This super easy Mexican rice recipe is the perfect side dish for your Mexican or Tex-Mex dinner. I love making these with my chicken enchiladas and Shredded Chicken Tacos. You only need a few simple ingredients to make this easy side!
🥰 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Great side dish with simple ingredients
- Perfect side for Taco Tuesday
- Taste just like the rice from your favorite Mexican restaurant
Ingredients & Substitutions
Long Grain White Rice
Oil- Olive oil or any neutral oil, like vegetable or canola, will work. Butter is also a good substitute.
Tomato Paste- Give the rice its signature red color and flavor.
Broth- You will need either chicken broth or vegetable broth. I prefer chicken broth. You can also use vegetable or chicken stock.
Seasoning- A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and salt gives the rice that iconic flavor.
Peas- I used frozen peas in the recipe. They taste better than canned peas.
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below
How to Make Mexican Rice
Step 1: Rinse rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and cook over medium heat until the rice is lightly golden brown.
Step 3: Mix in chicken broth, tomato paste, and seasoning. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Once the rice is done, let it cook for an additional 3 minutes without the lid on it, then mix in the peas and garnish with cilantro.
Why Do I Toast The Rice?
Toasting rice in oil gives it a nutty flavor and a chewy texture. It prevents the rice from becoming mushy and helps it absorb other flavors.
Tips for the Best Rice
- Rinse your rice before cooking it. this helps to get rid of excess starch that will make your rice mushy.
- Once the rice is done, let it cook uncovered for an additional 3-4 minutes. This will give the rice a texture similar to the one you find at restaurants.
Main Dishes to Serve With Mexican Rice
- Crispy Refried Beans Tacos- This is a great recipe to make when you don't feel like cooking. Only have 5 ingredients and 4 simple steps.
- Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas- Tender and juicy shredded beef wrapped in a tortilla and smothered in enchilada sauce and melted cheese. These tex-mex enchiladas are easy, simple, and delicious.
- Chicken Enchiladas- The best enchiladas are made with corn tortillas! These enchiladas use slow cooker salsa chicken and corn tortillas.
- Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Tacos- Easy and simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos take no time to throw together and always come out delicious!
- Burrito Bowls- This rice will amp up the flavor of your burrito bowls!
Recipe Questions
What's the difference between Mexican rice and Spanish rice?
Mexican rice, or "arroz rojo," typically includes tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cumin. Spanish rice, a US term, often has saffron, tomatoes, and bell peppers. People sometimes use the two interchangeably, but they are different.
Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoons onion powder
- ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup frozen peas
- cilantor optional
Instructions
- Rinse rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add rice. Stir fequently so the rice doesn't stick. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- Mix in chicken broth, tomato paste, and seasoning.
- Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. simmer for 15-20 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Then cook your rice for an additional 3-4 minutes with the lid of
- Warm up your peas in the microwave and mix into rice.
- Garnish with cilantro.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!