This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Mexican Fried Rice is an easy side dish and made with simple ingredients. If you are looking for a Mexican style rice, this is the one to make.

Mexican Fried Rice in a skillet
Want to save this?
Just enter your email and I’ll send it right to you, plus great new recipes weekly!

Easy Mexican Fried Rice Recipe:

Mexican fried rice recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients. This is the perfect dish to use leftover rice. Simple seasoning combined with corn, black beans and more to create a delicious side dish.

Take your cold rice to the next level with this simple Mexican Fried Rice Recipe. There are many ways to make this rice recipe to make it your own. It is the perfect side dish for all your Mexican recipes.

Top with avocado and fresh cilantro for delicious flavor and a crowd pleasing side dish. It is quick and easy to make which makes the perfect side for a weeknight meal. Make sure to also check out this Mexican Rice.

What is the Secret to Good Fried Rice?

The secret to good fried rice is using cooked, day old rice. This allows the ingredients to mix well together. Place in the fridge to help it dry out after the freshly cooked rice is made.

Which keeps it from getting clumpy when combining the ingredients. Cold rice makes the best stir fry recipe.

Ingredients needed for Mexican Fried Rice

Ingredients: 

For the Rice: 

  • Oil 
  • Minced Garlic 
  • Onion (finely diced) 
  • Red Bell Pepper (diced) 
  • Black Beans (drained and rinsed) 
  • Corn 
  • Cooked Rice 

For the Sauce: 

  • Red Enchilada Sauce 
  • Cumin 
  • Chili Powder 
  • Paprika 
  • Salt 
  • Black Pepper 

How to Make Mexican Fried Rice: 

  • Step 1 – Mix Sauce Ingredients – Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl.  Set aside. 
combine sauce ingredients in a bowl
  • Step 2 – Heat Oil – Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add the garlic and sautรฉ for 30 seconds until the garlic is aromatic. 
  • Step 3 – Cook Vegetables – Stir in the diced onions and red bell pepper. Then cook until the onions are translucent (approximately 2-3 minutes). 
cooking onions and peppers in a skillet
  • Step 4 – Mix in Corn & Black Beans – Add in the corn and black beans.  Cook for 1 minute until they are heated through. 
heating corn and black beans in a skillet
  • Step 5 – Mix in Sauce & Rice – Then stir in the cooked rice and the sauce mixture.  Stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the sauce. Sautรฉ for 2-3 minutes until all the ingredients are heated through. 
  • Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy – Serve immediately while warm and enjoy. 
Mexican Fried Rice in a skillet with a wooden spoon

Recipe Tips:

  • Leftover Rice – When making any fried rice recipe, it is best to use leftover cold rice. We also recommend that it is dry. If you do not have an white rice made, you can easily make some in the instant pot or slow cooker.
  • Chopping Vegetables โ€“ We recommend to chop your vegetables ahead of time and about the same size. This allows them to cook evenly and about the same time.
  • Cook Vegetables – Heat and cook the vegetables until they are tender. Add garlic and cook over medium heat in a pan.
  • Mixing Ingredients – Make sure when adding the rice and sauce that everything is heated thoroughly.
Mexican Fried Rice in a skillet with a wooden spoon

Variation Ideas:

  • Best Rice – When we make this fried rice recipe, usually use white rice. But you can also use brown rice.
  • Oil – You can use any type of oil to cook the vegetables in. We have used olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Add in Meat – Make this recipe a complete meal idea by adding meat. You can add in pork, chicken, or beef.
  • Eggs – Traditional fried rice is made with a fried egg. You can easily scramble the eggs until they fluff.
  • Sauce – To bring the flavors to the rice, we like to pour an enchilada sauce mixture. For added flavor, you can easily add in chicken broth. You can also use tomato sauce.
  • Vegetables – Feel free to add in other vegetables to this fried rice recipe. You can add in peas, carrots, and more. Salsa and green chiles is also a great addition for added flavor.
  • Beans – You can easily substitute the black beans with pinto beans or red kidney beans. They can also be omitted.
  • Seasoning – The seasoning can be changed to what you prefer. We have even used homemade taco seasoning as a substitute. We love making homemade seasoning because it taste better.
Mexican Fried Rice in a skillet with a wooden spoon

Mexican Fried Rice Topping Ideas:

This fried rice can easily be topped for added flavor and texture. These are some of our favorites.

  • Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • Pico De Gallo
  • Diced Avocado
  • Salsa
  • Fresh Cilantro
  • Sour Cream
Mexican Fried Rice in a skillet with a wooden spoon

How to Serve Mexican Rice Recipes:

Mexican Fried Rice is a filling meal on its own. But we like to serve with our favorite Mexican Recipes. It stretches our meal especially for my large family.

These are some of our favorites.

  • Tacos – You can make shredded chicken tacos or beef tacos for an easy meal idea.
  • Burritos – Crock pot smothered burritos will be a family favorite.  Tender beef smothered with cheese and more make this meal so flavorful. The slow cooker makes it super easy. Itโ€™s a win all around.
  • Mexican Casserole – Easy Mexican Casserole Recipe has the most delicious layers of cheese, ground beef, tortillas and more. This casserole is perfect for dinner any night of the week and loaded with tons of flavor.
  • Street Tacos – This rice is delicious and makes a perfect side dish for these tacos.
  • Shish Kabobs – Serve these rice for a delicious side to these kabobs.
Mexican Fried Rice in a skillet with a wooden spoon

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers:

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.  

Heat the rice in the microwave for 45 seconds and continue cooking until heated through.

If you meal prep, go ahead and put the leftover rice in individual containers. Having everything portioned will make it easy to grab these for easy lunches and dinners.

Can you Freeze Mexican Fried Rice?

Yes, you can freeze Mexican. Place in an freezer safe container and place in the freezer. Mexican Fried Rice will freeze for up to 4 months.

We like to place in individual containers so we can take out small portions.

When ready to serve, place in the fridge and thaw overnight. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Print Recipe for Mexican Fried Rice:

Mexican Fried Rice

5 from 4 votes
Mexican Fried Rice is an easy side dish and made with simple ingredients. If you are looking for a Mexican style rice, this is the one to make.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine Mexican
Course Side Dish
Calories 237

Ingredients

For the Rice:

For the Sauce:

Want to save this?
Just enter your email and Iโ€™ll send it right to you, plus great new recipes weekly.

Instructions

  • Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl.ย  Set aside.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.ย  Add the garlic and sautรฉ for 30 seconds until the garlic is aromatic.
  • Stir in the diced onions and red bell pepper and cook until the onions are translucent (approximately 2-3 minutes).
  • Add in the corn and black beans.ย  Cook for 1 minute until they are heated through.
  • Then stir in the cooked rice and the sauce mixture.ย  Stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the sauce. Sautรฉ for 2-3 minutes until all the ingredients are heated through.
  • Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 237kcal, Carbohydrates 46g, Protein 7g, Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 0.4g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat 0.01g, Sodium 569mg, Potassium 245mg, Fiber 4g, Sugar 3g, Vitamin A 697IU, Vitamin C 15mg, Calcium 26mg, Iron 1mg

Pin This Now to Remember It Later

Pin Recipe

More Easy Rice Recipes:

Mexican Fried Rice is an easy side dish and made with easy ingredients. If you are looking for a Mexican style rice, this is the one to make. Top with avocado and fresh cilantro for delicious flavor and a crowd pleasing side dish. #eatingonadime #mexicanfriedrice #friedrice

Try these other recipes

Share this recipe!

PinYummly

About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

Leave A Review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. margie says:

    Loved this rice, used a long grain brown rice. Didnโ€™t add the extra seasoning to the sauce, just a little salt and pepper. Even the grandkids ate it!