Easy Mexican Rice

Easy Mexican Rice is a simple, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and all your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. With tender grains of white rice toasted to perfection and simmered in a zesty tomato-lime broth, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s an ideal addition to weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This rice is anything but plain. Toasting the rice brings out a rich, nutty flavor, while the blend of tomatoes, lime juice, spices, and broth infuses every bite with delicious warmth and depth. It’s fast, versatile, and made in one pan. Plus, it’s easy to customize and comes together with pantry staples, making it perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 1/2 onion, diced

• 1 cup medium or long grain white rice (uncooked)

• 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp salt)

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 10 ounces Mexican diced tomatoes (with green chiles)

• Juice of 1/2 lime

• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro

Directions

1. In a large skillet with a fitted lid, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until tender.

3. Stir in the rice and cook for another few minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice begins to toast and turns light golden brown.

4. Add garlic salt and cumin, stirring to coat the rice evenly.

5. Pour in the Mexican diced tomatoes (with juices), lime juice, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.

6. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

7. Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in freshly chopped cilantro.

8. Serve warm and enjoy as a side or base for your favorite Mexican dishes.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

• Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Add-ins: Stir in peas, corn, or diced carrots for added texture and nutrition.

• Tomato substitution: If you can’t find Mexican diced tomatoes, use regular diced tomatoes plus a small can of diced green chiles.

• Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or cotija cheese on top before serving.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Transfer cooled rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until hot.
To freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but the cook time will be longer (about 40–45 minutes) and you may need slightly more liquid.

What type of rice is best?

Medium or long grain white rice is ideal. Avoid short grain or sticky rice for this recipe.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, use about 1 cup of chopped tomatoes and a few tablespoons of diced green chiles if desired.

Is this rice spicy?

It has a mild kick from the green chiles. Adjust the heat by using mild or spicy diced tomatoes.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, it reheats very well, making it great for meal prep or planning ahead for gatherings.

What’s the best way to prevent mushy rice?

Make sure to toast the rice well before adding liquid and avoid over-stirring once it starts simmering.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a larger pan and keep an eye on the liquid levels and cooking time.

What should I serve this with?

It pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, enchiladas, burrito bowls, or even scrambled eggs.

Can I skip the cilantro?

Yes, the cilantro is optional. You can substitute with parsley or omit entirely if preferred.

How can I make it more authentic?

Add a small amount of tomato paste or use homemade chicken stock for deeper flavor.

Conclusion

Easy Mexican Rice is a flavorful, foolproof side dish that elevates any meal with its bold and zesty ingredients. Whether you’re serving tacos on a weeknight or hosting a festive family dinner, this rice will steal the show with its toasty texture and savory-sweet balance. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

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