Description
This Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe delivers a vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring fluffy long-grain white rice cooked to perfection and combined with a fragrant tomato base, aromatic spices, melty Mexican Blend cheese, and a hint of smoky chipotle. Fresh cilantro and lime juice elevate the flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment for any Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Rice and Base
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Tomato and Spice Mixture
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (with juice)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
Final Ingredients
- ½ cup Mexican Blend cheese
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lime
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Cook the long-grain white rice according to the package directions, ensuring it becomes fluffy and perfectly tender. Once cooked, set the rice aside for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Prepare the Flavorful Tomato Base: Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice to the skillet along with ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir to combine and cook for about 1 minute to allow the spices to meld. Remove the skillet from heat to avoid overcooking the mixture.
- Combine and Incorporate Final Ingredients: Transfer the cooked rice into the skillet with the tomato and spice mixture. Add Mexican Blend cheese, minced chipotle pepper if using, chopped fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly combined and the cheese begins to melt into the rice, creating a creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the Mexican rice and garnish with additional chopped cilantro for a fresh and bright finish. Serve the dish warm as a flavorful side to your favorite Mexican meals.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave the seeds in the chipotle pepper or add more according to taste.
- Use fresh tomatoes and roasted chilies if canned ingredients are not available for a more authentic flavor.
- This rice pairs well with grilled meats, beans, and tacos.
- To make this recipe vegan, omit the butter and cheese or substitute with vegan alternatives.
- Cooking rice with slightly less water than usual helps keep it fluffy and prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed later.
