Name: Easy Mexican Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2-3 tablespoons canola or olive oil; 1 ½ cups long grain white rice; ½ cup finely diced onion; 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups chicken broth (or water); ¾ cup tomato sauce; ½ teaspoon ground cumin (or taco seasoning); 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; Optional: Chopped cilantro for garnish

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Let’s talk about Mexican Rice, or Arroz Rojo. This dish is a highlight of Mexican cuisine, loved for its vibrant red color and rich flavors. It’s more than just a side dish – it’s a testament to the cultural mixing that defines Mexican cooking.

Rice was introduced by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century and quickly became a staple in Mexico. It blended beautifully with local ingredients like tomatoes and spices. My version of Easy Mexican Rice is inspired by this history, simplified for a quick and delicious meal anyone can enjoy.

Recipe Overview

Here are the basics of the recipe:

Time and Servings: This recipe takes 40 minutes in total – 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. It serves six, but you can easily scale it up or down.
Difficulty: This is beginner-friendly. You don’t need extensive cooking skills.
Equipment: You’ll need a large skillet with a lid (non-stick is ideal), and a fork for fluffing the rice.
Make-Ahead Options: You can make this rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for three months.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need:

2-3 tablespoons of oil (canola or olive) for a neutral flavor.
1 ½ cups of long grain white rice, the base of the dish.
½ cup of diced onion and 2-3 cloves of minced garlic for added depth.
3 cups of chicken broth or water, or use vegetable broth for vegan.
¾ cup of tomato sauce gives our rice its signature color and flavor.
½ teaspoon of ground cumin for a warm note.
1 teaspoon of Kosher salt to enhance flavors.
Optional chopped cilantro for freshness.

You can customize with more vegetable broth for vegan options, add more tomato sauce, or spice it up with jalapenos.

Step-by-Step Method

Now, let’s cook!

Heat Oil and Toast Rice: Begin with heating oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add rice and cook until it’s lightly golden. This is the key step for flavor.
Cook Onion and Garlic: Push the rice aside, add the onion, and cook until it softens. Stir in garlic and cook for one more minute. Mix everything together.
Add Liquid and Spices: Stir in broth, tomato sauce, cumin, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let it simmer until the rice is cooked through.
Fluff and Season: Once cooked, remove from heat and gently fluff with a fork. Add cilantro for freshness if desired.

Pro Tips

Rinse the rice before cooking to prevent sticking.
Toast the rice well for extra flavor.
Use a non-stick pan if you can.
Avoid over-stirring to keep the rice from becoming mushy.

Variations and Customizations

Mexican Rice is super versatile. Here are some ideas:

Dietary Adjustments: Use vegetable broth for vegan, or add more veggies like carrots or peas.
Spice Level: Add jalapenos for more heat or reduce for less.
Fancy vs. Simple Versions: Add shrimp for a fancy meal or keep it simple with the basics.
Seasonal Twists: Add corn or bell peppers in summer for extra flavor and color.

Serving and Storage

Now, let’s talk about serving and storing your delicious Mexican Rice:

Plating Ideas: Serve with tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. Add cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
Best Side Dishes: Pair it with refried beans, roasted veggies, or a green salad.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for three months. Reheat with a bit of water or broth to keep moisture.

With these tips and techniques, you’re ready to make an authentic and delicious Mexican Rice dish that will become a favorite in your kitchen!