Easy & Authentic Mexican Rice You’ll Love

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of authentic Mexican rice. It’s a classic side dish that graces tables across Mexico and beyond—and once you learn how to make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to the boxed kind. With its bright reddish-orange color, rich tomato flavor, and perfectly fluffy texture, this rice is as delicious as it is versatile.

I’ve been making this easy Mexican rice for years, and it always hits the spot. Whether served alongside enchiladas, spooned into burritos, or paired with grilled chicken or shrimp, it’s one of those recipes that brings everyone to the table fast.

Let’s dive into how to make the best Mexican rice—flavorful, simple, and made with real ingredients.

Instructions

Rinse the Rice First
This step might feel skippable, but trust me—don’t skip it! Rinsing your long-grain white rice under cold water removes the surface starch that can cause the rice to become gummy. Rinse until the water runs mostly clear, then drain well. This is the first secret to fluffy rice that doesn’t clump.

Toast the Rice for Rich Flavor
Grab a large skillet or deep saucepan and heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the rinsed and drained rice. Stir continuously as the rice begins to toast. Within about 5–7 minutes, it should turn a beautiful golden-brown color. This toasting process gives the rice a slightly nutty flavor that makes it stand out—don’t rush it!

Cook the Onion and Garlic
Now toss in your finely chopped onion and sauté it with the toasted rice for 2–3 minutes, or until softened. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Your kitchen will already start to smell amazing.

Add the Tomato Puree
Pour in your blended fresh tomatoes (or canned tomato puree, if that’s what you have on hand) and stir to coat the rice. Let the tomato mixture cook with the rice for 2–3 minutes. This step helps the tomato flavor deepen and gives the rice its signature color.

Simmer with Broth and Spices
Add the chicken broth, salt, cumin, and a pinch of chili powder if you like a little heat. Stir well to combine, then bring everything to a gentle boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and let it simmer undisturbed for 15–20 minutes. Resist the temptation to peek under the lid—steam is key to even cooking.

Let It Rest and Fluff
After the rice is cooked and all the liquid is absorbed, remove the pan from heat but leave it covered for 5 more minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish steaming and firm up. Then, fluff gently with a fork.

Garnish and Serve
Top your rice with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and brightness, and serve it with lime wedges for a touch of acidity. You’ll love how easy this is!

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Tips and Tricks

Use Long-Grain White Rice
Stick with long-grain white rice for the best results. It cooks up fluffy, separates nicely, and doesn’t get too sticky. Basmati or jasmine can work in a pinch, but the texture will be slightly different.

Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference
Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onion give this dish an authentic homemade taste. If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, canned tomato puree or a mix of tomato paste and water works beautifully too.

Customize to Your Liking
Want to sneak in some veggies? Stir in some peas, diced carrots, or corn during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds color, texture, and a little extra nutrition.

Make It Vegetarian or Vegan
It’s easy to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Just be sure your tomato products are plant-based too.

Don’t Stir While Simmering
Once your lid is on and the rice is simmering, leave it alone. Stirring can disrupt the cooking process and make the rice mushy.

Double the Recipe for Meal Prep
This rice reheats beautifully, so go ahead and make a double batch! It’s perfect for weekday lunches, burrito bowls, or quick dinners.

Serving Suggestions

Authentic Mexican rice is one of those sides that go with just about everything. Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:

• Taco Night: Pile it on plates with your favorite tacos—think carne asada, grilled shrimp, or veggie tacos.
• Burrito Bowls: Build a burrito bowl with rice, black beans, sautéed peppers, and avocado.
• Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish. The rice soaks up all those savory juices.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use it as a flavorful base in stuffed bell peppers.
• Potluck Favorite: Add some corn, bell peppers, or jalapeños to turn it into a heartier dish that’s perfect for parties or BBQs.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating Leftovers
Let the rice cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, sprinkle in a little chicken or vegetable broth to bring back moisture. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing for Later
This rice also freezes really well! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, flattening them for quicker thawing. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, either microwave directly from frozen with a tablespoon of water, or thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Avoid These Mistakes

• Don’t store the rice while it’s still hot—this creates condensation and leads to soggy leftovers.
• Never leave rice out at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
• Divide leftovers into small portions to reheat only what you need, keeping the rest fresh for later.

Why This Recipe Works

Homemade Mexican rice is not only more flavorful than boxed versions, but it’s healthier too. You control the ingredients, salt level, and spice, plus there are no preservatives or additives. It’s also budget-friendly and makes an everyday meal feel a little more special.

This recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Mexican rice mushy?
Too much liquid or stirring while it simmers is usually the culprit. Be sure to use the correct ratio (1 cup of rice to 2 cups of liquid), rinse the rice beforehand, and let it simmer undisturbed.

Can I make this rice vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.

What rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is traditional and gives the best texture. Basmati or jasmine rice will also work, though the flavor and fluffiness will be slightly different. Brown rice takes longer and requires more liquid.

Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Stir in cooked shredded chicken, beef, or even sautéed shrimp at the end for a more filling meal. It transforms this side dish into a one-bowl dinner.

Final Thoughts
Making authentic Mexican rice is simpler than you might think, and the reward is so worth it. This dish is comforting, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Once you’ve mastered it, it’ll become your go-to recipe for all things Tex-Mex and Mexican-inspired.

So go ahead—grab your rice, tomatoes, and spices—and bring the warm, inviting flavors of Mexico to your table tonight!