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Authentic Mexican Rice

Authentic Mexican rice made with tomato sauce and vegetables for vibrant red, fluffy long-grain grains. Toasted rice and a short simmer in chicken broth create visible pieces of onion, carrot, and peas throughout.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rest covered 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Authentic Mexican Rice
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cup long-grain white rice
  • 0.5 white onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic minced
  • 2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 0.5 cup diced carrots
  • 0.5 cup frozen peas
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • 0.25 salt to taste
  • 0.25 pepper to taste
  • 1 fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Toast the rice base
  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the rice and stir constantly until it turns translucent and lightly toasted, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the finely diced white onion and minced garlic, then cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Simmer until tender
  1. Add the chicken broth, diced carrots, frozen peas, bay leaf, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed (visual cue: gentle bubbling under the lid).
Rest, fluff, and serve
  1. Remove from heat and let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
  2. Fluff the rice with a fork and remove the bay leaf.
  3. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

For best texture, keep the heat steady after adding the broth so the rice simmers (not hard-boils). Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of water. Freezing is yes—freeze up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge. For a vegetarian swap, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth while keeping everything else the same.