Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice Recipe

Introduction

Restaurant-style Mexican rice is a flavorful and vibrant side dish that perfectly complements any Mexican meal. With a rich tomato base and aromatic spices, this easy recipe brings authentic taste right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns a light golden brown.
2. Step 2: Pour in the tomato sauce and broth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt. Bring to a boil.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté finely chopped onion and garlic before adding the rice.
• Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian.
• Add finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick.
• Mix in peas or corn towards the end of cooking for added texture and color.

Storage

Store leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes blended into a sauce, but cooking time and liquid amounts may vary. Using tomato sauce ensures consistent flavor and texture.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for Mexican rice as it cooks fluffy and separate. Avoid using short-grain or sticky rice varieties that can become clumpy.

Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 83 reviews

This Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice is a flavorful and vibrant side dish, combining perfectly cooked rice with tomato sauce and a blend of spices to create an authentic Mexican taste. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that pairs wonderfully with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming sticky.
2. Sauté the rice: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring often, until the rice is lightly golden and aromatic, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add tomato sauce and spices: Stir in the tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well to coat the rice evenly.
4. Add liquid and bring to a boil: Pour in the water or chicken broth and stir to combine. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer the rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
6. Rest and fluff: Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

• For added flavor, sauté finely chopped onions and garlic before adding the rice.
• Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer taste.
• Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level.
• Serve as a side with Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or grilled chicken.

Keywords: Mexican rice, restaurant-style rice, tomato rice, side dish, easy Mexican recipe