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Easy Mexican Style Rice

Easy Mexican Style Rice

Easy Mexican Style Rice is a vibrant, flavorful side dish that comes together quickly with a perfect balance of spices, juicy tomatoes, and fluffy rice. Ready in under 30 minutes, it complements meals such as tacos, grilled chicken, and veggie bowls, delivering comforting and fresh flavors every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. This base builds the wonderful savory flavor essential in Easy Mexican Style Rice.
  2. Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until each grain turns slightly golden. Toasting the rice first ensures fluffy, separate grains that soak up all the spices and liquids.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the diced tomatoes, along with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to coat the rice evenly, letting the spices bloom in the heat for about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Carefully add the chicken or vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and liquid absorbed.
  5. Fluff and Finish: Remove the pan from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top if using, and serve immediately to enjoy the full flavor and texture of Easy Mexican Style Rice.

Notes

  • Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and help grains stay separate and fluffy.
  • Use fresh ground cumin and chili powder for the best flavor.
  • Don’t skip toasting the rice; it locks in flavor and prevents mushiness.
  • Keep the pan covered while simmering to trap steam for perfectly cooked rice.
  • Let the rice rest covered off heat for a few minutes before fluffing to improve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican rice, easy side dish, quick rice recipe, Mexican cuisine, vegetarian, vegan option, flavorful rice