Mexican Rice Recipe
This Mexican rice recipe, passed down from a close family friend in Mexico who always cooked by feel, includes the ingredients and method she used for her legendary bulk batches.Taking on her legacy, I experimented with the ingredients until I achieved the perfect flavor, texture, and portion size for a single family.A staple whenever we crave Mexican food, this recipe has also won over friends lucky enough to try it.
![Mexican Rice Recipe](https://allgoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1716389725101-683x1024.jpg)
Restaurant Style Mexican Rice
This Mexican rice replicates the drier texture found in restaurant sides, avoiding the wet, clumpy consistency of some homemade variations.Boasting both perfect texture and rich flavor, this easy Mexican rice recipe delivers exactly what a good Mexican rice should be. For the perfect texture and rich flavor, don’t skip frying the rice in oil before cooking – it’s essential!
This Mexican rice recipe scales perfectly for bulk freezing (up to 3 months) – ideal for cost-saving bulk purchases or manageable portions when trying a new recipe.
While we recommend our Grilled Steak Tacos and Hatch Chiles Rellenos to complement our flavorful Mexican Rice, it’s also a versatile and easy side dish that goes with just about anything.
Mexican Rice vs Spanish Rice
Though the terms “Mexican rice” and “Spanish rice” are often used interchangeably for a similar dish, there are actually some key distinctions between the two.While both Spanish rice and Mexican rice share a foundation of rice, tomato-based sauce, garlic, and chicken broth, variations can exist in spices and other ingredients.
Though recipes for both Mexican and Spanish rice might include minor variations in seasonings and additions like onions or peppers, restaurants most often list it as “Mexican rice” on their menus.
Mexican Rice Tips
Unleash the flavor in your Mexican rice with these tips and tricks for perfectly cooked results every single time.
- For rinsed rice, wash it in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then let it drain slightly before sautéing; remember to reduce the broth by 4 ounces (½ cup) to account for the rinsing.
- Frying Mexican rice in oil until browned before adding the chicken broth and tomato sauce infuses it with deep flavor while ensuring perfectly tender grains.
- For vibrant cilantro, toss it in after cooking, as including it earlier makes it turn brown and wilt.
- For the best results, ditch the rice cooker and use this tried-and-true stovetop method.
- For the best texture and flavor, use long-grain white rice and consider replacing the tomato sauce with your favorite medium or hot salsa for a spicier kick.
![Mexican Rice Recipe](https://allgoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1716390751354-682x1024.jpg)
Mexican Rice and Beans
Don’t forget the beans! Mexican rice and beans are a perfect pairing.Complement your Mexican rice with our Restaurant-Style Refried Beans, the Best Guacamole EVER, and fresh Homemade Salsa for a complete and delicious meal.
With this recipe alongside our Restaurant-Style Refried Beans, Best Guacamole EVER, and fresh Homemade Salsa, you’ll have all the sides covered for your next fiesta!Impress your friends like you ordered from your favorite Mexican spot – explore our vast collection of Mexican recipes right here on Favorite Family Recipes!
Fueled by our mom’s lifelong love of Mexican food (she’d eat it every meal if she could!), we grew up surrounded by delicious dishes and naturally expanded our family’s recipe collection as we got older and more adventurous cooks.
Popular Additions
This classic Mexican rice is delicious on its own, but feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies – many restaurants do! Here are some popular add-in ideas:
- Onions
- Peppers
- Peas
- Corn
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Green chiles
- Lime juice
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is your Mexican Rice Gluten Free?
While managing celiac disease myself, I enjoy this rice frequently; just ensure your chosen chicken broth is gluten-free, like Swanson’s brand (most broths are GF, but double-check labels for peace of mind).
Can I make this in a rice cooker?
Skip the rice cooker! Frying the rice in a pot on the stovetop unlocks the best texture and flavor, unlike the results you’d get from a rice cooker.
What to pair with Mexican Rice
Get ready for endless delicious possibilities – this Mexican rice is amazing in any burrito, taco, chimichanga, enchilada, quesadilla, taquito, or flauta you can imagine!Here are a few of our favorite Mexican recipes to inspire you, whether you want to try one of these or add them to your own dish!
How To Store and Re-Heat Leftovers
This recipe is so good for leftovers, we often double it! It reheats perfectly – just store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days.
Extend the life of your leftovers! Simply cool the rice, transfer it to a zip-top freezer bag, lay it flat, and freeze for up to three months without sacrificing freshness.
To reheat, cover thawed rice and microwave for a minute at a time until hot, then fluff with a fork and add a teaspoon of water at a time as needed.
Mexican Rice Recipe Reviews
This Mexican rice is so good, even my picky eater husband loves it, making it a permanent fixture on our family menu!
This Mexican rice is a crowd-pleaser! Not only did my husband give it five stars, but we’ve gotten rave reviews from others too (see some of our favorites below, or read them all in the comments!).
This Mexican rice is a keeper! I’ve made it five times already, and the last two times I kicked it up a notch with half a cup of Aldi’s Chipotle Lime Salsa – it’s so easy, delicious, and the aroma when you lift the lid is amazing!-ed
This recipe is the HOLY GRAIL of Mexican rice – years of searching finally paid off! The flavor, texture, and color are all spot-on, and it’s definitely an upgrade to my taco nights. THANK YOU!-Elizabeth
A Puerto Rican married to a die-hard Mexico fan, I finally nailed this authentic rice recipe just like my mother-in-law makes it – thank you, thank you, thank you! This is my new family staple!-patty
We are so happy to see this has become a family favorite for so many!
PrintRestaurant Style Mexican Rice
Boasting perfect consistency and just the right amount of seasoning, our Restaurant Style Mexican Rice rivals anything you’ll find at a restaurant.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Cuisine: Mexican/Spanish
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup long grain rice uncooked
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 14 ounces chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the rice and stir gently until it’s lightly browned. Add the garlic, salt, and cumin and continue stirring until the rice is golden.
- Add the tomato sauce and chicken broth, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Fluff the cooked rice with a fork after removing from heat, then stir in chopped cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
Keywords: Restaurant Style Mexican Rice