This Mexican-Style Rice is a classic, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, or even as a standalone meal. The perfect balance of tomato, garlic, and warming spices makes this rice both rich in taste and comforting in texture. Every bite brings a burst of authentic Mexican flavors!
Not only is this dish incredibly easy to make, but it’s also highly versatile. You can customize it with vegetables like bell peppers or corn, add a touch of heat with jalapeños, or swap the broth for a plant-based version to make it vegan. Serve it with a fresh squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro for that final, vibrant touch.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 ¾ cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 cup tomato sauce (or blended fresh tomatoes)
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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½ cup peas (optional)
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½ cup diced carrots (optional)
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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Lime wedges for serving
Directions:
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Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and toast for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns golden.
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Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in the tomato sauce, broth, cumin, paprika, and salt. Stir well to combine.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
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If using peas and carrots, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking and gently stir.
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Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4
Introduction to Mexican-Style Rice
Mexican rice, also known as Arroz Rojo, is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that has become a staple in Mexican cuisine. This dish is a favorite across households, served alongside tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, and more. Mexican rice is not only delicious but also versatile, easy to make, and offers an abundance of flavor that pairs perfectly with a wide variety of meals.
The beauty of Mexican rice lies in its simplicity. Using just a few basic ingredients like long-grain rice, tomatoes, garlic, and onions, the dish transforms into something extraordinary with the addition of spices such as cumin and paprika. The result is a comforting, savory, and slightly smoky rice dish that complements both light and heavy meals.
While Mexican rice is often a side dish, it can also shine on its own as the main focus of a meal. With the ability to customize the dish based on your preferences, you can add a variety of vegetables or protein to make it a complete meal.
What Makes Mexican Rice Special?
The distinct characteristic of Mexican-style rice is its vibrant orange-red color, which comes from the tomatoes or tomato sauce that are used as the base. But it’s not just about the color – the flavors are what truly set it apart. The combination of cumin, paprika, and garlic creates a savory profile, while the toasted rice adds a nutty flavor that forms the perfect foundation for the dish.
Unlike plain steamed rice, which can often be bland, Mexican rice is cooked in a savory liquid, such as chicken or vegetable broth, which infuses the grains with flavor. The addition of onions and garlic as a base sautéed in oil provides even more depth to the dish.
Another hallmark of Mexican rice is the technique used to prepare it. The rice is toasted before adding the broth and tomato sauce, which enhances its texture and adds a slightly nutty flavor. The result is a fluffy, flavorful rice that pairs well with nearly every Mexican dish, from burritos to fajitas.
How to Serve Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is extremely versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Traditionally, it is served as a side dish to complement tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats like carne asada. However, its flavor and texture also make it an excellent filling for burritos or a base for rice bowls.
You can also pair it with beans for a simple vegetarian meal or top it with a fried egg for a quick and satisfying breakfast. If you’re looking to add more protein, try mixing in cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp. The beauty of Mexican rice lies in its ability to complement so many different dishes, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
For a complete Mexican meal, serve the rice alongside a fresh salsa, guacamole, and some crispy tortilla chips. The balance of flavors between the spicy, tangy salsa and the savory, mildly spiced rice is truly unbeatable.
Customizing Mexican Rice
While the classic version of Mexican rice is absolutely delicious, it’s also a dish that can be easily customized to suit your tastes. There are many variations and additions you can make to create a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
Add Vegetables: To make the rice even more flavorful and nutritious, consider adding vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, corn, or carrots. Diced tomatoes or diced zucchini can also be added to create a more vegetable-forward dish. These additions not only enhance the flavor profile but also provide color and texture, making the dish more visually appealing.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily spice up the rice by adding chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers during the cooking process. These peppers will infuse the rice with a subtle heat that balances out the richness of the other ingredients. Alternatively, you can add a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Add Protein: For a more hearty meal, you can mix in cooked chicken, ground beef, or even seafood. Some people like to add shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein-packed option. For a vegetarian version, consider tossing in black beans or pinto beans for added protein and fiber.
Make It Vegan: Mexican rice can easily be made vegan by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also omit any dairy toppings like cheese or sour cream. Instead, consider topping the rice with a dollop of fresh guacamole or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavor.
The Role of Broth in Mexican Rice
The use of broth in Mexican rice is critical to achieving the depth of flavor that makes this dish so delicious. The broth helps infuse the rice with savory undertones, creating a richer and more satisfying dish than using just water. While traditional recipes often call for chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great alternative for those who are vegetarian or looking to reduce meat consumption.
Homemade broth, if available, can take the dish to the next level. The subtle flavors of homemade chicken or vegetable broth will bring more complexity and richness to the rice compared to store-bought broth. If you’re short on time, however, a good-quality store-bought broth will still work well in the recipe.
For a truly authentic touch, consider adding a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or a bay leaf to the broth while it’s cooking. This will impart a fresh, herbaceous flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rice.
The Importance of Toasting the Rice
One of the key steps in making Mexican rice is toasting the rice in oil before adding the broth and tomato sauce. This technique helps develop a nutty flavor and adds richness to the final dish. When the rice is toasted, the grains become golden brown, which enhances their texture and ensures that they don’t turn mushy during cooking.
Toasting also gives the rice a slightly crispy texture on the edges, which adds a delightful contrast to the fluffy grains. Be careful not to over-toast the rice, as this could lead to a burnt flavor that will negatively affect the taste of the dish.
Serving Mexican Rice at Your Next Meal
Mexican rice is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply preparing a weeknight dinner, this dish can be the perfect side to brighten up your plate. For a casual family dinner, serve it with chicken tacos, beef fajitas, or grilled shrimp. The mild flavors of the rice balance perfectly with the bold, spicy flavors of the main dish.
It’s also a great addition to a festive gathering, paired with chips and salsa, quesadillas, or grilled vegetables. Because it’s so easy to make, you can even prepare a large batch ahead of time for easy reheating when you’re ready to serve.
For a lighter meal, consider pairing Mexican rice with a simple salad or grilled chicken. The rice provides a hearty base without being too heavy, making it a great option for anyone looking for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Mexican rice is a true crowd-pleaser that can elevate any meal with its rich, savory flavor and beautiful color. With its roots deeply embedded in Mexican culinary tradition, this dish is more than just a side – it’s a celebration of the vibrant, bold flavors that define Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re serving it with tacos, grilled meats, or even as a standalone dish, Mexican rice is a perfect complement to nearly any meal.
The versatility of this dish allows for endless customization, making it easy to adjust to your tastes or dietary preferences. By adding vegetables, spices, or proteins, you can make this dish your own, creating variations that suit your unique flavor profile. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients and minimal effort.
Next time you’re looking for a simple, yet delicious addition to your meal, give Mexican-style rice a try. With its deep flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table for years to come.