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Mexican Rice Recipe

4.8 from 116 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Mexican Rice recipe that features long grain rice cooked with garlic, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, infused with cumin and fresh cilantro for a vibrant side dish perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long grain rice (uncooked)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Liquid Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 14 ounces chicken broth

Herbs

  • 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro (finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Brown Rice: Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and gently stir it until the rice begins to lightly brown, which will add a nutty flavor and improve texture.
  2. Add Seasonings: Mix in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and cumin. Continue stirring the rice until it takes on a golden color and the spices are fragrant.
  3. Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, then increase the heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a boil to fully combine the flavors.
  4. Cook Covered: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let the rice simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the finely chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and serve warm as a delicious side.

Notes

  • Use a tight-fitting lid to ensure even cooking and better steam retention.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
  • Rinsing the rice before cooking can help to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
  • Adjust salt and cumin according to taste preference.
  • Fresh cilantro adds brightness; you can substitute with parsley if unavailable.

Keywords: Mexican Rice, Spanish Rice, Side Dish, Cilantro, Tomato Rice, Easy Mexican Recipes