Mexican Rice Recipe – Mexican Special
Mexican Rice is a staple fluffy side dish featuring toasted long-grain rice simmered in a richly flavored tomato-infused broth seasoned with onion, garlic, and warm spices like cumin. This vibrant and aromatic rice pairs beautifully with tacos, enchiladas, and more, bringing both color and comfort to any meal.
- Prep Time5 min
- Cook Time20 min
- Total Time25 min
Mexican Rice Ingredients:
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/3 cup neutral cooking oil, like canola or safflower (or rendered lard)
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 to 2 medium jalapeño or serrano chile peppers, minced and seeded
- 4 to 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 2 medium limes, plus extra wedges for serving
How To Make Mexican Rice
Combine the tomatoes and onion in a blender or food processor; blend until smooth. Transfer 2 cups of the tomato mixture to a medium saucepan (reserve any extra for another use, like Tomato Sauce). Stir in the chicken broth, salt, and cumin. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Meanwhile, toast the rice.
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the rice and sauté, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the jalapeños; cook until softened, about 2 minutes, adjusting heat as needed. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Pour the boiling tomato mixture over the rice; stir to combine. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat; gently fluff rice with a fork. Cover and let steam for 10 minutes. Stir in cilantro and lime juice; fluff again to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Serve with lime wedges.
Recipe Notes:
Rinse Rice: Wash the rice until the water runs clear to remove extra starch and help achieve separate, fluffy grains.
Toast Before Simmering: Briefly toast the rice in oil until lightly golden to deepen flavor and improve texture.
Use Tomato Broth: Simmer the rice in hot broth made from tomato sauce or bouillon for both color and rich taste.
Rest Before Fluffing: After cooking, let the rice rest covered for a few minutes before fluffing gently with a fork—this preserves fluffy texture.
Optional Add-Ins: Stir in peas, carrots, or a whole jalapeño (for aroma only) to add visual interest and depth of flavor.
