Mexican Rice
This Mexican rice recipe is an easy, restaurant-style side dish with big flavor. Light, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned, it pairs amazingly well with tacos, fajitas, or any Mexican-inspired meal.
Equipment
- 1 12-inch deep non-stick skillet (with lid)
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp oil (vegetable, canola, or olive)
- 2 cups long-grain white rice (such as Basmati)
- 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 ½ tsp Sazon seasoning (or 1 packet)
- 1 Tbsp tomato bouillon (see notes)
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 4 cups water
- 1 carrot (diced, optional)
- ½ cup peas (frozen or fresh, optional)
- cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Place uncooked rice in a a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear, to remove extra starch for a light, fluffy texture.
- Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rice and toast, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes, until the grains start to look slightly golden.
- Stir in the diced onion and optional diced carrot. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the Sazon, bouillon, tomato sauce, water, and optional peas. Stir thoroughly to ensure the bouillon is fully dissolved. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Once boiling, cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes. Important: Do not lift the lid or stir, as this will release the stem needed for fluffy rice.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit, still covered, for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming from the residual heat.
- Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Serve warm, topped with chopped fresh cilantro (optional).
Notes
Tomato bouillon:
- I use Knorr Caldo de Tomate con Sabor de Pollo (tomato bouillon with chicken flavor). This can be found at most local grocery stores in the Mexican aisle.
- If you cannot find tomato bouillon, it can be substituted with:
- Preferred: One teaspoon of Chicken "Better Than Bouillon" Base dissolved into the water (use warm water to help dissolve)
- Swap the 4 cups of water for 4 cups of chicken broth
- Use granulated chicken bouillon dissolved into the 4 cups of water
To store:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Pop in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir, and microwave for another 15-20 seconds or until warm.
Nutritional information provided is an estimate only, calculated using online calculators and do not include suggested or optional ingredients. Variations can occur due to ingredient freshness, brands, and measuring techniques.