Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for a side dish that comes together effortlessly and tastes like a fiesta in every bite, you’ll love this Easy Mexican Style Rice. With a handful of pantry staples and a splash of tomato sauce, you can create a vibrant, fluffy, and deeply flavorful rice dish that always steals the show at the dinner table. Whether you’re serving classic tacos or spicy enchiladas, this recipe promises crowd-pleasing color and savory goodness in every forkful—trust me, once you try it, Easy Mexican Style Rice will be your new go-to recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things deliciously uncomplicated, but every ingredient is chosen for how it adds to the taste, texture, or color of Easy Mexican Style Rice. Each one is just as important as the next—together, they build a dish you’ll crave again and again.
- Long-grain white rice: The heart of this dish, perfect for tender, fluffy grains that never clump together.
- Vegetable oil: Gives the rice a beautiful golden hue and a hint of richness—olive or canola oil works well, too.
- Onions: Diced onions add a mellow sweetness and essential depth of flavor right from the start.
- Garlic cloves: Just two are enough to infuse every grain with irresistible, aromatic warmth.
- Tomato sauce: This is the secret to that signature sunset color and tangy undertone in authentic Mexican rice.
- Water: Keeps the rice moist and fluffy, letting the grains cook just right while soaking up loads of flavor.
- Ground cumin: Adds a touch of earthy, slightly smoky flavor that makes the rice taste classically Mexican.
- Chili powder: Just enough for a gentle warmth—feel free to bump it up if you love a bolder kick!
- Salt and pepper (optional): Taste and season as needed; a little extra can help balance the flavors.
How to Make Easy Mexican Style Rice
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the long-grain white rice. Stir constantly for about 3 to 4 minutes—you’re aiming for the rice to turn a lovely light golden brown. This step adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps prevent the rice from sticking or turning mushy later.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Once your rice is lightly toasted, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Keep everything moving in the pan for another 1 to 2 minutes. Take a deep breath—the kitchen will start to smell amazing as the onions soften and the garlic wakes up with its delectable aroma.
Step 3: Simmer with Flavor
Now comes the real transformation! Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, then sprinkle in the ground cumin and chili powder. Stir well to combine all those gorgeous ingredients. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil—don’t forget to scrape up any rice sticking to the bottom.
Step 4: Cover and Cook
Reduce the heat to low, pop a lid on the skillet, and let your Easy Mexican Style Rice simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. Resist the urge to peek! The rice needs steam and steady heat so each grain can soak up the bold, savory flavors until tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
When the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is cooked, take the skillet off the heat. Fluff the grains gently with a fork—don’t stir too vigorously, or you’ll mash the rice. Serve immediately, and watch as it disappears faster than you ever thought possible!
How to Serve Easy Mexican Style Rice
Garnishes
Brighten up your Easy Mexican Style Rice with a handful of freshly chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime. Thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of cotija cheese can elevate the flavor and add a pop of color to every plate.
Side Dishes
This rice pairs beautifully with just about every Mexican favorite—think refried beans, charred street corn, or a vibrant cabbage slaw. It’s the perfect textural contrast whether you’re dishing up grilled fajitas, slow-cooked carnitas, or crispy chicken tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up your Easy Mexican Style Rice by stuffing it into bell peppers and baking, layering it inside burrito bowls, or using it as a colorful base for spicy shrimp or roasted veggies. It’s versatile enough to inspire endless dinner ideas and always looks festive on the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Mexican Style Rice holds up surprisingly well in the fridge. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container. It’ll keep for up to four days, perfect for quick lunches or next-day burrito bowls.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a batch ahead, you can freeze Easy Mexican Style Rice! Cool the rice completely, then spoon it into freezer-safe bags in meal-sized portions. It’ll taste fresh for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you need it.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a splash of water over the rice (to restore its moisture) and warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, covered. Stir occasionally until hot. This keeps every bite just as soft and fluffy as the day it was made.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes! Brown rice works beautifully, but it will require extra time to cook and a bit more liquid. Keep an eye on it, and add more water as needed for perfectly tender results.
Is Easy Mexican Style Rice spicy?
It’s only mildly spiced, thanks to a small amount of chili powder. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra or toss in some diced jalapeños!
What if I don’t have tomato sauce?
No worries! You can swap in pureed canned tomatoes or even a few tablespoons of tomato paste mixed with water. The flavor will be just as delightful and it keeps your Easy Mexican Style Rice nice and colorful.
Can I add veggies or protein?
Absolutely! Stir in peas, corn, carrots, or even cooked chicken or shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking to make it a complete meal. The rice is the perfect blank canvas for your favorite add-ins.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking or burning?
Be sure to toast the rice thoroughly, keep the heat low after adding the liquid, and avoid lifting the lid while it cooks. These simple tips ensure fluffy, non-sticky rice every time.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Easy Mexican Style Rice, you’ll wonder how you ever made a Mexican feast without it! It’s a flavorful, colorful staple that brings everyone back for seconds—and honestly, it’s so hands-off and foolproof, you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a spot on your table and taste why it’s a favorite in my kitchen!
Print
Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Mexican Style Rice is a flavorful, quick, and simple side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, or any Mexican meal. This dish combines long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a few spices to create a delicious, colorful rice dish. It is a versatile recipe that can be customized with additional ingredients for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Rice: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add Onions and Garlic: Stir in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquid and Spices: Pour in water, tomato sauce, cumin, and chili powder. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 18-20 minutes.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
