The Ultimate Mexican Rice Recipe

Ali murphy sitting at a table in restaurant looking to the side

Hi! I'm Ali. I've been traveling for ten years, collecting recipes from local people from Mexico. Check out our recipes submitted from women around the world with videos and printable PDFs. Explore Fritter > 

Craving bold and vibrant flavors? Look no further than Mexican Rice


With a perfect blend of spices, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, this authentic recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican dishes. 


Plus, it's easy to make and requires only a handful of ingredients - perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. 


Whether you're hosting a fiesta or looking to spice up your routine, this Mexican Rice dish is sure to impress.

Big serving bowl of mexican rice on a table with mexican textiles

What's the difference between a Mexican Rice Recipe and Spanish Rice?


Looking for a side dish with some serious flavor? Look no further than Mexican Rice and Spanish Rice! But what's the difference, you ask?

  1. Origin: Mexican rice is traditional Mexican cuisine, while Spanish rice comes from Spain but was later introduced to Mexico.

  2. Flavor: Mexican rice has a tomato-based sauce with a blend of spices like cumin and chili powder, while Spanish rice often features saffron for a more earthy taste and yellow color.

  3. Ingredients: Mexican rice includes onions, garlic, and bell peppers, whereas Spanish rice may include chorizo, seafood or peas.

  4. Cooking method: Mexican rice is sautéed in oil before adding liquid, while Spanish rice is cooked in a tomato-based sauce with other ingredients.

So whether you're feeling spicy or earthy, there's a rice dish for everyone!


How do you make Mexican Rice? It's easy.


Follow these simple steps for tasty Mexican Rice (full recipe below!)


1. Prepare:

To prepare the rice, start by rinsing it in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then drain it well. 


2. Sauté:

 In a large saucepan, heat some oil over medium-high heat, then add the rice and sauté it until lightly browned. Next, add chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté them until the onions are translucent.

3. Mix it Up:

Pour in chicken broth or water, followed by tomato sauce, salt, cumin, and chili powder, if desired. 


4. Simmer:

Stir well, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.


5. Let it Sit and Fluff:

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. You can customize the recipe by adding additional ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or corn, to give the rice more flavor and texture

The Best Mexican Rice Recipe (Super Simple!)

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