Description
This Homemade Mexican Rice recipe is a flavorful and authentic side dish perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal. Made with long-grain white rice toasted to a golden brown, sautéed onions and garlic, and simmered in a seasoned tomato and chicken broth mixture, it offers a deliciously aromatic profile. Optional peas and carrots add color and texture, while chopped cilantro provides a fresh finishing touch. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this recipe yields a light, fluffy rice that pairs wonderfully with tacos, grilled meats, or beans.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Vegetables
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
Garnish
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the long-grain white rice and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Toasting the rice enhances its nutty flavor and improves texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the tomato sauce and low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine the flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Add Optional Vegetables: If you choose to include peas and carrots, stir them into the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the skillet from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the rice before serving to add freshness and vibrant color. Serve warm as a side dish to complement your meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- To achieve a more authentic flavor, blend fresh tomatoes with onion and garlic instead of using tomato sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Make sure to toast the rice thoroughly to develop the signature flavor and help prevent clumping.
