Description

A simple and flavorful Easy Mexican Rice recipe featuring toasted long-grain white rice cooked with aromatic spices, tomato sauce, and broth, optionally enhanced with peas and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a side dish to complement Mexican meals or as a comforting standalone dish.

Ingredients

Rice and Aromatics

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional and Garnish

½ cup frozen peas (optional)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

Toast the rice: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the rice and stir continuously for 5–7 minutes until it turns lightly golden and fragrant, which enhances flavor and texture.
Sauté aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the toasted rice. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture becomes fragrant.
Add liquids and spices: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and tomato sauce. Stir in cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the rice: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Add peas (optional): If using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm through without overcooking.
Rest the rice: Remove the skillet from heat and keep covered. Let the rice sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to finish steaming and firm up.
Finish and serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in chopped fresh cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

Using broth instead of water adds extra flavor to the rice.
To make this recipe vegetarian, use vegetable broth and omit any meat-based broth.
Adjust the level of chili powder to control the spiciness according to your taste.
You can add other vegetables like diced carrots or corn along with peas for more texture.
For a richer flavor, toast the spices briefly with the rice before adding liquids.