and vibrant Mexican Rice is a perfect side dish to accompany your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex meals. With a blend of cumin, chicken broth, tomato sauce, and a hint of heat from serrano peppers, this rice is savory, comforting, and easy to make. It’s the ideal complement to tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 16 oz long grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 32 oz chicken broth
• 8 oz tomato sauce (1 small can)
• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
• 12 oz frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
• 2 serrano peppers, whole

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Instructions

• Sauté Rice and Onion:
• In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the uncooked rice and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice turns a light golden brown.
• Add the diced onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion softens.
• Add Seasonings:
• Stir in the cumin and cook for an additional 30 seconds to toast the spices and bring out their flavors.
• Add Liquids:
• Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, then stir in the chicken bouillon until dissolved.
• Add the whole serrano peppers to the mixture (do not break them open).
• Simmer the Rice:
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.
• Let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid stirring the rice while it cooks to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Add Peas and Carrots:
• Once the rice is cooked, add the thawed peas and carrots to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and heat through. You can remove the serrano peppers at this stage if you prefer a milder rice or leave them in for additional heat.
• Serve:
• Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Enjoy as a side dish with your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex meals!

Notes

• Spice Level: Adjust the heat level by removing the serrano peppers before serving if you prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can add more serrano peppers or leave them in for extra heat.
• Chicken Bouillon: If you don’t have chicken bouillon, you can substitute with additional chicken broth or use vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian version.
• Rice Texture: If you like your rice fluffier, you can rinse the rice under cold water before sautéing to remove excess starch.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe (about 3/4 cup)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Mexican Rice

Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the uncooked long grain white rice. Stir the rice continuously for 2-3 minutes to toast it lightly. This step is crucial as it adds flavor and helps the rice retain its shape during cooking.
2. Sauté the Onion: Once the rice is lightly toasted, add the diced onion to the pan. Cook the onion and rice mixture for another 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
3. Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin and stir to combine, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aromatic flavors. Cumin is a key ingredient in Mexican rice, adding that signature earthy, smoky flavor.
4. Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and chicken bouillon. Stir everything together to combine. The chicken bouillon will enhance the overall savory depth of the rice.
5. Add the Vegetables: Mix in the thawed peas and carrots. These vegetables add a pop of color and sweetness to the dish, balancing the savory flavors.
6. Add the Serrano Peppers: Place the whole serrano peppers in the pan. These peppers will infuse the rice with a subtle heat. You can remove the peppers after cooking if you prefer a milder flavor, or keep them in for an extra spicy kick.
7. Simmer: Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process to keep the steam trapped inside.
8. Fluff and Serve: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. Remove the whole serrano peppers before serving if you don’t want them in the rice. Serve the Mexican Rice as a delicious side dish to your favorite Mexican meals.

Advanced Techniques

While the basic recipe for Mexican Rice is straightforward, there are several ways to elevate the dish and add even more depth of flavor.

1. Toast the Rice with Garlic

For an extra layer of flavor, add minced garlic to the rice and onion mixture in step 2. Sautéing the garlic along with the onion and rice will infuse the dish with a wonderful aromatic richness.

2. Use Fresh Tomatoes

Instead of using canned tomato sauce, you can use fresh tomatoes to make your own tomato sauce. Simply blend or chop fresh tomatoes and add them to the pan along with the chicken broth. This will give the rice a more vibrant and fresh tomato flavor.

3. Add Cilantro and Lime

For a zesty, fresh twist, stir in chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. The cilantro will add a burst of freshness, while the lime will brighten up the dish with a tangy note.

4. Customize the Heat

If you like your Mexican Rice spicier, you can chop the serrano peppers into small pieces and mix them in with the rice as it cooks. Alternatively, you can use jalapeños or poblano peppers for different levels of heat and flavor.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Mexican Rice can easily be stored for later use, and with the right techniques, it can stay fresh and flavorful for days.

Storage:

• In the Refrigerator: Store leftover Mexican Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
• In the Freezer: If you want to store the rice for a longer period, you can freeze it. Place the cooled rice in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Tips:

• Microwave: To reheat the rice in the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can add a little extra chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist.
• Stovetop: To reheat on the stovetop, place the rice in a saucepan with a splash of chicken broth or water. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This Mexican Rice recipe is quite adaptable, and you can easily modify it to fit various dietary preferences or restrictions.

Vegan Version:

To make the recipe vegan, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken bouillon. You can also replace the peas and carrots with other vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Gluten-Free Version:

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you’re using store-bought chicken bouillon, be sure to check that it’s labeled gluten-free. Some bouillon cubes may contain gluten, so it’s always best to double-check.

Low-Sodium Option:

To reduce the sodium content, opt for low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth. You can also skip the chicken bouillon and use herbs and spices like thyme or bay leaves to enhance the flavor without adding extra salt.

Spicy Version:

If you like your rice with more heat, you can chop up the serrano peppers and cook them with the rice, or substitute them with hotter peppers like jalapeños or even habaneros for a spicier kick.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer. Brown rice typically takes around 40-45 minutes to cook, so you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mexican Rice is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well, making it a convenient option for busy weeks.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, if you prefer a spicier version, simply chop the serrano peppers and cook them with the rice, or add more peppers to your liking. You can also use hotter peppers like jalapeños or even habaneros for extra heat.

Can I skip the peas and carrots?

Yes, you can skip the peas and carrots if you prefer a more traditional version of Mexican rice. You can also substitute them with other vegetables, such as corn, bell peppers, or even diced tomatoes.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Mexican Rice is a delicious and flavorful side dish that’s easy to prepare and customizable to suit your tastes. With a few simple ingredients like rice, chicken broth, tomato sauce, and cumin, you can create a dish that complements any Mexican or Tex-Mex meal. Whether you’re serving it with tacos, grilled chicken, or a hearty stew, this rice is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

With the added option to enhance the dish with fresh herbs, more heat, or different vegetables, you can make this Mexican Rice uniquely your own. Plus, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for busy nights. Give it a try, and enjoy the vibrant, savory flavors that will transport you straight to Mexico!