If you’re serving Mexican tacos, enchiladas, or other flavorful Mexican dishes, you need the perfect side to complement them. Enter Mexican rice—a vibrant, flavorful side dish made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. This rice is the ideal match for tacos, providing a satisfying and colorful addition to your meal.
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Mexican rice from scratch, using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. With just a few steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious side dish that will elevate your next Mexican dinner.
🍽️ Ingredients for Mexican Rice:
To make this flavorful Mexican rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
📝 How to Make Mexican Rice:
Step 1: Sauté the Rice and Onion
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice turns golden brown. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Next, add the diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet, followed by the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook the rice for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 4: Let it Rest
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve this delicious Mexican rice alongside your favorite Mexican dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.
🍴 Why Mexican Rice is a Classic Side Dish
Mexican rice is an essential part of Mexican cuisine. It’s savory, flavorful, and slightly tangy, making it the perfect side dish to balance out the richness of tacos or other Mexican main dishes. The combination of tomatoes, spices, and broth infuses the rice with deep flavors, making it an ideal complement to many meals.
🔗 Related Articles:
- Check out our Guacamole Recipe
– The ultimate dip for your taco feast.
- Want a perfect main dish to pair with this rice? Try our Beef Tacos Recipe.
