How to Make Mexican Rice Recipe for all your Tex-Mex meals! (2024)

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This easy Mexican rice recipe is SO simple you'll want to make it every Taco Tuesday, or as a side dish for all your Mexican meals!

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Taco night at home is a frequent occurrence and so Mexican rice is a side dish we often have. Back in the day I used to buy the microwavable Spanish rice packets for convenience -- and because I didn't have a good homemade recipe yet. Now I make this perfect fluffy rice all of the time. My easy Mexican rice recipe doesn't include any extra fillings, so your picky kids will also love it!

How to Make Mexican Rice Recipe for all your Tex-Mex meals! (1)

Mexican food is Ben's favorite. Of course, I love it, too, but Ben could eat tacos and rice every day without getting sick of it. Most date nights I have to challenge him to go somewhere besides a Mexican restaurant because we already dine at our favorite one as a family almost weekly. It's nice to change it up when we don't have the kids!

He also loves when we make Mexican cuisine at home. This Mexican rice recipe is always a part of the line up!

Ingredients

I'm glad to have this recipe for our Tex-Mex meals at home. It's super simple and results in a nice fluffy Mexican rice.

  • Long-grain white rice: Jasmine rice serves up a nice fluffy texture, but regular long grain is great, too.
  • Chicken broth or stock: You could use water in a pinch, but the broth adds so much more flavor.
  • Tomato sauce: An 8 oz. can makes this super easy.
  • Chili powder: Don't leave this out. The rice isn't spicy, no worries! This makes the rice it's beautiful orange color.
  • Ground cumin: Cumin is the difference between Mexican rice and Spanish rice.
  • Garlic salt: Again, don't leave this out. It's all about the flavor.
  • Vegetable or canola oil: For toasting the dry rice at the beginning. An easy, but necessary step.

You may choose to stir in some peas, diced tomatoes, green chiles, etc. No problem! Others have had great results with stirring in salsa instead of the tomato sauce if you'd like to try that!

How to Make Mexican Rice Recipe for all your Tex-Mex meals! (2)

To kick it up a flair, you can also splash in a little lime juice. I don't do this but only because I always serve lime slices with our Mexican dishes, so if someone wants to squeeze in a little lime into their food they can control it!

How to Make Mexican Rice

The basic recipe includes no extra ingredients stirred in so that even your pickiest eaters can enjoy it. Follow these directions and helpful images for how to make Mexican rice from scratch.How to Make Mexican Rice Recipe for all your Tex-Mex meals! (3)

  1. In a large pot, cook the rice in oil for 3 to 4 minutes, until translucent.How to Make Mexican Rice Recipe for all your Tex-Mex meals! (4)
  2. Stir in the rest of the ingredients.
    How to Make Mexican Rice Recipe for all your Tex-Mex meals! (5)
  3. Bring mixture to a boil.
    How to Make Mexican Rice Recipe for all your Tex-Mex meals! (6)
  4. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes.

How SIMPLE is that!?? You can definitely make this. I'm all about easy and simple these days, while keeping it healthy and homemade. Click here for full recipe ingredients and instructions.

Tips for Best Results

Follow these tips for the best fluffy rice:

  • Use a better brand of long-grain rice. Not the most expensive brand, but definitely not the cheapest. I found best results with a middle brand.
  • If your rice turns out crunchy, cook it longer next time. 25 minutes is my sweet spot and should work for you, too.
  • Cook the rice in the oil until it is translucent (kind of clear), which is typically about 3-4 minutes.
  • Do not remove the lid. Keep the lid on for the entire 25 minutes. If you peek, you will need to add more time.
  • When the rice is done simmering, remove the lid and let the cooked rice set for 2-3 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

How to Make Mexican Rice Recipe for all your Tex-Mex meals! (7)

Recipes to Serve With Mexican Rice

  • Fresh Salsa Pizza
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
  • Beef Barbacoa
  • Ground Beef Wet Burritos
  • Beef Tacos
  • Grilled Chicken Tacos

Print this recipe or PIN it to save for later. Made this recipe? Leave a star rating and tag me on social media @seededtable so I can see. I love hearing from you!

This recipe originally published April 15, 2019 and updated with new recipe tips on August 11, 2020.

Recipe Card

How to Make Mexican Rice Recipe for all your Tex-Mex meals! (8)

Print Recipe

4.55 from 843 votes

Easy Mexican Rice

This easy Mexican rice recipe is SO simple you'll want to make it every Taco Tuesday, or as a side dish for all your Mexican meals!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican, Spanish

Keyword: Easy Mexican Rice, mexican rice recipe

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 185kcal

Author: Nikki Gladd

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 ½ cups chicken stock or broth
  • 8 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  • Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer until water draining is clear. (This is optional, but it helps remove the starch and keep the cooked rice from being mushy.)

  • Heat the oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat.Add the rice and cook until translucent (somewhat clear) about 3-4 minutes; stirring frequently.

  • Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a rapid boil over high heat.

  • Stir once and cover. Turn the heat down to a low simmer (a little less than medium low) and cook for 20 minutes. Remove cover and let stand 2-3 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Video

Notes

Recipe Tips

  • Rinse the dry rice in a mesh strainer until the water is clear to remove the starch.
  • This recipe is easiest when you measure all ingredients first before starting. Once you start, the process goes very quickly and you'll won't want to take the time to measure the broth and open the can of tomato sauce, so have it ready!
  • Use a better brand of long-grain rice. Not the most expensive brand, but definitely not the cheapest. I found best results with a middle brand.
  • Cook the rice before adding liquid until it is translucent (kind of clear), which is typically about 3-4 minutes.
  • When the rice is done cooking, remove the lid and let it set for 2-3 minutes before fluffy with a fork.
  • To stretch the serving amount, you can increase to 1 ½ cups rice with 2 ½ cups chicken broth. Do not change amount of tomato sauce or other ingredients. Do not change cooking time.

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 679mg | Potassium: 230mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 263IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Take a pic and tag @seededtable or #SeededAtTheTable to be featured!

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About Seeded At The Table

Thanks for visiting! We’re the Gladd family! We love donuts, Disney, LEGO and Jesus. Not in that order, of course. 🙂 Ben shares DIY wood-working projects and Nikki shares delicious recipes. You’ll also find a sprinkling of travel adventures and other family fun ideas!

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How to Make Mexican Rice Recipe for all your Tex-Mex meals! (2024)

FAQs

Why does Mexican restaurant rice taste better? ›

Why does Mexican restaurant rice taste better? The method used to make Mexican rice involves lightly frying the uncooked rice in oil which helps it absorb more flavor from the seasoning and cook to a perfect consistency. In addition, a traditional blend of spices and diced vegetables and potatoes create unique flavor.

What rice do they use at Mad Mex? ›

Why brown rice? Well, it's got more flavour and twice the manganese, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B3, B1 and B6 of white rice. We use a local medium grain rice, rinse it several times to eliminate loose starches so that it is light and fluffy and then cook in a blend of vegetarian seasonings.

Is there a difference between Mexican rice and Spanish rice? ›

Spanish rice has a firmer texture and stronger aroma compared to Mexican rice, it gets its sweet yet savory flavor as well as its golden color from saffron. As it is more absorbent, Spanish rice is also better suited for dishes that need to be slow cooked.

What does Mexican rice contain? ›

If you're a fan of homemade Mexican food, a good Mexican rice recipe is a must. Often referred to as Spanish rice or “arroz rojo,” this classic dish features long-grain rice simmered in a tomato-infused broth, seasoned with onions, garlic, cumin, and chili powder — lending it that iconic reddish-orange color.

How do I make rice taste like a restaurant? ›

Use Fresh Herbs and Chicken Stock

Next, add chicken stock instead of salted water and let the rice boil on high heat for two minutes. Then, lower the heat and allow the rice to steam. “The rice will smell so fragrant from the thyme and garlic, with the thyme enhancing the flavor to another level,” he says.

Why does my Mexican rice always come out mushy? ›

Mushy or soggy rice is simply overcooked rice that has absorbed too much water. Water over-absorption causes the rice grains to split open, ruining the texture and creating a starchy, gummy result.

What type of rice is used in Mexican cooking? ›

What kind of rice is best for Mexican Rice? This recipe calls for basic long-grain white rice, which is the best for an Authentic Mexican Rice recipe. However, I have used Jasmine Rice in its place and it comes out great. Basmati rice is typically used in Indian dishes, but will also work well.

What is the most common rice in Mexico? ›

If you order rice in northern Mexico, you most likely will get the rice cooked with chicken broth and tomato flavors—traditional Mexican (or Spanish) rice. However, in southern Mexico, ​plain white rice is more common.

What is Texas rice at Mexican restaurant? ›

This is Texas Rice. A bed of rice with grilled chicken, steak, and shrimp also bell peppers, oni - Picture of Habaneros Mexican Grill, Thomson - Tripadvisor.

What can you add to rice to give it flavor? ›

6 Add-ins to Upgrade White Rice
  • Alternative Cooking Liquid. For an effortless yet dramatic difference, infuse your rice with flavored cooking water or use more aromatic liquid like broth or juice. ...
  • Cheese. ...
  • Vegetables. ...
  • Avocado. ...
  • Herbs and Seasonings. ...
  • Nopalitos or Cactus Pads.

Why is my Mexican rice crunchy? ›

Maybe you took the lid off of the pot too early, letting the steam escape. Maybe you didn't add enough liquid to begin with. Whatever the case, if your rice is looking dried out, or the texture is still hard or crunchy when all the liquid has been absorbed, add up to ½ cup water and return to a simmer with the lid on.

What can I eat with Mexican rice? ›

Serve Mexican Rice with:
  • Cheese Enchiladas.
  • Chile Verde.
  • Baked Tacos.
  • Chile Colorado.
  • Chiles Relleno.
  • Shrimp Tacos.
Feb 15, 2024

Why is Mexican rice so orange? ›

Did you ever wonder why Mexican rice is a red-orange color? Cumin is the answer. It provides that nutty and spicy taste and is the famous culprit for the red-orange color. Cumin is always an ingredient in this rice.

What is Mexican rice water made of? ›

Horchata (pronounced or-CHAH-tah) is a popular Mexican drink that is often described as a sweet rice milk beverage. Horchata is made out of rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon and is served in many Mexican restaurants.

Why is Mexican rice yellow? ›

"The yellow aspect comes from tangy achiote powder, also known as annatto. From Mexican: Healthy Ways With a Favorite Cuisine."

Is Mexican rice better than white rice? ›

Mexican rice is much healthier and more nutritious than regular rice. It is rich in fiber, nutrients, and protein. Like other fruits and vegetables high in fiber, Mexican rice is a good source of dietary fiber.

Why does takeaway rice taste better? ›

In fact, the use of classic Chinese sauces is exactly what makes takeout fried rice so incredibly moreish. Key amongst these is soy sauce. By adding soy sauce during cooking chefs are adding both salt and umami to the fried rice which, unsurprisingly, greatly improves the dish's overall flavor.

Why do Mexican restaurants put rice in salt? ›

Rice comes into play because it absorbs moisture even faster than salt. You're familiar with the lifesaver of putting your water-damaged phone in a bag of uncooked rice? It's the same concept. By adding just a few grains of rice to your salt shaker, restaurants can guarantee that your salt will pour with ease.

Why does Mexican food taste better? ›

Mexican food is so appealing because it is a mash-up of several cultures. Its unique combination of spices, flavours, and brilliant colours makes for a stunning appearance. Many classic Mexican foods retain their pre-Hispanic roots, making them distinctive.

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