Easy Mexican Rice

Introduction

Easy Mexican Rice is a delicious and flavorful side dish that can add a nice touch to any meal. It’s simple to make and uses easy-to-find ingredients, making it a great choice for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs. This rice dish is perfect for pairing with tacos, burritos, or any of your favorite Mexican meals.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to love this Easy Mexican Rice. First, it’s quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s versatile enough to go with almost any main dish and is a great way to introduce new flavors to your dinner. Plus, this rice is packed with spices, making it fun and exciting for your taste buds!

How to Make Easy Mexican Rice

Ingredients:

2 cups long grain white rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon tomato bouillon
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups chicken broth
Salt (to taste)
Cilantro (for garnish)

Directions:

First, add the olive oil to a deep skillet over medium heat. Let the oil heat up until it’s shimmering.
Next, add the rice to the skillet. Cook the rice for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often until it starts to look slightly toasted on the edges. This step gives the rice a nice flavor.
Now, sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, tomato bouillon, and tomato paste. Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute more.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 15 minutes over medium-low heat.
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat but keep the pan covered on the stove for another 10 minutes. This helps the rice to finish cooking.
Finally, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste the rice and add salt if it needs more flavor.

How to Serve Easy Mexican Rice

You can serve Easy Mexican Rice with your favorite Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or chicken. It also works well with grilled vegetables or any protein of your choice. Don’t forget to garnish the rice with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor!

How to Store Easy Mexican Rice

If you have leftovers, store the rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. To heat it up, just add a splash of water in a skillet or microwave for a couple of minutes.

Tips to Make Easy Mexican Rice

Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This will help the rice stay fluffy.
You can adjust the spices according to your taste. If you love a bit of heat, consider adding some chili powder or diced jalapeños.
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Variation (If Any)

You can add cooked beans, corn, or bell peppers to the rice for a little more texture and taste. This makes it even heartier and can be served as a main dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make this rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

3. What can I do if the rice is too soggy?
If the rice gets too soggy, you can spread it out on a baking sheet and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes to help dry it out.

Enjoy your cooking and the tasty Easy Mexican Rice!