Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Mexican rice recipe that combines aromatic sautéed onions and garlic with toasted rice, tomato sauce, and classic spices. Perfect as a side dish for any Mexican meal, this recipe can be customized with extra vegetables or cheese for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup white long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or 1 cup diced tomatoes (adjust liquid if using diced)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes and Add-ins
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Diced jalapeños or hot sauce (for extra spice)
- Chopped bell peppers, corn, or peas (for extra veggies)
- Shredded cheese (to stir in before serving)
- Brown rice (substitute, adjust cooking time and broth accordingly)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps release deep flavors foundational to the dish.
- Toast the Rice: Add the white rice to the skillet and stir to coat each grain with the oil and aromatics. Toast the rice for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until it turns slightly golden. Toasting improves the texture and flavor of the rice.
- Add Tomato and Spices: Pour in the tomato sauce or diced tomatoes along with the ground cumin and chili powder. Stir well to combine, allowing the rice to absorb the tomato base and spices evenly.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Fluff and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish before serving. Optionally, add diced jalapeños, chopped vegetables, or shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
- If using brown rice, increase the cooking time and adjust broth quantity according to the rice package instructions.
- To make this dish spicier, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce during the simmering stage.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Shredded cheese can be stirred in just before serving for a creamy texture.
- Cover the skillet tightly while simmering to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
