Mexican Rice Recipe
A flavorful and vibrant Mexican Rice recipe featuring perfectly browned long grain rice simmered in tomato sauce, chicken broth, and aromatic spices, finished with fresh cilantro for a classic side dish that complements any Mexican meal.
- Author: Natalie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Rice and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup long grain rice (uncooked)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Liquids
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 14 ounces chicken broth
Garnish
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
- Brown Rice: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup of long grain rice and gently stir continuously until the rice grains begin to lightly brown, which enhances the flavor and texture.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin. Continue to cook the rice mixture until it turns a golden color, ensuring the garlic and spices become fragrant.
- Simmer: Pour in 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 14 ounces of chicken broth. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Cook Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat, fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains, and stir in 3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use long grain rice for the perfect fluffy texture.
- Adjust salt according to taste preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Ensure to brown the rice properly for enhanced flavor.
- Fresh cilantro added at the end offers a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
Keywords: Mexican rice, side dish, tomato rice, cilantro rice, easy Mexican recipe