Mexican Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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