Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice is the best side dish to elevate your Taco Tuesday, blending fluffy rice with colorful veggies for a flavorful and delicious addition to any weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make and quickly becomes a favorite, perfectly pairing with your favorite Mexican dishes!

Mexican rice is a go-to in many homes, and it’s easy to see why. It’s packed with flavor, simple to whip up, and goes great with all sorts of dishes.

Mexican rice brings that perfect, authentic touch to your meal, whether you’re making tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Just imagine the warm, savory aroma filling your kitchen as you cook this tasty side dish.

You’re in the right spot if you want to wow your family or friends with an easy recipe. Making Mexican rice at home is fun and a great way to bring the bold flavors of Mexico to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fantastic Flavor: Mexican rice is bursting with rich, tasty goodness.
• Super Easy: With simple steps like toasting the rice and simmering it in broth, you can nail this dish even if you’re new to cooking.
• Goes with Everything: It’s the perfect side for tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, and much more.
• Light and Fluffy: Mexican rice has a soft, fluffy texture that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
• Always a Hit: It’s a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and potlucks. Be ready to share the recipe!
• Great for Meal Prep: Keep a big batch in the fridge. It reheats perfectly, so quick lunches and dinners are ready all week.

Ingredients

• Long grain white rice: Gives your rice that perfect, fluffy texture.
• Vegetable oil: Toasts the rice for a nutty, rich flavor.
• Onion: Brings a sweet and savory note to the dish.
• Jalapeño peppers: Adds just the right amount of heat and flavor.
• Roma tomatoes: Adds a fresh, tangy taste to balance everything out.
• Garlic: Kicks up the flavor with its aromatic touch.
• Chicken broth: Deepens the flavor and makes the rice rich and tasty.
• Salt: Seasons the rice perfectly.
• Lime juice: Adds a bright, citrusy pop to the dish.
• Cilantro: Finishes it off with a fresh, herbal touch.

How to Make

• Step One: Preheat the oven to 350℉.
• Step Two: Add tomatoes to a food processor. Process until pureed, about 20 to 30 seconds. It should make about 1 ½ cups of liquid. Remove the tomatoes from the food processor bowl and set aside.
• Step Three: Halve the jalapenos, removing the seeds and the white membrane. Pulse the onion and jalapenos in the food processor until finely chopped, about 8 to 12 pulses.

• Step Four: Heat the oil in a Dutch oven on medium-high heat.
• Step Five: While the pan heats, thoroughly rinse the rice. Cover the uncooked rice in a large bowl with cold tap water. Stir the rice for 10 to 15 seconds until the water becomes cloudy. Pour the rice into a large strainer and run cold water over the rice for 15 to 20 seconds to remove the excess starch.
• Step Six: When the oil has heated, add the rinsed rice. Toast the rice until it becomes a light brown color, 8 to 10 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent scorching.

• Step Seven: Reduce the heat to medium, and add the chopped onion and jalapeno mixture. Cook until the onions begin to soften, about 4 to 5 minutes.
• Step Eight: Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Step Nine: Add the pureed tomatoes, chicken broth, and salt. Stir until thoroughly combined.
• Step Ten: Cover with the lid and place in a preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring at the 15-minute mark.
• Step Eleven: Remove the pan from the oven. Add the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Stir gently to combine. Fluff the rice. Serve hot.

Equipment Needed

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• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food processor

What to Serve with Mexican Rice

• Tacos: Whether you’re into beef, chicken, or veggie tacos, Mexican rice is the perfect sidekick.
• Enchiladas: Pair your cheesy enchiladas with a scoop of Mexican rice for a match made in heaven.
• Grilled Chicken: Serve it with grilled chicken for a tasty, well-rounded meal.
• Fajitas: Add rice to your sizzling fajitas for extra flavor and texture.
• Burritos: A burrito bowl with Mexican rice, beans, and your favorite toppings makes a satisfying meal.
• Salad: Mix it into a salad for a fun twist. Top with fresh veggies and a light vinaigrette.
• Beans: Refried or black beans go perfectly with Mexican rice, adding extra protein to your plate.
• Seafood: Shrimp or fish tacos with a side of Mexican rice are always a hit.
• Quesadillas: Enjoy a cheesy or meaty quesadilla with a side of flavorful rice.
• Avocado: Slice up some fresh avocado to add a creamy touch to your meal.

How to Serve

• In Burritos: Add a scoop of Mexican rice to your burritos for that extra flavor and texture.
• Bowl: Build a delicious rice bowl with beans, grilled meat, avocado, and salsa.
• Topped with Beans: Spoon some refried or black beans over your rice for a hearty meal.
• With Grilled Vegetables: Pair it with grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for a healthy twist.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use Mexican rice to stuff bell peppers and bake until they’re perfectly tender.
• Breakfast: Try it with a fried egg on top for a savory breakfast treat.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and a nutritional boost.
• Switch Up the Broth: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian twist.
• Adjust the Spice: If you like it hot, add more jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
• Alternate Grains: Swap white rice for brown rice to make it a whole-grain dish. Try quinoa for a protein-packed option, but remember it might need different cooking times.
• Herbs and Spices: If cilantro isn’t your thing, use parsley instead. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
• Protein Add-ins: Mix in cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp to turn it into a full meal. For a vegetarian option, go with tofu or beans.

Storage Instructions

Storing your Mexican rice right keeps it fresh and tasty for later.

Refrigerator:

• After cooking, let the rice cool to room temperature.
• Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Freezer:

• For longer storage, freeze the rice.
  • Spread the cooled rice on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, label with the date, and keep it for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is simple:

Microwave:

• Put the rice in a microwave-safe dish.
• Add a splash of water.
• Cover and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.

Stovetop:

• Place the rice in a saucepan.
• Add a little water or broth.
• Cover and heat on low, stirring occasionally, until warmed.

Can I Make Ahead?

Yes, you can make Mexican rice ahead of time! This can save you much time when preparing meals.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Rinse the Rice: Give your rice a good rinse in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes extra starch, so your rice won’t turn out sticky.
• Sauté First: Always sauté the rice in hot oil until golden brown. This boosts the flavor and keeps the grains separate.
• Go Fresh: Fresh garlic, onions, and tomatoes make a difference.
• Season Well: Don’t skimp on the seasoning—add salt, pepper, and any spices you love.

History of Mexican Rice

Mexican rice, also called arroz a la Mexicana or arroz rojo, is a classic in Mexican cooking.

Rice made its way to Mexico in the 16th century, brought by Spanish conquerors who had picked it up during their travels in Asia.

Because the Spanish introduced rice to Mexico, sometimes called “Spanish rice,” but most people know it as Mexican rice. It’s a popular side dish with many Mexican meals.

Mexican rice is usually made with:

• White rice
• Tomato
• Garlic
• Onion

Mexican Inspired Dinners

• Baked Mexican Meatballs
• Taco Tortellini Skillet
• Chicken Fajita Quesadillas