Best Ever Mexican Rice Recipe
This Best Ever Mexican Rice recipe delivers a flavorful, vibrant side dish perfect for any Mexican or Tex-Mex meal. The rice is sautéed with onion and garlic, then simmered in a tomato and cumin-infused vegetable broth. Finished with fresh lime juice and optional cilantro, this dish is a delicious and easy addition to your dinner table.
- Author: Leo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the required ingredients and place them on your counter for easy access.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, ensuring not to brown it.
- Toast Rice: Add the rinsed long-grain white rice to the pan. Stir well to coat the rice evenly in oil and cook for 2-3 minutes to toast it slightly.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth, then stir in the cumin powder. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in fresh lime juice, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Rinse the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent sticking.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content and keep the dish healthier.
- For added depth of flavor, you can lightly toast the cumin powder in the pan before adding liquids.
- Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal note but can be omitted if preferred.
- If you desire a spicier version, add a pinch of chili powder or chopped jalapeño along with the cumin.
Keywords: Mexican rice, side dish, easy Mexican recipe, cumin rice, tomato rice, vegetarian Mexican dish