Homemade Mexican Style Rice Recipe: Zesty, Foolproof & Tasty

Fluffy, fragrant rice with a Mexican street-style rice recipe bursts with vibrant flavors that dance on your palate.

This authentic dish brings the warmth of Mexican kitchens right to your table.

Each spoonful carries the rich, tangy essence of tomatoes and aromatic spices.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients create such a memorable side dish.

The combination of garlic, onions, and tomato paste infuses every grain with incredible depth.

You can recreate this restaurant-quality rice in less than 30 minutes with just a few pantry staples.

Let’s transform your everyday rice into a celebration of bold, zesty Mexican cuisine.

Mexican Style Rice: Reasons It’s Always a Hit

• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this Mexican rice a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy home cooks craving authentic flavors without complicated techniques.
• Toasting rice with garlic salt and cumin creates a rich, aromatic base that transforms ordinary rice into a zesty side dish bursting with southwestern flair.
• This rice pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, enchiladas, or can stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian option, making it a flexible addition to multiple meal plans.
• Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, add extra spices, or include diced jalapeños to personalize the recipe and match your taste preferences without compromising the core technique.

Ingredients to Make Authentic Mexican Rice

• Long Grain White Rice: A staple grain that provides the base for this Mexican-style side dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds rich flavor and helps cook the rice to a perfect tender consistency.
• Mexican Diced Tomatoes: Brings a zesty, authentic Mexican flavor and moisture to the rice.

• Onion, Garlic Salt, Cumin: These ingredients create a deep, warm flavor profile that is characteristic of Mexican cuisine.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the onions and provides a smooth cooking base.
• Lime Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy note that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Fresh Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbal finish that is classic in Mexican cooking.

Tools to Get Perfect Mexican Rice Texture

• Large Skillet: Spacious pan with a tight-fitting lid for even cooking and heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring rice and preventing sticking without scratching the skillet.
• Measuring Cups: Essential for precise liquid and rice measurements.
• Fork: Used for fluffing rice at the end and ensuring light, separated grains.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and cilantro.
• Sharp Knife: For precise dicing of onions and chopping cilantro.

Mexican Rice – Easy Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Heat Up the Pan

Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and turn the heat to medium-high.

Drop in diced onions and let them dance around the pan until they turn soft and slightly translucent.

Step 2: Toast the Grains

Introduce rice to the skillet and start stirring.

Watch the grains transform into a golden-brown color.

• Garlic salt
• Cumin

Keep stirring to prevent burning and ensure even toasting.

Step 3: Bring in the Flavor Boosters

• Mexican diced tomatoes (with their juicy sauce)
• Fresh lime juice
• Chicken broth

Stir everything together and let the mixture bubble up to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Slow and Steady Cooking

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover the skillet with a tight lid and let the rice absorb all the delicious flavors for about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Final Touches

Take a fork and fluff the rice, creating light and airy grains.

Scatter fresh chopped cilantro across the top for a burst of brightness.

Serve hot and enjoy your vibrant Mexican-style rice!

Tips for Fluffy, Flavorful Mexican Rice

• Toast rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty, rich taste and prevent mushiness.
• Use precise measurements of broth and tomatoes to ensure fluffy, not sticky rice.
• Add fresh cilantro at the end to maintain its bright, zesty flavor and vibrant green color.
• Replace chicken broth with water and adjust salt level for a healthier version.
• Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or chili powder to create unique flavor profiles.

Tasty Add-Ins and Rice Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a completely plant-based rice dish that maintains rich flavor and authentic Mexican taste.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the sautéing stage to create a more intense, fiery Mexican rice experience.
• Quinoa Alternative: Swap traditional rice with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free version that keeps the same seasoning and cooking method.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduce garlic salt, and add fresh garlic and herbs to control salt intake while preserving the zesty Mexican rice profile.

Serving Mexican Rice with Your Favorite Dishes

• Festive Fiesta Presentation: Serve this vibrant rice in colorful ceramic bowls to enhance the Mexican-inspired theme and create an eye-catching display.
• Protein Pairing Paradise: Top the rice with grilled chicken, shredded beef, or black beans for a complete and satisfying meal that adds extra protein and flavor.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle additional fresh cilantro, squeeze extra lime juice, or add diced avocado on top to brighten the dish and provide a fresh, zesty finish.
• Spice Lover's Delight: Offer hot sauce, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes on the side for guests who want to kick up the heat and customize their rice experience.

Storing Leftover Mexican Rice

• Store leftover rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Transfer cooled rice to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for 1-2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Why toast the rice before adding liquid?

Toasting rice before adding liquid helps develop a nutty, deeper flavor and prevents the rice from becoming mushy. It creates a protective coating on each grain, ensuring a better texture and more complex taste.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

While possible, brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. You’ll need to adjust the broth amount and cooking duration to about 45 minutes, as brown rice takes significantly longer to cook compared to white rice.

• Is Mexican rice the same as Spanish rice?

No, they’re similar but different. Mexican rice typically uses tomatoes and is lighter, while Spanish rice often includes more spices and can be richer in flavor. Mexican rice is usually made with white rice and has a simpler ingredient list.

Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-style rice delivers a flavorful twist on classic side dishes, bringing zesty spices and authentic regional ingredients together. Home cooks can quickly prepare this simple yet delicious accompaniment that complements many main courses with its rich, aromatic profile.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked medium or long grain white rice
• 10 ounces (284 grams) Mexican diced tomatoes with green chiles, including juices
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder + 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 lime, juiced

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until they soften and become translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
2. Introduce rice to the skillet, stirring continuously to toast the grains until they develop a light golden hue. Sprinkle garlic salt and cumin while stirring to enhance the aromatic profile.
3. Pour Mexican diced tomatoes with their juices, add lime juice and chicken broth into the skillet. Thoroughly mix ingredients and allow the liquid to reach a rolling boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, securely cover the skillet with a lid, and allow the rice to gently simmer for 18-22 minutes, ensuring the liquid is fully absorbed and rice becomes tender.
5. Remove from heat and let the rice rest for 3-5 minutes. Delicately fluff the rice using a fork to separate the grains and create a light, fluffy texture.
6. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, distributing the herbs evenly throughout the rice for a vibrant, fresh finish. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Customize Heat by Adjusting Spices: Tweak the garlic salt and cumin levels to match your preferred flavor intensity, creating a personalized Mexican rice experience.
• Boost Nutrition with Vegetable Additions: Incorporate diced bell peppers, corn, or peas during the sautéing stage to enhance nutritional value and add vibrant color.
• Gluten-Free and Dietary Adaptations: Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free certified and use low-sodium alternatives for health-conscious variations.
• Perfect Texture Technique: Keep rice covered during simmering and resist lifting the lid to maintain moisture and achieve fluffy, evenly cooked grains.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg