Easy Mexican Style Rice

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This Easy Mexican Style Rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that transforms humble ingredients into something truly satisfying. Perfectly fluffy rice is infused with tomato, garlic, onion, and a subtle hint of spice. Each bite is laced with the sweetness of sautéed vegetables and the earthy warmth of cumin and chili powder, giving it that signature Mexican character.

Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos, enchiladas, or just spooning it into a bowl for a quick lunch, this rice recipe is dependable, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. The best part? It only takes a few basic pantry staples and one pot to create a side dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Mexican restaurant.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Mexican Style Rice

• Full of Flavor: Each grain of rice is coated in a savory tomato base with just the right blend of seasonings.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy products or hard-to-find spices—everything is accessible and affordable.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less mess, easy cleanup, and all the flavor.
• Customizable: Add black beans, corn, or spicy peppers to make it your own.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well and tastes even better the next day.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and the Importance of Each)

To make the best Easy Mexican Style Rice, having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving fluffy, evenly cooked grains packed with flavor:

• Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan or Skillet with Lid: A heavy-bottomed pan helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the rice from burning at the bottom. The lid is essential for trapping steam, which ensures perfect texture.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching the pot and for gently fluffing the rice after cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters, especially with rice-to-liquid ratios and seasoning.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: Rinsing rice before cooking removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
• Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping the onions, garlic, and bell peppers quickly and safely.

A smooth prep with the right equipment leads to better texture, enhanced flavor, and a stress-free cooking experience.

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Preparation Tips

• Rinse the Rice Thoroughly: This is key for preventing sticky rice. Use a fine mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs clear.
• Toast the Rice Before Adding Liquid: Sautéing the rice in oil before simmering enhances the nutty flavor and helps each grain stay separate.
• Use Hot Water or Broth: Adding hot liquid to the pan helps maintain the cooking temperature and results in fluffier rice.
• Keep the Lid On: Resist the urge to peek—lifting the lid lets steam escape and can mess up the texture.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the rice sit covered off-heat for 5–10 minutes. This final steam helps everything settle and fluff up nicely when stirred.

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Ingredients for This Easy Mexican Style Rice

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful and comforting rice dish:

• 1 cup long grain white rice – Rinsed until the water runs clear
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For toasting the rice and enhancing flavor
• 1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped – Adds savory depth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a punch of aromatic flavor
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper – Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper – For color and a hint of sweetness
• 1 cup tomato sauce – Gives the rice its classic red hue and flavor base
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth – Adds richness; substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – For a warm, earthy spice
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder – Adds a mild kick
• Salt to taste – Usually about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro – For garnish and freshness
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional) – Adds a fresh, juicy element on top

This ingredient list balances pantry basics with a few fresh vegetables, making it perfect for quick weeknight cooking.

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Step 1: Rinse and Prep

Begin by rinsing the rice under cold water using a fine mesh strainer. Swirl it around until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Meanwhile, dice the onion, bell peppers, and mince the garlic.

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Step 2: Sauté the Base

In a heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and stir continuously for 4–5 minutes, until the rice starts to turn golden and smells slightly nutty.

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Step 3: Add Vegetables and Spices

Stir in the chopped onions, garlic, green and red bell peppers. Cook for about 2–3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir to coat everything evenly.

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Step 4: Pour in Liquids

Add the tomato sauce and chicken broth to the pan. Stir well to combine, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.

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Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18–20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.

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Step 6: Rest and Fluff

After cooking, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Then uncover, gently fluff the rice with a fork, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes, if using.

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Step 7: Serve Warm

Scoop into a serving dish or serve directly from the skillet. Enjoy it as a side dish or even as a base for burrito bowls or grilled proteins.

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Notes

• Vegetarian-Friendly Option: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep this dish meat-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Heat Level: You can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne if you like a spicier version.
• Tomato Sauce Substitute: If you don’t have tomato sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of tomato paste with 1 cup of water or use crushed tomatoes.
• Rice Variety: Long grain white rice is traditional, but jasmine rice works well too. Avoid short-grain rice as it tends to clump more.
• Garnish Creatively: Feel free to top with avocado slices, lime wedges, or crumbled queso fresco.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not Rinsing the Rice: Skipping this step leads to gummy, sticky rice. Always rinse thoroughly.
• Burning the Rice During Sautéing: Stir constantly and keep an eye on the heat to avoid bitter, over-toasted grains.
• Using Cold Broth: Cold liquids can shock the rice and interfere with even cooking. Use warm or room-temperature broth.
• Peeking While It Cooks: Lifting the lid releases essential steam. Keep it sealed until it’s done.
• Not Letting It Rest: That final rest phase makes a big difference. It allows the rice to finish steaming and prevents sogginess.

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What to Serve With Easy Mexican Style Rice?

Mexican Style Rice is incredibly adaptable—it complements nearly any Latin-inspired main course and even stands on its own. Whether you’re building a full spread or keeping it casual, these pairings will round out your meal beautifully.

8 Recommendations

1. Chicken Enchiladas – The saucy richness of enchiladas pairs perfectly with the fluffy, tomato-infused rice.
2. Grilled Carne Asada – A smoky, marinated steak with lime is made even better with a hearty scoop of this rice.
3. Fish Tacos – Bright and zesty tacos with a bit of rice on the side make for a balanced and satisfying plate.
4. Black Beans and Rice Bowl – Add black beans, avocado, and pico de gallo for a delicious vegetarian meal.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Use this rice as a stuffing base for baked peppers topped with melted cheese.
6. Fajitas (Chicken, Beef, or Veggie) – Serve sizzling fajitas over a bed of rice to soak up all the flavor.
7. Chili Lime Shrimp – The spicy citrus of shrimp contrasts beautifully with the mellow tomato flavor of the rice.
8. Breakfast Burritos – Leftover rice? Toss it into a morning burrito with scrambled eggs, beans, and cheese.

This rice works in casual meals or more festive occasions and brings a warm, hearty element to any plate.

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Storage Instructions

Easy Mexican Style Rice stores like a dream, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Allow rice to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Portion rice into freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date.
• Reheating Tips: For best texture, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water. Microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between and covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 215
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 33g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 4g

Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on exact ingredients and portion size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice typically takes 40–45 minutes to cook and may require up to 2 1/2 cups of broth.

2. What if I don’t have tomato sauce?

You can substitute it with crushed tomatoes, tomato purée, or even a blend of tomato paste and water (about 2 tablespoons paste + 1 cup water).

3. Is this rice spicy?

Not overly. It has a mild warmth from chili powder. To increase spice, add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.

4. Can I make this in a rice cooker?

Yes! Sauté the rice, onion, and spices on the stove first, then transfer everything to a rice cooker and cook using the white rice setting.

5. How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?

Rinse the rice well, toast it before adding liquid, and follow exact liquid-to-rice ratios. Also, avoid lifting the lid while it simmers.

6. Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free if needed.

7. Can I add protein directly into the rice?

Absolutely. Add cooked shredded chicken, ground beef, or black beans during the final 5 minutes of cooking.

8. What herbs work well as substitutes for cilantro?

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, chopped parsley, green onions, or fresh oregano are great alternatives.

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Conclusion

Easy Mexican Style Rice is a delicious, budget-friendly side that’s perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. With its rich tomato base, soft sautéed vegetables, and tender, fluffy grains, it’s a dish that brings comfort and color to your table. Whether you serve it alongside bold entrées or let it shine in a rice bowl, this versatile recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.

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