Colorful Fiesta Mexican Rice Recipe: Lively & Simple!

Steaming with aromatic spices, this authentic Mexican rice recipe brings comfort to your dinner table.

The traditional Mexican rice bursts with flavors that dance across your palate.

Every grain tells a story of rich culinary heritage and carefully balanced seasonings.

Skilled home cooks understand how this simple dish can elevate an entire meal.

Each bite transports you to the warm kitchens of Mexico, where generations have perfected this beloved side dish.

Bold and colorful, the rice serves as the perfect companion to your favorite protein.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this mouthwatering, classic recipe.

Tools That Help Get That Fluffy Texture

• Large skillet or saucepan: Essential for toasting rice and cooking the entire dish.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients like broth and spices.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring rice while toasting and mixing ingredients.
• Colander or fine-mesh strainer: Helps rinse rice thoroughly and drain excess water.
• Fork: Needed for fluffing rice after cooking.
• Cutting board: For preparing onion and garlic.
• Sharp knife: Required for chopping onion and garlic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 4

Authentic Mexican Rice Ingredient Rundown

• Long Grain White Rice: Neutral canvas for flavor absorption, choose high-quality grains with uniform size for consistent cooking.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides smooth toasting foundation, select neutral oil with high smoke point.

• Onion, Garlic: Create delicious flavor base, select fresh onions with firm texture and garlic without sprouting.

• Chicken Broth: Delivers rich depth, choose low-sodium varieties for better flavor control.
• Tomato Puree: Adds vibrant color and tangy undertone, select smooth, concentrated puree without additives.
• Cumin: Introduces warm, earthy Mexican essence, use freshly ground for maximum aroma.
• Chili Powder: Contributes subtle heat and complexity, pick authentic blend for genuine taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for balanced seasoning.

• Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Brighten final dish with fresh, zesty notes, select bright green cilantro and juicy lime wedges.

Cook Mexican Rice with Bold and Balanced Flavor

• Purify Rice Kernels

Wash rice thoroughly under running water until liquid becomes transparent, ensuring all extra starch washes away. Completely drain excess water.

• Transform Rice Color

Warm oil in wide pan over medium flame. Pour rice and stir consistently, watching carefully until grains transform into gorgeous golden brown shade, approximately 5-7 minutes.

• Awaken Flavor Companions

Introduce diced onions into toasted rice, sautéing until softened. Quickly mix in minced garlic, letting aromatic notes bloom for brief moment.

• Infuse Tomato Essence

Pour tomato puree over rice, coating every kernel evenly. Allow mixture to simmer, developing rich flavor profile for several minutes.

• Create Liquid

Combine chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir thoroughly, bringing liquid to energetic boil. Reduce heat, cover pan, and let rice absorb liquid quietly for 15-20 minutes without disturbing.

• Prepare Delightful Presentation

Remove from heat, letting rice rest covered for five minutes. Gently separate grains with fork, sprinkle fresh cilantro, and serve alongside zesty lime wedges.

Secrets to Perfecting the Toasted Rice Step

• Use leftover rice from previous meals to quickly transform them into a flavorful Mexican-style dish by reheating with tomato puree and spices.
• Prepare the rice in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, reheating gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers, corn, or peas during the sautéing stage for extra color, texture, and nutrients.
• Double-check chicken broth labels to ensure they are gluten-free, making this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Adjust chili powder quantity or substitute with mild paprika for a less spicy version, perfect for kids or those who prefer milder flavors.

Serve This Rice with Tacos or Burritos

• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Top finely chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or parsley for a burst of herbal brightness and added color to your Mexican rice.
• Protein Power Partners: Serve alongside grilled chicken, shredded beef, carnitas, or black beans to create a complete and satisfying meal that fills hungry bellies.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle extra chili powder, add diced jalapeños, or drizzle hot sauce for those who crave an extra kick of heat and excitement in their dish.
• Comfort Combo Platter: Pair with warm tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salsa to transform this simple rice into a restaurant-worthy Mexican feast that everyone will love.

Store Your Mexican Rice the Right Way

• Transfer leftover rice to airtight containers, sealing tightly to maintain freshness. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store Mexican rice in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keep in sealed containers to retain moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Portion rice into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
• Warm rice in microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, revive rice in a skillet with a little extra broth, stirring gently to restore its original texture and prevent clumping.

FAQs

• Why rinse the rice before cooking?

Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky and clumpy. This helps achieve fluffy, separated grains with a light texture.

• Can I use different types of rice?

While long-grain white rice works best, you can experiment with medium-grain rice. Avoid using short-grain or sticky rice, as they won’t provide the traditional Mexican rice texture.

• What if I don't have tomato puree?

You can substitute with tomato sauce or blend fresh tomatoes. The key is to have a smooth, liquid tomato base that will coat and flavor the rice evenly.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mildly seasoned. If you want more heat, add extra chili powder or include diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions for a spicier version.

Vibrant Mexican Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican Rice, a classic side dish from Mexico, brings hearty comfort to dinner tables. Fluffy grains seasoned with tomato and spices invite home cooks to savor rich culinary traditions you’ll love exploring.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml/16 fl oz) chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups (300 g/10.5 oz) long-grain white rice
• 2 medium tomatoes, blended into a puree
• ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp chili powder (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Grain Preparation: Rinse rice under cold water, swirling until water runs clear, then drain completely to remove excess starch.
2. Toasting Phase: Heat oil in a large skillet, add rice, and toast until grains turn golden-amber, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Introduce diced onions and cook until translucent, then add minced garlic, stirring briefly to release fragrant notes.
4. Sauce Integration: Pour tomato puree over rice, ensuring even coating, and allow sauce to simmer and concentrate flavors.
5. Seasoning and Liquid Addition: Mix in chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly, then bring to a robust boil.
6. Steaming Process: Reduce heat to low, cover skillet tightly, and let rice steam undisturbed for 18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and grains are tender.
7. Resting and Finishing: Remove from heat, keep covered for 5 minutes, then fluff rice with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Remove excess starch by washing rice until water runs clear, preventing sticky or clumpy texture.
• Toast Rice Carefully: Golden-brown color develops deeper flavor, but watch closely to avoid burning; constantly stir for even coloration.
• Layer Seasonings Strategically: Add onions before garlic to build complex flavor profile and prevent garlic from burning or becoming bitter.
• Steam with Precision: Keep lid sealed during cooking to trap steam; resist lifting cover to ensure perfect rice texture and even moisture distribution.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg