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Flavorful Mexican Rice Recipe

4.9 from 130 reviews

This classic Mexican Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy side dish perfect for complementing your favorite Mexican meals. Made with long-grain rice cooked in a savory blend of chicken broth, tomato sauce, and spices, this dish offers a delicious balance of garlic and cumin infused flavors with a tender texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin

Vegetables

  • ¼ cup chopped onion

Liquids

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup tomato sauce

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: In a medium-sized skillet or saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking to prepare for toasting the rice.
  2. Toast the rice: Add 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice to the hot oil and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly golden and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. This step adds a nutty flavor to the rice.
  3. Add aromatics and spices: Stir in ¼ cup chopped onion, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, and ½ teaspoon ground cumin. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the onion softens and spices are fragrant.
  4. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and ½ cup tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Cook the rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Rest and fluff: Remove the pan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving to separate the grains.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Adjust garlic salt to taste or substitute with fresh minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
  • You can add diced bell peppers or peas for extra color and nutrition.
  • To make it spicier, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder along with the cumin.

Keywords: Mexican rice, side dish, flavorful rice, tomato rice, easy Mexican recipe, stovetop rice