Mexican Rice

Learn how to make restaurant-style Mexican Rice at home with this easy and authentic recipe. Tender and fluffy long-grain rice is seasoned with spices and mixed with veggies for the best flavor. Serve this simple and classic side dish on Cinco de Mayo or Taco Tuesday with all your favorites like tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas!

Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe

“Double rice, and no beans, please.”

Though I am now an avid refried beans eater, I would often request to double up on the Mexican rice at my favorite Mexican restaurant.

After all, the flavor is out-of-this-world, the grains are perfectly tender and fluffy, and those little bites of carrots and peas throughout—so, so good!

The more I learned to cook Mexican food at home, the more my desire to perfect the BEST and most AUTHENTIC Mexican rice recipe grew into an obsession.

And ladies and gents? I think we finally have a winner!

Unlike my much lazier and crazy easy Instant Pot Mexican Rice recipe (that uses a can of salsa!!) this one is made on the stovetop and is a bit more traditional.

It starts by sautéing up some onion and garlic, and then tomato sauce, Mexican spices, and long-grain white rice gets added in.

If you want to continue to expand your rice horizons, you have to try these Cilantro Lime Rice and Mango Coconut Rice recipes, as well!

What is Mexican Rice?

Mexican rice, also known as red rice, arroz rojo, or Spanish rice, is a rich and flavorful side dish often served in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.

The flavors come from cumin, chili powder, onion, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Because it is cooked in the seasoned liquid, the rice takes on a tender texture and has an intense flavor.

This is the best Mexican rice recipe. It’s easy to make at home, and your family will be begging for seconds.

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make this easy Mexican rice recipe include: 

• Rice. Long-grain white rice is needed. It is super important to not get short-grain or brown rice as it will change the ratio of liquid to rice. If you want a more floral taste try basmati rice or jasmine rice.
• Tomato sauce. This gives the rice the red color and subtle tomato flavor. Make sure it is not seasoned at all. Do not substitute with tomato paste or crushed tomatoes.
• Broth. A salty liquid that adds a ton of flavor. You can use chicken or vegetable, regular or reduced sodium. You may need to adjust the amount of salt you add depending on the saltiness of the broth.
• Spices. The traditional ground spices found in Mexican cuisine are cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Onion. Either sweet or white onion is ideal. Red onion can be used but it will be more pungent.
• Garlic. Fresh garlic cloves are best, but garlic powder can be subbed.
• Frozen vegetables. This recipe uses peas and carrots. You can leave them out or swap out one for the other. Canned is another option if that’s easier.

How to Cook Authentic Mexican Rice

Below are the steps to make this traditional Mexican rice:

Rinse the Rice

Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for 1-2 minutes. Look for when the water runs clear. This removes the starchy outer coating so the grains don’t clump together.

Cook the Onions

Sauté onion in a medium-sized pot or medium saucepan coated with oil over medium or medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Mix in the garlic and continue sautéing for an additional minute. You want it to just turn a light golden color.

Boil the Rice

Add rice, broth, tomato sauce, seasonings, and frozen peas and carrots. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 24-25 minutes.

Do NOT remove the lid until at least 22 minutes have passed. If you remove it too soon, the steam will escape and the rice will not fully cook. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the type of rice you choose.

Serve the Mexican Rice

Once the rice is cooked through and tender, fluff rice with a wooden spoon or fork and stir to combine all of the ingredients. Serve with chopped cilantro and enjoy!

Meal Prep and Storage

• To Prep-Ahead: Cook and serve immediately for the best texture.
• To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• To Freeze: Seal in an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 5-6 months.
• To Reheat: Pop in the microwave with a splash of water for 1 minute or until heated through. You can also add it to a skillet with a bit of oil and warm up over medium heat.

What kind of rice do Mexican restaurants use?

Mexican restaurants typically use long grain rice in their recipes. Though any type can be used, the longer grains soak up the flavor and become more tender.

Is Mexican Rice healthy? Gluten-free? Vegan?

Typically, Mexican rice is a healthy side dish that is also gluten-free and sometimes vegan. You’ll want to inquire about the ingredients, as sometimes chicken broth is used.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Longer is better. Use long-grain rice. Short-grain will come out clumpy and mushy.
• Rinse the rice. Run water over the rice in a strainer until it runs clear to remove the excess starch. 
• Broth before water. If you have it on hand, use broth. It adds tons of flavor!
• Take a taste. You don’t want to overly salt the rice.
• Make extra. Cook up some extra rice and freeze it for an easy future dinner. 

What to Serve with Mexican Rice?

Mexican rice goes with many things, but there are a few go-tos you’ll absolutely want to make.

Rice and beans are a favorite of many. So whip up some Refried Black Beans, Instant Pot Refried Black Beans, or Instant Pot Black Beans.

Of course, everyone loves Homemade Tortilla Chips and Guacamole, Fresh Tomato Salsa, Roasted Tomato Salsa, or Tomatillo Salsa Verde

More Mexican-Inspired Dishes

This Mexican rice makes the perfect side dish for tons of your favorite Mexican recipes. Try it with any of the following dishes!

Steak Fajitas, Baked Chicken Fajitas, and Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers are easy to make and so delicious.

Salsa Verde Enchiladas, Shredded Chicken Enchiladas, and Chicken Mole Enchiladas are traditional dishes everyone will love.

And don’t miss this Fiesta Lime Chicken!