Mexican Rice

This fluffy Mexican rice recipe, seasoned with garlic salt and cumin, will quickly become a go-to side dish in your household. 

How to Make Mexican Rice

You’ll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let’s go over the basics:

Mexican Rice Ingredients

These are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this Mexican rice recipe: 

• Oil: Start with three tablespoons of vegetable oil.
• Rice: A cup of uncooked long-grain rice should make about four servings. 
• Seasonings: Season the Mexican rice with garlic salt and ground cumin. 
• Onion: A chopped onion adds flavor and texture. 
• Broth: Use store-bought or homemade chicken broth. 
• Tomato sauce: Use store-bought or homemade tomato sauce.

How to Cook Mexican Rice

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade Mexican rice: 

1. Season the rice and cook in oil until puffed and golden. 
2. Add the onion and cook until the onion is softened. 
3. Stir in the broth and tomato sauce, then bring to a boil. 
4. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 more minutes. 

Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice, also known as arroz rojo, is a staple side dish made by toasting long-grain rice and simmering it with tomato sauce, garlic, onion, and broth until perfectly tender. Lightly seasoned and vibrant in color, it delivers just the right balance of savory flavor and fluffy texture. Ideal for serving with classic Mexican meals, meal-prep bowls, or even as a base for burritos and rice plates.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: base dish, Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican, Mexican-Inspired

Calories: 291

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup tomato sauce

Equipment

• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for rinsing rice)
• Lid for pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Medium saucepan or deep skillet

Method

 

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and season with garlic salt and cumin; cook, stirring constantly, until puffed and golden.
3. Add onion; cook and stir until onion has softened.
4. Stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 291kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 1096mgPotassium: 173mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Fluffy, flavorful, and deeply comforting, Mexican rice is the perfect pairing for tacos, enchiladas, and everything in between.

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