Mexican rice is a tasty, flavorful rice dish that goes well with many Tex-Mex and Mexican foods. The rice is infused with tomatoes, garlic, and spices to give it its signature red coloring and zesty flavor. In this article, I will instruct you how to make authentic Mexican rice step by step in 3 different ways.
1. Stove Top Mexican Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 30 seconds.
Stir in the tomato sauce, broth, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the rice and give everything a good stir. Bring back up to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Remove pan from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Rice Cooker Mexican Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Add all the ingredients into the rice cooker pot and stir to combine.
Close the lid and select the “white rice” setting to cook. Most rice cookers will automatically switch to the keep warm setting when done.
When cooking completes, let the rice rest for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
Fluff the rice with a fork and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve warm.
3. Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 1⁄2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Select the “Sauté” function on Instant Pot and heat oil. Cook onion for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Stir in rice, tomato sauce, broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano and garlic powder until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Secure the lid, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing”. Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function and set to high pressure for 3 minutes.
Allow 10 minute natural pressure release, then release remaining steam to quick release.
Carefully remove lid, fluff rice with a fork and adjust seasonings as desired before serving.
No matter which cooking method you choose, this flavorful Mexican rice is sure to be a hit at your next Tex-Mex dinner or potluck. Adjust spice levels to your taste and garnish with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, grated cheese, or roasted peppers if desired. Enjoy!
