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Easy Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice Recipe

A close-up of a generous serving of vibrant orange Mexican rice with visible pieces of tomato and green peppers.
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Learn how to make authentic, fluffy Mexican rice at home using simple ingredients. This quick recipe delivers the flavorful side dish you expect from your favorite Mexican restaurant, perfect for weeknight dinners or Taco Night.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the rice to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the grains turn light golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. This toasting step is key for authentic flavor.
  3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt, cumin, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
  7. Cover the saucepan tightly with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Remove the pan from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots.
  9. Keep the pan covered and let the rice steam off the heat for an additional 10 minutes to ensure it is perfectly fluffy.
  10. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • For a gluten free Mexican rice option, confirm your chicken broth is certified gluten free.
  • To achieve the best restaurant-style flavor, do not skip toasting the rice in oil until golden.
  • If you prefer a richer color, substitute 1/4 cup of the chicken broth with water and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste instead of tomato sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/easy-mexican-rice-recipe/