Easy Mexican rice is a delightful side dish that brings the flavors of Mexico right to your kitchen. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also combines simple ingredients to create a comforting and tasty meal accompaniment. Whether you are serving it with tacos, enchiladas, or simply enjoying it as a standalone dish, this easy Mexican rice will leave your taste buds tingling with happiness.
Why We Love This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
This easy Mexican rice recipe is adored by families and food lovers alike for its vibrant flavors and simplicity. The combination of long-grain rice with spices and fresh ingredients creates a dish that is both satisfying and nourishing. It’s an excellent way to elevate any weeknight dinner or special occasion meal with minimal effort. Plus, it’s versatile and can be customized to fit your preferences, whether you like it mild or with a little heat. It’s also budget-friendly, requiring minimal ingredients, making it perfect for anyone looking to enjoy delicious food without breaking the bank.
Ingredients about Easy Mexican Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make Easy Mexican Rice Directions
To get started on your easy Mexican rice, you first want to ensure that your rice is clean and free from excess starch. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This simple step will make your rice fluffier and prevent it from becoming gummy during cooking.
Once your rice is rinsed, it’s time to heat things up! In a medium saucepan, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and set it over medium heat. As the oil warms up, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently until the onion becomes softened and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The aroma of sautéed onion and garlic is simply irresistible!
Next, stir in the rinsed rice, along with 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Cooking the rice with these spices for about a minute will help release their flavors, creating a fragrant base for your dish.
Now, it’s time to add moisture to your pan. Carefully pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth or water, along with the drained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil and watch the transformation take place! Once it reaches a good boil, reduce the heat to low. You’ll want to cover the saucepan tightly and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the liquid and the flavors will meld beautifully.
After the timer goes off, check on your rice to ensure it’s cooked through and the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove the pan from heat and take the cover off. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. For a fresh finish, you can garnish with some chopped cilantro before serving, which adds a lovely splash of color and flavor.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Rice
Serving easy Mexican rice is as simple as it gets. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of Mexican-inspired entrees. You can plate it next to tacos, burritos, or enchiladas to create a wholesome and satisfying meal. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, serve it with grilled vegetables or a refreshing salad on the side.
Feel free to add some intensity to your meal by drizzling a little hot sauce or salsa over the rice. The combination of the mild, spicy, and tangy flavors will delight your taste buds and create a mouthwatering experience. Besides being a side dish, you can also enjoy this easy Mexican rice as a filling for burritos or as a tasty addition to a bowl topped with your favorite proteins and garnishes. The possibilities are endless!
Expert Tips: Easy Mexican Rice
To ensure your easy Mexican rice turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use High-Quality Rice: Opt for good quality long-grain rice for the best texture. Jasmine or basmati rice can also work well, providing a different, aromatic flavor.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Don’t skip the rinsing step! Removing excess starch from the rice will prevent it from clumping together, giving you light and fluffy grains.
- Adjust the Spice: If you like your rice with a kick, feel free to increase the amounts of cumin and chili powder or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra zing.
- Stock for Flavor: Using vegetable broth instead of water adds depth and richness to the rice. You can also use chicken broth if you’re not adhering to a vegetarian diet.
- Add Veggies: Consider mixing in frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers to bulk up your rice dish with some colorful vegetables.
- Resting Time: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for another 5 minutes off heat. This allows for steam to finish cooking the grains and improves fluffiness.
How to Store Easy Mexican Rice
If you have any leftovers of your delicious easy Mexican rice, storing it is easy! Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the container where the rice can safely be stored for up to 4 days. If you find that you have too much rice, consider freezing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the moisture.
Variation of Easy Mexican Rice
This recipe for easy Mexican rice is highly adaptable, allowing you to play with flavors and ingredients based on your preferences. Here are some variations you can try:
- Vegetable Medley: Stir in some diced zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots during the sautéing stage. This adds colors and nutrients to your rice.
- Cilantro-Lime Rice: Add some freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro after cooking for a bright, zesty variation. This pairs excellently with grilled meats.
- Spicy Version: To enhance the heat, add green chilies or jalapeños when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Cheesy Rice: Mix in some shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, during the last 5 minutes of cooking to create a creamy and cheesy side.
- Coconut Rice: Substitute half of the vegetable broth with coconut milk for a subtle sweetness and tropical flair.
FAQ Section
What is Easy Mexican Rice?
Easy Mexican rice is a simple and flavorful side dish made from long-grain white rice cooked with spices, diced tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables. It is the perfect accompaniment to various Mexican dishes.
Can I make Easy Mexican Rice with brown rice?
Yes, you can make easy Mexican rice with brown rice. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time and increase the liquid, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice.
How can I make Easy Mexican Rice without tomatoes?
If you prefer to avoid tomatoes, you can simply leave them out and enhance the flavor by adding additional spices or sautéing some chopped bell peppers instead.
Can I add protein to Easy Mexican Rice?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beans to make it a heartier dish. Simply mix in your protein of choice during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
Is Easy Mexican Rice suitable for meal prep?
Yes, easy Mexican rice is great for meal prep! You can prepare a big batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for quick meals throughout the week. Just ensure it’s kept in airtight containers.
With these tips and variations, you’ll find that making easy Mexican rice is not only straightforward but also a delightful way to add flavor to your meals. Enjoy and experiment to make this recipe truly yours!
Easy Mexican Rice
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice Rinsed to remove excess starch
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water Using broth adds depth of flavor
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1 small onion, chopped Adds sweetness and flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For aromatic flavor
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin Spice for earthy flavor
- 1 teaspoon chili powder For a mild kick
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained Adds moisture and flavor
- to taste Salt and pepper To season
- to taste Fresh cilantro for garnish Optional, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the rinsed rice, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook for about a minute to release the flavors.
- Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth or water and the drained diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- After cooking, check that the rice is cooked through and liquid absorbed. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
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