How to Make Easy Mexican Style Rice Fast

If you’re craving a vibrant and flavorful side dish that’s both quick and satisfying, look no further than Easy Mexican Style Rice. This classic recipe brings together simple ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and spices to create a dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, grilled meats, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. Whether you’re new to cooking Mexican cuisine or just want a no-fuss method, this easy Mexican style rice is sure to become your go-to for an authentic, colorful addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This rice cooks fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is short.
• Flavorful Yet Simple: A handful of pantry staples come together to create rich, satisfying flavors.
• Versatile Side Dish: It complements a wide range of meals from enchiladas to grilled chicken beautifully.
• Bright, Appealing Appearance: The tomato base and spices give the rice a gorgeous color that makes your plate pop.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat level and ingredients to match your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to mastering easy Mexican style rice. Each component plays a role in building the dish’s signature balance of vibrant color, texture, and taste, making the process both straightforward and rewarding.

• Long-Grain White Rice: The base of the dish, chosen for its fluffy texture when cooked properly.
• Tomato Sauce or Puree: Brings color and rich umami flavor to the rice.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, finely chopped for even cooking.
• Garlic: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch that’s essential to Mexican cuisines.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Provides the cooking liquid and extra flavor boost compared to water.
• Ground Cumin: A classic spice that imbues the rice with an earthy, smoky note.
• Chili Powder: Offers mild heat and that quintessential Mexican spice profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the seasoning.
• Fresh Cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness at the end, perfect for garnish.
• Lime Wedges (optional): For squeezing over when serving to add a zesty finish.

Variations for Easy Mexican Style Rice

Easy Mexican Style Rice is super adaptable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Depending on what you have at home or your dietary needs, these variations let you tweak the recipe with ease.

• Spicy Boost: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you want a little extra heat.
• Vegetable Upgrade: Stir in diced bell peppers, corn, or peas for more color and texture.
• Vegan Version: Use vegetable broth and skip any animal-based ingredients—just as tasty!
• Cheesy Touch: Mix in shredded cheese like cotija or cheddar at the end for a creamy twist.
• Brown Rice Swap: Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but cook with a bit more broth and longer time.

How to Make Easy Mexican Style Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Rice

Begin by heating a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the long-grain white rice and stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes, until each grain turns slightly golden and toasty. This step adds a wonderful nutty flavor and prevents the rice from sticking later on.

Step 2: Cook Onions and Garlic

Push the rice to one side of the skillet and add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This base layer builds the aromatic profile that is crucial for authentic Mexican style rice.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Spices

Pour in the tomato sauce along with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the rice is evenly coated. Let it cook for about a minute to marry the flavors.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 5: Fluff and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. Then use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Stir in chopped fresh cilantro if using, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Mexican Style Rice

• Toast the Rice: Don’t skip toasting the rice—it locks in flavor and keeps each grain separate.
• Use Broth Instead of Water: Broth enhances richness and depth compared to plain water.
• Control the Heat: Adjust chili powder or add fresh peppers incrementally to suit your spice tolerance.
• Keep the Lid On: Resist lifting the lid during cooking to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
• Prep Ahead: Chop onions and garlic in advance to streamline the cooking process.

How to Serve Easy Mexican Style Rice

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten the flavors instantly. You can also sprinkle crumbled queso fresco or sliced green onions to add an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This rice shines alongside dishes like grilled chicken, carnitas, enchiladas, or even roasted vegetables. Because it’s so adaptable, it complements almost any protein or vegetable with a Mexican flair.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rice in a colorful bowl for a pop of celebration or mold it into mini bowls using a small cup for a festive presentation. You can also use it as a flavorful base for burrito bowls or tacos for added visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Easy Mexican Style Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the rice is completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked rice by portioning it into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen rice keeps well up to one month and is perfect for quick meals later.

Reheating

Reheat rice gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Covering during reheating helps retain steam and prevents drying out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works well but requires a longer cooking time and a bit more liquid since it’s less processed and denser than white rice.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Easy Mexican Style Rice is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and tomato products.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and ensure your tomato sauce contains no animal products.

How spicy is this rice?

The base recipe is mildly spiced but you can easily increase or decrease the chili powder and add fresh peppers to fit your heat preference.

What if I don’t have tomato sauce?

You can substitute tomato sauce with canned crushed tomatoes or fresh tomato puree, adjusting the liquid amounts slightly to maintain consistency.

Final Thoughts

Easy Mexican Style Rice is a delightful and straightforward recipe that anyone can master. Its vibrant flavors, simple ingredients, and quick preparation make it an essential side dish for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Give it a try tonight—you’ll love how it brings a little bit of fiesta to your table with no fuss involved!

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