Rice & Beans

Mexican Style Rice

Name: Mexican Style Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium tomatoes, diced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

By Wesley Pemberton · June 19, 2026 · Rice & Beans

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

As a second-generation Mexican-American, I grew up surrounded by the sights, smells, and tastes of traditional Mexican cuisine. One of my favorite dishes from my childhood is Mexican Style Rice, a flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals. In this recipe, I'll share with you my secrets for making the perfect Mexican Style Rice, just like my abuela used to make.

Mexican Style Rice is more than just a side dish - it's a staple in Mexican cuisine. It's a dish that's deeply rooted in tradition and culture, and it's often served at family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. The key to making great Mexican Style Rice is to use high-quality ingredients, to cook the rice with care and attention, and to add just the right amount of flavor and spice.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and tomatoes, along with some dried spices and herbs, to give our Mexican Style Rice its distinctive flavor and aroma. We'll also be using long-grain rice, which is the traditional type of rice used in Mexican cuisine. With these simple ingredients and a bit of practice, you'll be able to make delicious Mexican Style Rice that's sure to impress your family and friends.

So, let's get started! In this recipe, we'll take you through the steps of making authentic Mexican Style Rice, from preparation to cooking and serving. We'll also share some tips and variations to help you make the most of this recipe and to make it your own.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine and wants to learn how to make a traditional and delicious side dish. So, let's cook up some Mexican Style Rice and enjoy the flavors and traditions of Mexico!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
Mexican Style Rice is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.
The dish is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions.
You can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Mexican Style Rice is a budget-friendly option for a delicious and flavorful meal.
The recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
You can make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Mexican Style Rice is to use a combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and tomatoes, along with some dried spices and herbs, to give the rice its distinctive flavor and aroma. By cooking the rice with these ingredients, we're able to create a rich and savory flavor profile that's characteristic of Mexican cuisine.

Another important factor in making great Mexican Style Rice is to use the right type of rice. Long-grain rice is the traditional type of rice used in Mexican cuisine, and it's the best choice for this recipe. Long-grain rice is lighter and fluffier than other types of rice, which makes it perfect for absorbing the flavors of the dish without becoming mushy or sticky.

Finally, the way we cook the rice is also important. By sautéing the onions, garlic, and tomatoes in a bit of oil before adding the rice, we're able to create a rich and flavorful base for the dish. Then, by cooking the rice with the right amount of liquid and heat, we're able to create a tender and fluffy texture that's perfect for serving.

By following these simple steps and using the right ingredients, you'll be able to make delicious Mexican Style Rice that's sure to impress your family and friends. So, let's get cooking and enjoy the flavors of Mexico!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Mexican Style Rice, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including long-grain rice, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and some dried spices and herbs. You'll also need some oil and chicken broth to cook the rice. Be sure to use high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor and texture out of your dish.

When shopping for ingredients, look for long-grain rice that's fresh and of good quality. You can find this type of rice at most grocery stores or online. For the onions, garlic, and tomatoes, choose fresh and flavorful ingredients that are free of blemishes and damage. Finally, be sure to use dried spices and herbs that are fresh and of good quality to get the best flavor out of your dish.

1 cup long-grain riceLong-grain rice is the traditional type of rice used in Mexican cuisine, and it's the best choice for this recipe. Look for fresh and high-quality rice that's free of debris and damage.
2 tablespoons vegetable oilVegetable oil is a good choice for cooking Mexican Style Rice because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point. You can also use other types of oil, such as canola or peanut oil, if you prefer.
1 medium onion, dicedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to Mexican Style Rice. Choose a fresh and flavorful onion that's free of blemishes and damage.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in Mexican cuisine, and it adds a rich and savory flavor to Mexican Style Rice. Choose fresh and flavorful garlic that's free of blemishes and damage.
2 medium tomatoes, dicedTomatoes add a burst of fresh flavor to Mexican Style Rice. Choose fresh and flavorful tomatoes that are free of blemishes and damage.
1 teaspoon dried oreganoDried oregano is a key herb in Mexican cuisine, and it adds a rich and savory flavor to Mexican Style Rice. Choose fresh and high-quality dried oregano that's free of debris and damage.
1 teaspoon ground cuminGround cumin is a key spice in Mexican cuisine, and it adds a warm and earthy flavor to Mexican Style Rice. Choose fresh and high-quality ground cumin that's free of debris and damage.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavor of Mexican Style Rice and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Choose a high-quality salt that's free of additives and preservatives.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp and savory flavor to Mexican Style Rice. Choose a high-quality black pepper that's free of additives and preservatives.
2 cups chicken brothChicken broth is a key ingredient in Mexican Style Rice, and it helps to cook the rice and add flavor to the dish. Choose a low-sodium chicken broth that's free of additives and preservatives.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantroChopped fresh cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to Mexican Style Rice. Choose fresh and flavorful cilantro that's free of blemishes and damage.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large saucepan with a heavy bottomColander or fine-mesh strainerCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Mexican Style Rice

1
Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water, stirring occasionally, until the water runs clear. Drain the rice and set it aside.
2
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F on an instant-read thermometer.
3
Add the diced onion to the saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's translucent and starting to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5
Add the diced tomatoes to the saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to break down and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
6
Add the dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
7
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until the rice is coated in the oil and spice mixture.
8
Add the chicken broth to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
9
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
10
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
11
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro.
12
Serve the Mexican Style Rice hot, garnished with additional chopped cilantro if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor and texture out of your dish.
Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and impurities.
Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to cook the rice, as this will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the rice from burning.
Don't overcook the rice, as this can make it dry and unappetizing.
Let the rice rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the flavors to meld together and the rice to become fluffy and tender.
Experiment with different ingredients and spices to make the dish your own.
Use leftover Mexican Style Rice to make a delicious and easy meal, such as a rice bowl or a stuffed pepper.
Make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality ingredients can result in a dish that's lacking in flavor and texture.
Not rinsing the rice before cooking can result in a dish that's sticky and unappetizing.
Overcooking the rice can make it dry and unappetizing.
Not using enough liquid can result in a dish that's dry and unappetizing.
Not letting the rice rest before serving can result in a dish that's not fluffy and tender.
Not experimenting with different ingredients and spices can result in a dish that's boring and unappetizing.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced chicken or beef to the dish to make it more substantial.
Use different types of rice, such as brown rice or jasmine rice, to change the flavor and texture of the dish.
Add different spices and herbs, such as cumin or coriander, to give the dish a unique flavor.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian.
Add diced vegetables, such as carrots or peas, to the dish to make it more nutritious.
Use leftover Mexican Style Rice to make a delicious and easy meal, such as a rice bowl or a stuffed pepper.
Make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

What to Serve With Mexican Style Rice

Mexican Style Rice is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Serve it with grilled meats, such as steak or chicken, or with vegetables, such as roasted bell peppers or sautéed spinach. You can also use it as a base for other dishes, such as a rice bowl or a stuffed pepper.

Some other ideas for serving Mexican Style Rice include:

Grilled chicken or steak with roasted vegetables

Vegetarian dishes, such as stuffed peppers or vegetable stir-fries

Seafood, such as shrimp or fish, with a side of sautéed spinach

Rice bowls with grilled meats, vegetables, and sauces

Stuffed peppers with Mexican Style Rice, ground beef, and cheese

Grilled chicken or steak with roasted vegetablesVegetarian dishes, such as stuffed peppers or vegetable stir-friesSeafood, such as shrimp or fish, with a side of sautéed spinachRice bowls with grilled meats, vegetables, and saucesStuffed peppers with Mexican Style Rice, ground beef, and cheeseTacos with Mexican Style Rice, ground beef, and toppings

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Mexican Style Rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. To refrigerate, let the rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze, let the rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the rice overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and fluffy.

Some tips for storing and reheating Mexican Style Rice include:

Let the rice cool to room temperature before storing it to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Use airtight containers or freezer bags to store the rice and prevent it from drying out.

Reheat the rice slowly and gently to prevent it from becoming dry and unappetizing.

Experiment with different ingredients and spices to make the dish your own and to keep it interesting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice is best for Mexican Style Rice?

Long-grain rice is the traditional type of rice used in Mexican cuisine, and it's the best choice for this recipe. Look for fresh and high-quality rice that's free of debris and damage.

Can I use different types of oil to cook the rice?

Yes, you can use different types of oil to cook the rice, such as canola or peanut oil. However, vegetable oil is a good choice because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.

How do I know when the rice is cooked?

The rice is cooked when it's tender and fluffy, and when the liquid is absorbed. You can check the rice by fluffing it with a fork and looking for a tender and separate grain.

Can I make Mexican Style Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Mexican Style Rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Simply let the rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

What are some variations I can make to the recipe?

Some variations you can make to the recipe include adding diced chicken or beef, using different types of rice, and adding different spices and herbs. You can also use leftover Mexican Style Rice to make a delicious and easy meal, such as a rice bowl or a stuffed pepper.

How do I reheat Mexican Style Rice?

To reheat Mexican Style Rice, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and fluffy. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the rice to help it reheat more evenly.

Can I freeze Mexican Style Rice?

Yes, you can freeze Mexican Style Rice. Simply let the rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How long does Mexican Style Rice last in the refrigerator?

Mexican Style Rice can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Simply let the rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

Can I make Mexican Style Rice in a rice cooker?

Yes, you can make Mexican Style Rice in a rice cooker. Simply add the ingredients to the rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The Full Recipe

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