Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
This easy Mexican Rice recipe offers a flavorful and colorful side dish, made with long-grain rice cooked in a savory blend of tomato sauce, chicken stock, and spices. It’s perfect for complementing Mexican meals or serving as a tasty standalone dish, ready in just 25 minutes and serving eight.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock or broth
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly in a mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch to prevent the rice from becoming mushy when cooked.
- Sauté the Rice: Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until the rice grains turn translucent, which enhances flavor and texture.
- Add Seasonings and Liquid: Pour in the chicken stock, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic salt, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly in the saucepan.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated and the tomato sauce starts to blend into the rice.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and let the rice simmer gently for 20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to allow proper absorption of liquids and full cooking of the rice.
- Rest and Fluff: After simmering, remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for 2 to 3 minutes to finish steaming. Then uncover and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice is crucial to prevent clumping and to get fluffy, separated grains.
- Use chicken stock for more depth of flavor, or substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- This rice pairs well with Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.
- Keep the lid on while simmering to ensure the rice cooks evenly and all liquid is absorbed.
Keywords: Mexican rice, easy rice recipe, side dish, tomato rice, seasoned rice, quick Mexican side
Find it online: https://stirringwithstella.com/easy-mexican-rice-recipe/
