Dinner
Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is long-grain white rice toasted briefly in oil, then simmered in tomato broth with onion, garlic, and a mix of peas and carrots until fluffy and flavorful. A staple on Mexican tables, it's simple, rustic, and pairs with virtually every main dish.
✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this
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Mexican Rice — common questions
Can I make Mexican rice ahead?
Yes, cook it completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet with 2 tablespoons water over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and fluffy again.
What if I don't have tomato sauce?
Blend 1 cup of fresh tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes with 1/2 cup broth, or use salsa roja (2/3 cup salsa plus 1/3 cup broth) as a substitute.
Why is my rice mushy or gummy?
You're either not toasting the rice long enough before adding liquid or stirring it during cooking; toast the rice for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, and do not lift the lid or stir for the entire 15–18 minutes of simmering.
Can I cook this in an instant-pot or rice cooker?
Yes: use the sauté function to toast the rice with oil, onion, and garlic for 3 minutes, add tomato sauce and broth, switch to rice mode, and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes with natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release; skip the frozen vegetables until the end so they don't get mushy.
What vegetable substitutes work in Mexican rice?
Diced bell peppers, corn, diced zucchini, or diced jalapeños all work well; add softer vegetables like peppers in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent mushiness.
How do I store and reheat leftover Mexican rice?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop in a covered skillet with 2 tablespoons water over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring gently, until warmed through and fluffy; alternatively, microwave covered on 50% power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.
More mexican & latin recipes
- Arroz con Pollo Recipe 55 min
- Beef Enchiladas Recipe 65 min
- Carne Asada Recipe 35 min
- Chilaquiles Recipe 35 min
- Chile Relleno Recipe 60 min
- Elote Recipe 22 min
- Flautas Recipe 45 min
- Horchata Recipe 20 min
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