Making authentic Mexican rice at home that tastes just like what you get at a restaurant is easier than you might think. With a few common ingredients and simple techniques, you can recreate this delicious side dish in your own kitchen. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a fail-proof, restaurant-style Mexican rice that pairs well with any Mexican meal.
1. Authentic Mexican Rice Like Restaurant
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, chopped (or ½ cup tomato sauce)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- A handful of fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Heat the oil: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Toast the rice: Add 1 ½ cups of long-grain white rice to the hot oil. Stir frequently to coat the rice evenly with oil, and cook until the rice turns golden brown.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the onion: Once the rice is toasted, stir in the chopped onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked.
Step 3: Add the Tomato and Seasonings
Add the tomato: Stir in the chopped tomato (or ½ cup of tomato sauce if you prefer a smoother texture). Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the tomato to break down and meld with the rice.
Add the spices: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of ground cumin, and ½ teaspoon of chili powder (if using). Stir everything together to ensure the rice is well coated with the spices.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Add the broth: Pour in 2 ½ cups of chicken broth and stir to combine. For a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Bring to a simmer: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Check the rice: After 18-20 minutes, check the rice to see if all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. If the rice is still a bit firm or if there’s excess liquid, cover the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Fluff the rice: Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes.
Garnish and serve: For extra flavor and color, sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh cilantro over the rice. Serve the rice with a few lime wedges on the side for a tangy twist.
2. Tips for Perfect Authentic Mexican Rice
Toast the Rice: Toasting the rice in oil before adding the liquid is essential to achieving the fluffy, non-sticky texture that’s characteristic of Mexican rice. It also brings out a subtle nutty flavor, which adds another layer of depth to the dish.
Use Long-Grain White Rice: Long-grain rice is ideal for this recipe because it stays fluffy and doesn’t clump together when cooked. Short-grain rice tends to become sticky, which changes the texture of the dish.
Simmer, Don’t Stir: Once the broth is added, resist the urge to stir the rice while it’s cooking. Stirring can break up the grains and make the rice gummy. Simply cover the pan and let it simmer gently until fully cooked.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomato, garlic, and onion provide the best flavor for authentic Mexican rice. However, if you’re short on time, canned tomato sauce can be a convenient and tasty substitute.
Let the Rice Rest: Allowing the rice to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps it absorb any remaining moisture and ensures that each grain is perfectly cooked. Fluffing the rice with a fork before serving prevents it from becoming mushy.
3. Variations of Mexican Rice
Tomato-Free Mexican Rice: For a variation without tomatoes, omit the tomatoes or tomato sauce and increase the amount of broth slightly. You can still achieve great flavor by focusing on the garlic, onion, and spices. This is sometimes called “white Mexican rice” and is a delicious alternative.
Vegetable Mexican Rice: For a heartier dish, add vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, or bell peppers. Stir the vegetables into the rice during the last 10 minutes of cooking, or sauté them with the onion and garlic for extra flavor.
Spicy Mexican Rice: Turn up the heat by adding chopped jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a generous dash of hot sauce. This version is perfect for those who love a little kick in their food.
Cilantro Lime Rice: For a lighter, fresher version, stir in fresh cilantro and a generous squeeze of lime juice just before serving. This variation pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or chicken.
4. What to Serve with Mexican Rice
Tacos: Mexican rice is a classic side dish for tacos. It pairs beautifully with carne asada, chicken tinga, or al pastor tacos. Add some refried beans for a complete meal.
Enchiladas: Serve this rice alongside enchiladas verdes or enchiladas rojas for a comforting, hearty Mexican meal.
Fajitas: Mexican rice makes a great accompaniment to sizzling chicken, beef, or shrimp fajitas. Its mild flavor balances out the bold spices of the fajitas.
Baked Meats: Whether you’re baking steak, chicken, or pork with Mexican-inspired seasonings, this rice side dish adds a perfect complement to the meal.
Burrito Bowls: Use this Mexican rice as the base for a burrito bowl. Layer it with black beans, grilled meat or veggies, avocado, and salsa for a healthy, customizable meal.
5. Storing and Reheating Leftover Mexican Rice
Storing: Store leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the rice and warm it in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel to keep the rice from drying out.
Authentic Mexican rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s a must-have for any Mexican meal. By toasting the rice, using fresh ingredients, and cooking it in a savory tomato broth, you can recreate the same fluffy, flavorful rice served in Mexican restaurants.
