The heart of every good Latin meal is a dish like this traditional Mexican Rice. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, it transforms into a savory, aromatic side that’s bursting with flavor. The cumin and garlic add depth, while the tomato sauce gives it that signature reddish hue and comforting taste.
Perfect as a side to your favorite enchiladas, tacos, or grilled meats, this Mexican-style rice is simple to prepare yet rich in taste. It brings a warm, homey feel to the table and pairs beautifully with any Latin-inspired dish. It’s quick enough for weeknights and flavorful enough to impress guests at your next gathering.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
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1 teaspoon garlic salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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1/4 cup chopped onion
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2 cups chicken broth
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1/2 cup tomato sauce
Directions:
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Stir in the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown.
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Mix in garlic salt, cumin, and onion. Stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce.
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Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cover the skillet.
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Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
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Fluff with a fork before serving.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Flavor Profile and Texture
The beauty of Mexican Rice lies in its simplicity and balance of flavors. The rice is first toasted in oil, which imparts a nutty aroma and slightly crispy exterior, giving the final dish a firm texture that doesn’t become mushy. This step is essential—it not only adds depth of flavor but also helps each grain remain separate after cooking.
The main seasonings include garlic salt, cumin, and chopped onions, with a tomato-based sauce or broth providing a savory-sweet base. Cumin adds a warm earthiness, garlic offers pungent depth, and tomato sauce lends acidity and a rich color. The broth—typically chicken but easily swapped for vegetable—infuses the rice with moisture and flavor, ensuring every bite is both fluffy and savory.
Why Toasting the Rice Matters
One of the signature techniques that differentiates Mexican Rice from other rice dishes is the initial step of toasting the rice in oil. This traditional method prevents clumping and enhances the flavor with a subtle nuttiness. The toasted rice absorbs flavors more efficiently and maintains its shape, creating a dish that’s neither soggy nor bland.
This step also highlights the resourcefulness of home cooks in Mexican cuisine, where developing layers of flavor with simple ingredients is a key aspect of culinary creativity.
Versatility of the Dish
Mexican Rice is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal choice for home cooks of all skill levels. While the classic version uses tomato sauce, onion, and seasonings, there are many regional and household variations. Some families add peas, carrots, or even diced tomatoes for added texture and nutrition. Others might include jalapeños or chili powder for a spicy kick.
It can be easily adapted to vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. Swap chicken broth for vegetable stock, and you’re set. Add black beans or chickpeas for protein, or corn kernels and bell peppers for a pop of sweetness and crunch. Leftovers also make a great base for burrito fillings, taco stuffings, or rice bowls.
A Staple for Meal Prep and Budget Cooking
Mexican Rice is ideal for meal prep because it keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully. It’s also budget-friendly, made primarily from pantry staples like rice, tomato sauce, spices, and broth. This makes it an attractive option for large families or anyone looking to cook in bulk without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Cooking a big batch at the beginning of the week ensures you have a flavorful side ready to pair with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a fried egg for a quick breakfast bowl. It’s also freezer-friendly—just cool it completely, portion it out, and freeze for up to three months.
Pairing Ideas and Serving Suggestions
Mexican Rice is usually served as a side, but its role on the plate can be transformative. Try pairing it with:
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Grilled meats: Carne asada, grilled chicken thighs, or pork carnitas.
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Vegetarian dishes: Stuffed bell peppers or sautéed seasonal vegetables.
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Tacos and enchiladas: Use it as a bed for saucy dishes to soak up every drop.
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Beans: A side of black or pinto beans complements the rice beautifully and creates a complete protein source for vegetarians.
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Eggs: Top leftover rice with a fried egg and avocado for a hearty breakfast.
It also works well in burrito bowls, layered taco salads, and even as a base for homemade rice casseroles.
Tips for Perfect Mexican Rice Every Time
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Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Short-grain tends to get sticky.
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Toast the rice in oil until golden brown before adding liquid. This step is key for flavor and texture.
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Simmer, don’t boil. After the liquid is added, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover tightly. Avoid stirring while it cooks.
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Let it rest. After cooking, let the rice sit off the heat with the lid on for 5-10 minutes. This allows steam to finish the cooking and helps fluff up the grains.
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Fluff with a fork. Never use a spoon; it will crush the grains.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
While rice is a carbohydrate-heavy dish, Mexican Rice can be part of a balanced diet. A typical serving contains around 210 calories and provides energy from complex carbohydrates. Using whole grain rice or adding vegetables can increase the fiber and nutrient content.
Additionally, you control the salt, fat, and ingredients—so it can be tailored for lower sodium or fat content if needed. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made plant-based easily, making it inclusive for various dietary needs.
Conclusion: Why Mexican Rice Belongs in Your Recipe Rotation
Mexican Rice is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and simplicity. It showcases how humble ingredients like rice, tomato sauce, and a few seasonings can come together to create something truly comforting and delicious. It’s a dish that works for weeknight meals, big gatherings, and everything in between.
Easy to prepare, adaptable to different tastes, and loved by all ages, this rice brings warmth and authenticity to the table. Whether you’re pairing it with enchiladas or enjoying it as a standalone meal, Mexican Rice deserves a spot in every home cook’s repertoire. Once you’ve made it from scratch, you’ll find it hard to go back to any boxed mix.
So next time you’re planning a meal, don’t overlook this humble side—Mexican Rice is the flavorful foundation that brings every dish together.