Easy Mexican Rice Recipe - Megan vs Kitchen (2024)

This super easy Mexican rice recipe is the perfect side dish for your Mexican or Tex-Mex dinner. I love making these with my chicken enchiladas and Shredded Chicken Tacos. You only need a few simple ingredients to make this easy side!

🥰 Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Great side dish with simple ingredients
• Perfect side for Taco Tuesday
• Taste just like the rice from your favorite Mexican restaurant

Ingredients & Substitutions

Long Grain White Rice

Oil- Olive oil or any neutral oil, like vegetable or canola, will work. Butter is also a good substitute.

Tomato Paste- Give the rice its signature red color and flavor.

Broth- You will need either chicken broth or vegetable broth. I prefer chicken broth. You can also use vegetable or chicken stock.

Seasoning- A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and salt gives the rice that iconic flavor.

Peas- I used frozen peas in the recipe. They taste better than canned peas.

Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below

How to Make Mexican Rice

Step 1: Rinse rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and cook over medium heat until the rice is lightly golden brown.

Step 3: Mix in chicken broth, tomato paste, and seasoning. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Once the rice is done, let it cook for an additional 3 minutes without the lid on it, then mix in the peas and garnish with cilantro.

Why Do I Toast The Rice?

Toasting rice in oil gives it a nutty flavor and a chewy texture. It prevents the rice from becoming mushy and helps it absorb other flavors.

Tips for the Best Rice

• Rinse your rice before cooking it. this helps to get rid of excess starch that will make your rice mushy.
• Once the rice is done, let it cook uncovered for an additional 3-4 minutes. This will give the rice a texture similar to the one you find at restaurants.

• Crispy Refried Beans Tacos- This is a great recipe to make when you don't feel like cooking. Only have 5 ingredients and 4 simple steps.
• Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas- Tender and juicy shredded beef wrapped in a tortilla and smothered in enchilada sauce and melted cheese. These tex-mex enchiladas are easy, simple, and delicious.
• Chicken Enchiladas- The best enchiladas are made with corn tortillas! These enchiladas use slow cooker salsa chicken and corn tortillas.
• Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Tacos- Easy and simple Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos take no time to throw together and always come out delicious!
• Burrito Bowls- This rice will amp up the flavor of your burrito bowls!

Recipe Questions

What's the difference between Mexican rice and Spanish rice?
Mexican rice, or "arroz rojo," typically includes tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cumin. Spanish rice, a US term, often has saffron, tomatoes, and bell peppers. People sometimes use the two interchangeably, but they are different.

More Mexican Side Dishes

• Homemae Pico de Gallo
• Quesadilla Sauce
• Queso Dip