Description
This homemade Mexican rice recipe offers a flavorful, easy-to-make side dish with perfectly toasted rice simmered in a tomato-based broth seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a wonderful accompaniment to a variety of Mexican meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes, blended)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the long-grain white rice and stir frequently, toasting it until the grains turn golden and lightly fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step enhances the rice’s flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the toasted rice. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Liquids & Spices: Pour in the tomato sauce (or blended diced tomatoes) and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt to season the mixture evenly. Combine all ingredients well to blend the flavors.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff & Serve: After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to steam. Then, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm alongside your favorite Mexican dishes.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the salt and spices based on your taste preference for more or less heat.
- To add more flavor, sauté the rice with a small piece of chopped jalapeño or bell pepper along with the onion and garlic.
- This rice pairs well with beans, grilled meats, or as a base for burrito bowls.
- If using diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce, blending them first helps achieve a smoother texture.
