Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Authentic Mexican Rice recipe is a flavorful and simple side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of Mexican meals. With its vibrant tomato base and fragrant spices, it’s a comforting classic that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 4-8 ounces canned tomato sauce (use at least 4 or up to 8 ounces)
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons Caldo de Tomate (tomato bouillon)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat oil in a 3-quart sauté pan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until the rice begins to turn a golden color.
2. Step 2: Add chili powder, Caldo de Tomate, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
3. Step 3: Pour in the water and tomato sauce, then stir again to evenly mix the ingredients.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 20 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed by the rice.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat and allow the rice to rest, still covered, for 5 to 10 minutes to finish steaming.
6. Step 6: Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve warm as a delicious side to your favorite Mexican dishes.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.
• Add finely chopped onions or bell peppers along with the garlic for extra texture and taste.
• Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level to make the rice as mild or as spicy as you like.
• If you don’t have Caldo de Tomate, substitute with a teaspoon of tomato bouillon or add a pinch of salt and a bit of tomato paste.

Storage

Store leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it in a covered pan over low heat or microwave it until heated through, fluffing before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

While long-grain white rice works best for this recipe due to its fluffy texture, you can experiment with medium-grain rice. Brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid.

How can I make this rice vegan and gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free when using vegetable oil and ensuring the Caldo de Tomate or bouillon used does not contain animal products or gluten additives. Always check labels to be certain.

Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 104 reviews

This Authentic Mexican Rice recipe delivers a flavorful, golden-hued side dish that perfectly complements Mexican cuisine. Made with long-grain white rice sautéed in olive oil, seasoned with chili powder, tomato bouillon, garlic, and tomato sauce, it’s a simple yet delicious recipe that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 cup Long-grain white rice
• 4–8 ounces Canned tomato sauce (Use at least 4 or up to 8 ounces)
• 2 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons Caldo de Tomate (tomato bouillon)
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder

Instructions

1. Heat the oil and toast the rice: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil in a 3-quart sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 cup of long-grain white rice and stir continuously to coat the rice with oil. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the rice starts turning a golden color, which helps enhance its flavor and texture.
2. Add spices and garlic: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 2 teaspoons of Caldo de Tomate (tomato bouillon), and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings and fragrant garlic throughout the rice.
3. Add liquids and combine: Pour in 2 cups of water and 4 to 8 ounces of canned tomato sauce depending on your preferred tomato intensity. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly before cooking.
4. Simmer the rice: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 20 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and becomes tender.
5. Let the rice rest: Turn off the heat and keep the rice covered for an additional 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to steam and finish cooking through, resulting in fluffy grains.
6. Fluff and serve: Remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice gently. This step separates the grains for a light and airy texture. Serve hot as a perfect side dish to your favorite Mexican meals.

Notes

• You can adjust the tomato sauce quantity between 4 to 8 ounces to achieve your preferred tomato flavor intensity.
• Caldo de Tomate is a tomato bouillon that adds concentrated flavor; if unavailable, you can substitute with a tomato bouillon cube or tomato seasoning blend.
• For extra flavor, consider adding finely chopped onions or bell peppers during the sauté step.
• Keep the lid on during simmering to trap steam and ensure even cooking of the rice.
• Use a fork to fluff the rice instead of stirring vigorously to avoid breaking the grains.

Keywords: Mexican rice, authentic Mexican rice, tomato rice, side dish, easy Mexican recipe, long grain rice