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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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