This easy Mexican rice recipe is a delightful and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements any Mexican meal. The combination of aromatic spices, tangy tomato sauce, and fluffy white rice creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Photos of Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
For those who may not have all the ingredients at home, it’s essential to note that jalapeno, cumin, oregano, and chili powder might not be as common in every pantry. These can usually be found in the spice or fresh produce sections of your local supermarket.
Ingredients For Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base.
Jalapeno: Adds a bit of heat and freshness.
White rice: The main component of the dish, giving it structure and texture.
Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
Oregano: Gives a slight herbal note.
Chili powder: Adds a spicy kick to the rice.
Chicken broth: Enhances the flavor and helps cook the rice.
Tomato sauce: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
Lime: Brightens up the dish with its acidity.
Cilantro: Adds freshness and a hint of citrus flavor.
One reader, Jecho Sylvester says:
This easy Mexican rice recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and it’s so simple to make. The rice turns out fluffy and delicious every time. A must-try for any Mexican food lover!
Techniques Required for Making Easy Mexican Rice
How to cook onions and rice: Explanation on how to sauté onions and rice in butter until the onions are tender and the rice is golden. How to simmer: Explanation on how to bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. How to fluff rice: Explanation on how to use a fork to gently separate the grains of rice after cooking.
How To Make Easy Mexican Rice
Spice up your usual white rice with this easy Mexican rice! It’s loaded with spicy jalapeno, seasonings, then simmered in tomato sauce for a tastier side.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspbutter
- 1small onion,diced
- 1jalapeno,seeded, minced, optional
- 1cupwhite rice,long grain
- ½tspcumin
- ¼tsporegano
- ½tspchili powder
- 1¾cupschicken broth
- ⅔cuptomato sauce
- lime,to garnish, optional
- cilantro,to garnish, optional
Instructions
-
Cook the onions, butter, rice, and jalapeno over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the onions are tender and the rice is golden.
-
Add the cumin, oregano, and chili powder, then cook for 1 minute more.
-
Stir in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, then bring to a boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer.
-
Cook for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes.
-
Fluff with a fork, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 289.13kcal
- Fat: 7.61g
- Saturated Fat: 4.11g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.27g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.62g
- Carbohydrates: 48.41g
- Fiber: 1.66g
- Sugar: 4.31g
- Protein: 6.89g
- Cholesterol: 18.41mg
- Sodium: 357.23mg
- Calcium: 30.39mg
- Potassium: 348.35mg
- Iron: 1.43mg
- Vitamin A: 73.54µg
- Vitamin C: 13.50mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Mexican Rice
To enhance the flavor of your rice, toast it in the butter until it reaches a golden brown color. This step adds a nutty depth to the dish and helps the rice maintain its texture during cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Mexican Rice
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and jalapeno ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic instead of chopping fresh cloves.
Instant rice option: Substitute regular white rice with instant rice to cut down on cooking time.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the cumin, oregano, and chili powder before you start cooking.
Use a rice cooker: If you have a rice cooker, use it to cook the rice while you prepare the other ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar fat content and richness, making it a good alternative for sautéing.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as onions.
jalapeno - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers are less spicy but still add a nice depth of flavor.
white rice - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice is a whole grain and offers more fiber, though it may require a longer cooking time.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a different but complementary flavor profile that can add a unique twist.
oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme provides a similar earthy flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika adds a mild heat and smoky flavor, making it a good alternative.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian option and provides a similar depth of flavor.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used to achieve a similar texture and flavor, though you may need to adjust seasoning.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon provides a similar acidity and brightness to the dish.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
Best Way to Present Easy Mexican Rice
Serve in a shallow, wide bowl: This allows the Mexican rice to be spread out, showcasing its vibrant colors and textures.
Garnish with fresh cilantro: Sprinkle finely chopped cilantro over the top to add a pop of green and a burst of fresh flavor.
Add a lime wedge: Place a wedge of lime on the side of the bowl for a touch of acidity that diners can squeeze over the rice to their liking.
Top with thinly sliced jalapeno: Arrange a few thin slices of jalapeno on top for an extra kick and visual appeal.
Drizzle with a touch of tomato sauce: Add a light drizzle of tomato sauce around the edges of the bowl to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Use a fork to fluff the rice: Before serving, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and create a light, airy texture.
Serve with a side of avocado slices: Arrange a few slices of ripe avocado on the side for a creamy contrast to the rice.
Sprinkle with a pinch of chili powder: Lightly dust the top with a pinch of chili powder for an added layer of flavor and a touch of color.
Add a dollop of sour cream: Place a small dollop of sour cream in the center of the rice for a creamy, cooling element.
Serve with warm tortillas: Accompany the dish with warm tortillas on the side, allowing diners to create their own rice wraps.
Essential Tools for Making Mexican Rice
Medium saucepan: Used to cook the rice mixture, ensuring even heat distribution and proper simmering.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping the onion and jalapeno.
Chef's knife: Essential for finely dicing the onion and jalapeno.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the rice and spices without scratching the saucepan.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of spices like cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the rice and chicken broth accurately.
Can opener: Necessary for opening the can of tomato sauce.
Lid: Fits the medium saucepan to cover it during the simmering process.
Fork: Used to fluff the rice before serving.
Citrus juicer: Helps extract juice from the lime efficiently.
Serving bowl: For presenting the finished Mexican rice.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Mexican Rice
- Let the mexican rice cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, place the cooled rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the rice:
- Portion the cooled rice into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and amount of rice.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- To reheat refrigerated mexican rice:
- Place the desired amount of rice in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help rehydrate the rice.
- Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- To reheat frozen mexican rice:
- Thaw the rice overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Place the thawed rice in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of water or chicken broth, and cover with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the rice in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Mexican Rice
Stovetop method: place the leftover mexican rice in a saucepan and add a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover the pan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and the liquid is absorbed. This method helps to restore the rice's moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Microwave method: transfer the leftover mexican rice to a microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle a little water or chicken broth over the top. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is heated through. The damp paper towel helps to create steam, which prevents the rice from drying out.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover mexican rice to an oven-safe dish and add a small amount of chicken broth or water. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is heated through. This method is ideal for reheating larger quantities of rice and helps to maintain its texture.
Add moisture: regardless of the reheating method you choose, adding a small amount of liquid, such as chicken broth, water, or even salsa, can help to restore moisture to the rice and prevent it from drying out.
Adjust seasoning: after reheating the mexican rice, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or a pinch of salt to brighten up the flavors.
Interesting Fact About Mexican Rice
A random fact about this Mexican rice recipe is that the addition of cumin and oregano gives it a distinct flavor profile that is commonly found in traditional Mexican cuisine.
Is Making Mexican Rice at Home Cost-Effective?
This easy Mexican rice recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like white rice, onion, and chicken broth are inexpensive and commonly found in most kitchens. Specialty items like jalapeno and cilantro add flavor without significantly increasing the cost. Overall, this recipe rates a solid 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5 to $7 USD.
Is Mexican Rice Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Mexican rice recipe has some healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. The use of chicken broth and tomato sauce provides a good base of flavor without relying heavily on added fats. The inclusion of onion and jalapeño adds beneficial vitamins and minerals. However, the recipe calls for white rice, which is less nutritious than brown rice or other whole grain options. Additionally, the butter and chicken broth contribute saturated fat and sodium, respectively.
To make this recipe healthier:
- Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Use olive oil instead of butter to reduce saturated fat
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding diced bell peppers or carrots
- Garnish with extra cilantro for a pop of fresh flavor and antioxidants
For an extra nutritional boost, consider stirring in some cooked black beans or peas to add protein and fiber. You could also experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile without relying on salt. Serving this rice alongside lean proteins and a colorful array of vegetables would create a well-rounded, satisfying meal that supports overall health and wellbeing.
Editor's Thoughts on This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
This easy Mexican rice recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The butter and onions provide a rich base, while the jalapeno adds a subtle heat. The combination of cumin, oregano, and chili powder infuses the rice with authentic Mexican aromas. Using chicken broth and tomato sauce ensures the rice is both flavorful and moist. The final touch of lime and cilantro brightens the dish, making it a perfect side for any Mexican meal. Overall, it's a simple yet delicious recipe that delivers great taste with minimal effort.
Enhance Your Easy Mexican Rice Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Mexican Rice
Why trust this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted favorite because it uses simple, fresh ingredients like onion, jalapeno, and cilantro to create authentic flavors. The combination of chicken broth and tomato sauce ensures a rich, savory base, while spices like cumin and chili powder add depth and warmth. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow, even for beginners. Plus, the final touch of lime juice brightens the dish, making it a perfect side for any Mexican meal.
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