Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

Introduction

Easy Mexican Rice is a flavorful and simple side dish perfect for any weeknight meal. Made with basic ingredients, it’s a great way to add a zesty twist to your dinner table.

The image shows a close-up view of cooked rice mixed with small bits of vegetables. The rice grains are long and fluffy, with a slightly orange tint from the spices and sauce mixed in. Small pieces of green and red vegetables are scattered through the rice, adding texture and color contrast. The dish is in a dark pan, with a wooden spoon partially visible in the top left corner stirring the rice. The rice looks moist and well-cooked, with the grains separating easily rather than clumping together. The surface beneath the pan has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup chunky salsa (such as Pace)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add the uncooked rice and stir frequently, allowing the rice to brown slightly.
  3. Step 3: Once the rice starts to brown, pour in the chicken broth and salsa, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Add chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving to enhance freshness.
  • Use a hotter salsa if you prefer more spice.
  • To add extra texture, stir in cooked corn or black beans before serving.

Storage

Store leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a single layer of cooked orange-red rice with small pieces of vegetables mixed in, shown scooped on a light brown wooden spoon inside a black cooking pot with silver rivets on the sides, with the rice grains appearing moist and fluffy. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require more liquid. Adjust cooking time and broth quantity accordingly.

What can I serve with this Mexican rice?

This dish pairs well with grilled meats, beans, tacos, or as a base for burrito bowls.

Print

Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

This Easy Mexican Rice recipe is a flavorful side dish made by toasting rice in olive oil and simmering it with chicken broth and chunky salsa. It’s a simple, vibrant dish perfect for accompanying Mexican meals or adding a zesty twist to any dinner.

  • Author: Sienna
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup chunky salsa (such as Pace)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until warmed but not smoking, preparing the pan for toasting the rice.
  2. Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked white rice to the skillet and stir frequently to evenly coat the rice with oil while toasting it until it begins to brown slightly, which enhances its flavor.
  3. Add Broth and Salsa: Pour in the chicken broth and chunky salsa. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well ensuring the rice is submerged.
  4. Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the rice to simmer undisturbed for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
  5. Fluff the Rice: Remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice gently, separating the grains for a light, airy texture.
  6. Serve: Transfer the rice to serving dishes and enjoy as a delicious side to your favorite Mexican-inspired meal.

Notes

  • Using chicken broth adds more flavor than water and complements the salsa well.
  • Be sure to toast the rice until it’s lightly browned for a nuttier flavor and to prevent mushiness.
  • Covering the skillet tightly while simmering helps cook the rice evenly and retain moisture.
  • This recipe can be adapted to vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth.
  • Feel free to adjust salsa quantity and spiciness based on personal taste preferences.

Keywords: Mexican rice, easy side dish, skillet rice, salsa rice, Mexican cuisine, flavorful rice

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