Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mexican Rice is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the savory goodness of sautéed onions, garlic, and salsa, combined with the perfect texture of tender, fluffy rice. It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and takes only a few ingredients. Whether you’re serving it with your favorite Mexican main dishes or enjoying it as a simple side, this Mexican Rice will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive or canola oil
½ onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups uncooked long grain white rice
1 cup chunky salsa (spice level is up to you)
2 cups regular chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Fresh slices of lime for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive or canola oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to lightly toast the rice and bring out its flavor.
- Add the salsa and chicken broth to the skillet, and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to avoid lifting the lid while it’s cooking to keep the steam trapped.
- Once the rice is done, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, then garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and lime slices.
- Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy: Use a spicy salsa or add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the rice to turn up the heat.
- Vegetarian: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Corn and Peas: Add frozen corn and peas to the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a burst of color and extra flavor.
- Lime and Garlic: For extra citrus flavor, stir in a teaspoon of lime zest along with the cilantro before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a tablespoon of water or broth to the rice and heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of broth accordingly.
Can I make Mexican rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve. It’s a great make-ahead dish for meal prepping.
Can I use homemade salsa instead of store-bought salsa?
Absolutely! Homemade salsa will add a fresh, personalized touch to your Mexican rice. Just make sure it’s chunky and flavorful.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming too sticky?
To avoid sticky rice, be sure to toast the rice for a minute or two before adding the liquid, and use the right ratio of liquid to rice. Avoid stirring the rice while it’s cooking, as this can make it sticky.
Can I use a rice cooker to make this recipe?
Yes, you can use a rice cooker to make this Mexican rice. Follow the same steps for sautéing the onions, garlic, and rice in a separate pan, then transfer everything to the rice cooker along with the chicken broth and salsa. Cook according to the rice cooker’s instructions.
How can I make the rice fluffier?
To make your rice fluffier, let it rest covered for 5 minutes after it’s done cooking. Fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains.
Can I add meat to this rice?
Yes, you can add cooked ground beef, chicken, or shrimp to the rice for a heartier dish. Add it after the rice has cooked and stir to combine.
How can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted by using a mild or hot salsa, depending on your preference. You can also add extra chopped jalapeños or hot sauce if you want more heat.
Can I make this rice with quinoa instead of rice?
Yes, you can substitute quinoa for rice for a gluten-free option. You will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio since quinoa cooks faster than rice.
What can I serve Mexican rice with?
Mexican rice is perfect as a side dish for tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, grilled meats, or any of your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes.
Conclusion
Mexican Rice is the perfect side dish to accompany your favorite Mexican meals, offering bold, savory flavors with a touch of zest from the salsa and lime. With its easy preparation and simple ingredients, this rice will complement any meal and is a great addition to your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving it with tacos, fajitas, or grilled chicken, this Mexican rice is sure to be a hit every time!
Print
Mexican Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy-to-make Mexican Rice is the perfect flavorful side dish for your favorite Mexican meals. With a base of long-grain white rice, sautéed onions, garlic, and a zesty salsa kick, this dish is a delicious addition to tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, and more. Simple yet packed with flavor, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive or canola oil
½ onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups uncooked long grain white rice
1 cup chunky salsa (adjust spice level to taste)
2 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime slices for garnish
Instructions
-
Heat olive or canola oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
-
Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until soft and translucent.
-
Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to lightly toast the rice.
-
Add salsa and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
-
Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes.
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Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with cilantro and lime slices, and serve.
Notes
Spicy: Use a spicy salsa or add chopped jalapeños for more heat.
Vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Extra Veggies: Add corn and peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added flavor and color.
Garlic and Lime Twist: Stir in a teaspoon of lime zest along with cilantro for extra citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
