Easy Mexican Rice Recipe – SHK

This easy Mexican rice recipe is the perfect side dish for tacos, enchiladas, burrito bowls, grilled chicken, and all your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. Transforms simple pantry ingredients into fluffy, flavorful noodles the whole family will love.

What is Mexican Rice?

Mexican rice, also called Spanish rice, is a flavorful side dish made by lightly frying white rice and boiling it with tomatoes, broth, onions, garlic, and spices. Roasting rice gives it a slightly nutty flavor and helps the grains separate and stay fluffy as they cook.

Although the names Mexican rice and Spanish rice are often used interchangeably in the United States, this tomato-based rice is especially common with Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Rice Recipe

This homemade Mexican rice is flavorful without being overly spicy, making it a great choice for kids and adults alike. It also uses inexpensive pantry staples and comes together in one pan for easy cleanup.

It also:

• Chewy and full of flavor
• easy customization
• Naturally dairy-free
• It can be made easily as a vegetarian diet.
• Perfect for meal prep
• freezer friendly
• Delicious with almost any Mexican-inspired entree.

The secret to chewy Mexican rice

The most important step in this Mexican rice recipe is toasting the rice before adding the liquid. Cooking the grains in oil until lightly golden brown adds flavor and helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky or mushy.

Rinsing the rice is also important. By removing excess surface starch, cooked grains remain fluffy and separated.

After adding the broth, do not stir the rice or lift the lid repeatedly. Keeping the pan covered will allow the rice to cook evenly in the trapped steam.

Tips for Making the Best Mexican Rice

Use long grain white rice

Long-grain rice provides the lightest, fluffiest texture. Jasmine rice also works, but has a softer texture and may taste slightly different.

Wash the rice well and drain the water.

Rinse the rice until the water is almost clear and drain completely. Too much water can affect the liquid ratio and make the finished rice too soft.

Toast until lightly golden.

The rice does not need to be dark brown. Roast just until some grains look golden and smell slightly nutty.

Keep the lid closed

Opening the lid may release steam, which may interfere with the cooking process. Wait until the rice is completely boiled before checking.

Please let Bob rest.

Let the covered rice rest for 5 to 10 minutes to distribute the remaining moisture evenly. This will help the rice fluff up more easily and improve its texture.

Kid-Friendly Tips

This recipe is full of flavor without adding a lot of heat. For children who are sensitive to spicy food, reduce or remove the red pepper powder.

If your child prefers rice without onion bits visible, you can also mix the tomato sauce, onions, and broth before adding them to the pan.

You can easily add additional vegetables by adding peas, carrots, corn, or chopped bell peppers. Let the kids choose which vegetables they want to add to their rice.

Mexican Rice Variations

Add Vegetables

Stir in frozen peas, carrots, corn, chopped green peppers, or chopped pumpkin. You can add frozen vegetables during resting time, or fresh vegetables should be sautéed with onions.

Add beans

After the rice is cooked, drain the water and mix it with washed black beans or pinto beans to make a more hearty side dish.

Make it spicy

Add a spoonful of chopped jalapenos, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or chopped green peppers.

Make it vegetarian

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Add the flavor of tomatoes

Replace some of the broth with additional tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, or mixed fresh tomatoes. Keep the overall amount of liquid approximately the same.

Add protein

Adding shredded chicken, seasoned ground turkey, taco meat, or cooked shrimp can turn this side dish into a complete meal.

How to Store Mexican Rice

Let the remaining rice cool and then place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of broth or water. Cover the rice with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to restore moisture.

You can also reheat it in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a tablespoon or two of broth and stir occasionally until warm.

Can you freeze Mexican rice?

Mexican rice freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Let the rice cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Store frozen for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen. Add a little water or stock before reheating to prevent the rice from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Mexican rice turn mushy?

Sloppy rice is usually caused by too much liquid, too much water left in rinsed rice, frequent stirring, or cooking for too long. Measure the ingredients carefully and do not open the lid while the rice is boiling.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires more water and takes longer to cook. Follow the liquid proportions and cooking instructions on the rice package, keeping the tomato sauce and seasonings to taste.

Can I use powdered rice?

Instant rice is not recommended for this cooking method because it requires a different amount of liquid and cooks much faster than regular long grain rice.

Can I make Mexican rice in advance?

yes. Prepare rice up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Reheat with broth or water before serving.

Is Mexican rice spicy?

This version is gentle and family friendly. Red pepper powder adds warmth and flavor rather than significant calories. You can omit it for a milder dish, or add jalapenos and cayenne for a spicier version.

More Mexican-inspired recipes: