Zesty Mexican Brown Rice Recipe: A Flavorful Fiesta in Minutes

Warm, fragrant rice simmers with robust spices in this authentic Mexican brown rice recipe that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your dinner table.

Hearty whole grains absorb a medley of tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic seasonings for an irresistible side dish.

Each tender bite tells a story of traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations.

The rich, earthy tones of brown rice create a perfect canvas for bold Mexican ingredients.

Simple yet packed with depth, this recipe transforms an ordinary grain into an extraordinary accompaniment.

Serve alongside your favorite proteins or enjoy as a satisfying vegetarian option that promises to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.

Mexican Brown Rice Standout Qualities

• Dive into a vibrant Mexican brown rice dish that bursts with authentic flavors and packs a delightful punch of heat from jalapenos and optional red pepper flakes.
• This recipe transforms seemingly challenging techniques into a straightforward process, guiding home cooks through each step with clear, manageable instructions that build culinary confidence.
• Brown rice delivers wholesome goodness while the homemade tomato sauce elevates this dish from simple side to a nutritious, restaurant-quality experience that satisfies health-conscious food lovers.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup and maximize flavor with a single Dutch oven that takes you from stovetop to oven, creating a hassle-free cooking adventure that leaves you more time to enjoy your delicious creation.

Mexican Brown Rice Ingredient Lineup

• Brown Rice: A hearty whole grain that provides a nutty flavor and robust texture to the dish.
• Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes create a vibrant and rich base for the Mexican-style rice.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the overall flavor profile of the rice.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent and aromatic element to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: Creates a perfect base for toasting the rice and adds a subtle richness.
• Broth: Provides moisture and additional savory flavor to the rice.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a concentrated depth to the dish.

• Jalapeno, Red Pepper Flakes: Bring heat and spicy complexity to the Mexican-style rice.
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright herb note to finish the dish.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the rice.

• Lime Wedges: Provides a zesty, citrusy brightness to complement the rich rice.

Essential Tools for Brown Rice Prep

• Dutch oven: Essential for toasting rice and baking the entire dish.
• Food processor or blender: Perfect for creating smooth tomato mixture.
• Measuring cups: Precise measurements for broth and tomato base.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring rice and mixing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping jalapeno and cilantro.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot Dutch oven.

How to Make Mexican Brown Rice

Step 1: Fire Up the Flavor Preheat the oven to 375F.

• Tomatoes
• Onion
• Garlic

Measure out 2 cups of this vibrant mixture.

Step 2: Dance the Rice Warm a Dutch oven over medium heat with olive oil.

• Brown rice
• Chopped jalapeno

Stir and toast these ingredients for 2-3 minutes, letting them develop a rich, nutty aroma.

Step 3: Liquid Magic Pour in the following:

• Broth
• Tomato mixture
• Tomato paste
• Salt

Stir thoroughly and crank up the heat to medium-high until the mixture bubbles enthusiastically.

Step 4: Slow Bake Magic Cover the pot and slide it into the oven.

Let the rice simmer and absorb all the liquid for 75-90 minutes.

The rice will look dry but perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Herb and Spice Finale Gently fold in fresh cilantro.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

For extra kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes.

Serve with zesty lime wedges for a burst of brightness.

Rice Cooking Tips for Maximum Flavor

• Use long-grain brown rice for best results, as it maintains a better consistency and doesn't become mushy during the long baking process.
• Remove jalapeno seeds to reduce heat or add more for extra kick; experiment with different pepper varieties like serrano for varied flavor profiles.
• Measure liquids precisely to ensure rice cooks evenly; if rice seems too dry, add a splash of broth during baking to prevent burning.
• Chop cilantro right before adding to preserve its bright flavor and vibrant green color; alternatively, use fresh parsley for a milder herb note.
• This rice freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; store in airtight containers and reheat with a sprinkle of additional broth to restore moisture.

Mix-Up Ideas for Brown Rice

• Quinoa Fiesta: Swap brown rice with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free alternative that cooks faster and offers a nuttier flavor profile.
• Cauliflower Rice Mexican: Replace rice entirely with riced cauliflower for a low-carb version that's keto-friendly and vegetable-rich.
• Vegan Veggie Boost: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and add roasted bell peppers and black beans for extra plant-based nutrition.
• Instant Pot Quick Version: Transform the recipe by using an Instant Pot to reduce cooking time to 22-25 minutes while maintaining the same robust Mexican flavors.

Serving Mexican Brown Rice Just Right

• Flavor Boost Party: Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese on top for a creamy, tangy kick that transforms the dish instantly.
• Protein Power Combo: Serve alongside grilled chicken, black beans, or shredded carnitas to create a complete and satisfying meal with extra protein.
• Fresh Freshness Finish: Garnish with diced avocado, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add bright, cool textures that complement the spicy rice.
• Fiesta Side Option: Use this rice as a base for burrito bowls or stuff into bell peppers for a fun, versatile Mexican-inspired meal that everyone will love.

Brown Rice Storage Solutions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer rice to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining flavor and texture.
• Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water over the rice to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Place rice in a skillet with a splash of broth or water. Cover and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and fluffy.

FAQs

• Why use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice offers more fiber, nutrients, and a nuttier flavor compared to white rice. It provides better nutritional value and a heartier texture that complements the Mexican-inspired seasonings perfectly.

• Can I make this recipe without a food processor?

Yes, you can finely chop the tomatoes, onion, and garlic by hand. The goal is to create a smooth mixture, so take your time to mince everything as finely as possible to achieve a similar consistency.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from the jalapeño, but you can control the spice level by removing the jalapeño seeds or adding red pepper flakes. For those who prefer less heat, simply reduce or omit the jalapeño altogether.

Mexican Brown Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican brown rice combines robust flavors from Mexico’s culinary traditions with nutritious whole grains. Spices and fresh ingredients create a delicious side dish that completes you at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Ingredients:

• 2 medium ripe tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 small yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 medium jalapeno pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 lime

Pantry Items:

• 2 cups long-grain brown rice
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Seasoning and Garnish:

• Additional salt to taste
• Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Pulse tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a food processor until creating a smooth, vibrant sauce. Extract 2 cups of this aromatic mixture for the recipe.
2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium temperature. Introduce brown rice and chopped jalapeños, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes to develop a rich, nutty fragrance.
3. Pour broth, tomato mixture, tomato paste, and salt into the pot. Stir thoroughly, then increase heat to medium-high, allowing the liquid to reach a robust boil.
4. Securely cover the Dutch oven and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 75-90 minutes until rice absorbs all liquid and transforms into a tender, flavorful base.
5. Remove from oven and gently fold in fresh cilantro. Adjust seasoning with salt and optional red pepper flakes for extra heat. Garnish with lime wedges for a zesty finish, enhancing the Mexican-inspired profile of the dish.

Notes

• Customize Heat Level Control the spiciness by adjusting jalapeno quantity or removing seeds for milder flavor.
• Boost Nutrition Swap white rice for brown rice to increase fiber, minerals, and complex carbohydrates.
• Meal Prep Magic This dish stores beautifully in refrigerator for 4-5 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner prep.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Double-check broth ingredients to ensure completely gluten-free preparation for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg