Print

Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup Long-grain white rice
  • 48 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