Spice Up Your Dinner: Delicious Mexican Rice Recipe

Hello, lovely foodies! Are you tired of the same old side dish at every dinner? Let’s spice things up with this delicious Mexican rice recipe! Using simple ingredients, you can create a savory and aromatic side dish that will complement any Mexican dish perfectly. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just looking to switch things up, this recipe is sure to impress!

Spice Up Your Dinner: Delicious Mexican Rice Recipe

This Mexican rice dish is loaded with flavor and texture. The dish is made with long-grain rice, diced tomatoes, onion and garlic sautéed in oil, and spices like chili powder and cumin. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. What’s not to love?

Making Delicious Mexican Rice at Home

One of the most well-known and cherished dishes in Mexican cuisine is the classic Mexican rice. This flavorful and aromatic side dish is a great accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired meal. Whether it’s with tacos, enchiladas, or any other Mexican dish you can think of, you can’t go wrong with a good bowl of Mexican rice. Fortunately, making it at home is easy, and it’s a great way to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Here’s how to make delicious Mexican rice at home.

Ingredients

Before you start cooking, you need to gather all the essential ingredients to make this delicious recipe. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

  • 2 cups of long-grain white rice
  • 4 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup of chopped onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon of chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • A few sprigs of fresh cilantro

Make sure to have all the ingredients before starting the cooking process.

Preparation

Preparing the ingredients is the first step to making delicious Mexican rice. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add in the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
  2. Add in the long-grain white rice to the skillet and stir it until it’s coated with the oil.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes, chili powder, ground cumin, and salt to the skillet and stir well.
  4. Add in the chicken broth and stir everything together until everything is well mixed.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.

Your pre-cooked Mexican rice is now ready for the next step.

Cooking

Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to cook the Mexican rice. Here’s how:

  1. Transfer the pre-cooked ingredients into a large pot or a rice cooker.
  2. Add 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot or the rice cooker and stir everything well.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, lower the heat to low, and cover the pot or the rice cooker.
  4. Cook the rice for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
  5. Fluff the rice with a fork and add in a few sprigs of fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
  6. Your delicious Mexican rice is now ready to be served hot.

Mexican rice is a classic and delicious side dish that is perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal. Making it at home is easy and requires only a few essential ingredients and simple steps to follow. Impress your family and friends with this homemade dish, and enjoy the flavors and aromas of Mexico in the comfort of your own home.

Alternative Mexican Rice Recipes

Vegetarian Mexican Rice

If you want to enjoy a healthier and vegetarian version of Mexican rice, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Adding fresh vegetables like bell peppers, corn, and peas to the rice will also make it more nutritious and flavorful.

To prepare vegetarian Mexican rice, begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add one chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves and cook for a few minutes until the onion is translucent.

Add 2 cups of long-grain white rice and stir for a few minutes until the rice is coated with the oil. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and one can of drained and rinsed black beans, then stir in one chopped bell pepper, half a cup of frozen corn, and half a cup of frozen peas. Season with one teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper and bring the rice to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow the rice to sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it as a tasty and healthy side dish.

Spicy Mexican Rice

For those who enjoy a spicy kick with their meals, adding some diced jalapeños or chili flakes while cooking will give your Mexican rice a fiery flavor.

To make spicy Mexican rice, begin by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add one diced onion and two minced garlic cloves and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent.

Add 2 cups of long-grain rice and stir it for a few minutes until the rice is coated with oil. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and one can of diced tomatoes, then add one diced jalapeño pepper, one tablespoon of chili powder, and one teaspoon of ground cumin. Stir to combine and bring the rice to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow the rice to sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro and a slice of lime.

Tomato-less Mexican Rice

If you are not a fan of tomato chunks in your Mexican rice, substitute them with tomato sauce or diced bell peppers. This alternative Mexican rice recipe is still delicious and flavorful without any tomatoes.

To make tomato-less Mexican rice, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add one diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent.

Add 2 cups of long-grain rice and stir it for a few minutes until the rice is coated with oil. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and one can of tomato sauce, then add one diced bell pepper, one teaspoon of ground cumin, and one teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine and bring the rice to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow the rice to sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it hot as a satisfying and delicious side dish.

Serving Suggestions for Mexican Rice

While Mexican rice is delicious on its own, there are many creative ways you can serve it with other dishes or even as a main course. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a filling and nutritious meal, here are a few serving suggestions that will take your Mexican rice to the next level.

Side Dish

One of the most popular ways to serve Mexican rice is as a side dish to other entrees. The versatility of Mexican rice makes it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, including chicken, steak, fish, and vegetables. A simple serving of Mexican rice alongside your favorite protein will add a delicious touch to any meal.

Mexican Rice Bowls

If you’re looking for a healthy and filling meal, try making a Mexican rice bowl. To create a rice bowl, simply add some beans, avocado, and salsa to your Mexican rice. You can also top it off with some shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro for added flavor. This hearty and delicious meal is perfect for lunch or dinner, and is guaranteed to satisfy your hunger.

Rice-Stuffed Vegetables

If you want to get really creative with your Mexican rice, try using it as a stuffing for vegetables like Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Zucchini, or Squash. This technique not only makes for a pretty and colorful presentation, but it also adds an extra layer of flavor and nutrition to your meal. Simply cut off the top of your vegetable, scoop out the insides, and stuff it with your delicious Mexican rice. Bake it in the oven until tender, and voila! You have a wholesome and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Whether you prefer Mexican rice as a side dish, as a main course, or stuffed inside your favorite vegetables, there are many ways to enjoy this delicious and versatile dish. With a little creativity and imagination, you can turn a simple bowl of rice into a culinary masterpiece.

Say Goodbye to Boring Dinners

We hope you enjoyed our delicious Mexican rice recipe and are excited to try it out for yourself. With its spicy flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family meal. So next time you’re stuck in a cooking rut, remember to spice things up with a classic Mexican dish.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article and explore new recipes in the kitchen. We always strive to provide our readers with fun and easy-to-follow recipes that are sure to please. Be sure to visit us again for more tasty meal ideas and don’t forget to share your favorite dishes with us on social media. Happy cooking!

FAQ

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?

Yes, brown rice can be used instead of white rice. Keep in mind that it will take longer to cook and may require additional liquid.

2. Can I substitute frozen vegetables for fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the recipe.

3. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan. Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

4. Can I make this recipe in a rice cooker?

Yes, this recipe can be made in a rice cooker. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking rice.

5. Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken, beef or shrimp to this recipe for added protein.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

7. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.

8. Can I use salsa instead of diced tomatoes?

Yes, you can use salsa instead of diced tomatoes for added flavor.

9. Can I omit the chili powder?

Yes, you can omit the chili powder if you prefer a milder flavor.

10. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes, you can add shredded cheese to this recipe for added flavor and creaminess.