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Mexican Rice Recipe

4.8 from 422 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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