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Mexican Rice is the perfect side dish to serve with all of your Mexican Recipes. It is a tomato base rice that is easy to make with simple spices.

Mexican Rice in a serving dish with a wooden spoon
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If you have made our Easy Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe then you know that this Mexican Rice is going to delicious. We love making Mexican Food and we love to serve it with a side of rice. Adding in the authentic Mexican spices makes it taste even better.

It cooks in less than 30 minutes and can easily be prepared ahead of time. You may also love these other delicious rice recipes – Basmati Rice Recipe, Jasmine Rice Recipe, Rice Bowl Recipes Beef and Rice Recipe or Stick of Butter Rice.

Why We Love This Recipe

This Mexican Rice can easily be prepared with a variety of spices and ingredients. I have added in veggies such as carrots for a delicious variation.

This rice cooks easily on the stovetop with the perfect texture and delicious flavor.

Ingredients

Ingredients - White Rice, oil, onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, salt, fresh cilantro

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Mexican Rice

Rinsing rice in a strainer over a bowl

Step 1 – Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.

Cooking diced onions and minced garlic in a large pot with a wooden spoon

Step 2 – In a large saucepan or dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Adding the rice to the large skillet with the chopped onions

Step 3 – Add the drained rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains with the oil. Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted and golden, about 2-3 minutes.

Adding the diced tomatoes and seasoning with the rice mixture

Step 4 – Pour in the can of undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, ground cumin, dried oregano, and salt. Stir to combine.

  • Step 5 – Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  • Step 6 – Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice stand, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Step 7 – Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro, and serve hot.

Expert Tips

  • Prepare Uncooked Rice – Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, which can make the rice sticky or clumpy. Be sure to drain the rice well after rinsing.
  • Rest Cooked Rice – Letting the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes after cooking allows it to steam and become fluffy without becoming overcooked or mushy.
  • Cooking Rice – Cooking time will vary depending on the type of rice you use and stovetop.
Mexican Rice with a serving on a wooden spoon

Serving Suggestions

Easy Mexican Rice Recipe can be served with all your favorite Mexican Recipes. These are some of our favorites recipes that are easy to prepare. We also like to serve these main dish recipe with Easy Crockpot Refried Beans Recipe and Slow Cooker Black Beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference between Mexican Rice and Spanish Rice?

Mexican Rice and Spanish Rice are different based on their texture, color and aroma. The main difference is that Spanish rice firmer but Mexican Rice is softer and fluffy.

Why did My Rice Turn out Mushy?

The reason that the rice turned out mushy could meat that there was to much liquid or it was overcook. Make sure you add the right amount of way for the rice that you are cooking.

Can I Make Mexican Rice Ahead of Time?

Yes, this is a great side dish to prepare ahead of time. Just prepare as directed and allow the rice to cool. Then store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I Freeze Mexican Rice?

Yes, you freeze rice in a freezer safe container up to 3 months. Find out all the tips for How to Freeze Rice.

Mexican Rice in a large pot with a wooden spoon on the side

More Easy Rice Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make Mexican Rice Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Mexican Rice

5 from 1 vote
Mexican Rice is the perfect side dish to serve with all of your Mexican Recipes. It is a tomato base rice that is easy to make with simple spices.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Cuisine Mexican
Course Side Dish
Calories 256

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the drained rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains with the oil. Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted and golden, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour in the can of undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, ground cumin, dried oregano, and salt. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice stand, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro, and serve hot.

Recipe Notes

Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, which can make the rice sticky or clumpy. Be sure to drain the rice well after rinsing.
Letting the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes after cooking allows it to steam and become fluffy without becoming overcooked or mushy.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 256kcal, Carbohydrates 43g, Protein 5g, Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat 2g, Monounsaturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 1mg, Sodium 655mg, Potassium 294mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 3g, Vitamin A 196IU, Vitamin C 11mg, Calcium 62mg, Iron 2mg

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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 1 vote

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Comments

  1. Casey says:

    5 stars
    The flavors were amazing and so easy to make!