If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that really brings comfort to the table, this Mexican Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. It blends fluffy, perfectly cooked rice with the bright, zesty notes of seasoned tomatoes and aromatic herbs, delivering a side dish that elevates any meal effortlessly. Whether you’re serving it alongside spicy tacos or comforting enchiladas, this recipe captures the heart of authentic Mexican flavors with each spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Mexican Rice Recipe is delightfully simple but essential. Each item plays a key role—whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding beautiful color, or ensuring the perfect texture for every grain.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle richness without overpowering the dish.
- Yellow onion (diced): Provides a sweet and savory base that melts beautifully when cooked.
- Minced garlic: Boosts flavor with its fragrant, slightly pungent notes that awaken the palate.
- White rice (jasmine preferred): This fluffy grain soaks up all the flavors while keeping a tender texture.
- Sazón Goya Con Culantro Y Achiote seasoning: Infuses the rice with authentic Latin spices and a hint of earthiness from achiote.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Contributes a tangy sweetness and lovely color to the final dish.
- Water: Essential for cooking the rice to perfection, letting it absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Oregano: Adds a warm, herbal undertone that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
How to Make Mexican Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, letting them cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and slightly translucent. This gentle sauté awakens their natural sweetness and lays a flavorful foundation for the rice.
Step 2: Toast the rice
Next, add the white rice to the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir it around for 1 to 2 minutes so the grains get lightly toasted. This step enhances the rice’s nutty aroma and keeps the grains from sticking together during cooking.
Step 3: Add seasonings and liquids
Now it’s time to pour in the Sazón Goya seasoning, diced tomatoes, water, and oregano. Stir everything together, making sure the seasonings are evenly incorporated. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil – this is when all those spices start to infuse deep into the rice.
Step 4: Simmer gently
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, keeping the pot covered tightly. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 10 minutes. Patience here is key—resist the urge to lift the lid or stir, so the rice can absorb the liquid perfectly and cook evenly.
Step 5: Final check and fluff
After 10 minutes, peek at the rice: if it seems watery, give it 2 or 3 more minutes of cooking time with the lid still on. When the liquid is fully absorbed, remove the pot from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Your Mexican Rice Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Mexican Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime over the rice just before serving to add a burst of freshness. You could also add a handful of diced avocado or a few jalapeño slices if you like a little kick.
Side Dishes
Mexican rice pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses like grilled chicken, carne asada, or refried beans. It’s also a wonderful bed for saucy dishes like chicken mole or enchiladas, so don’t hesitate to get creative.
Creative Ways to Present
Try shaping the rice into small mounds using a ramekin for a neat presentation or use it as a vibrant base for burrito bowls. For family-style meals, serve it in a colorful ceramic dish to highlight the stunning red and orange hues from the seasoning and tomatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Mexican rice into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
This Mexican Rice Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it gently in a covered pan on the stove or in the microwave. This helps restore moisture and keeps the grains fluffy rather than drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this Mexican Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice provides a nice balance of fragrance and texture, you can use long-grain white rice or even basmati. Just adjust the water and cooking time slightly as needed.
What if I don’t have Sazón Goya seasoning?
No worries! You can create a similar flavor by mixing ground cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of turmeric or annatto for color. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Mexican Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check that your seasoning packet doesn’t contain any additives with gluten if you have sensitivities.
Can I add vegetables to the rice?
Definitely! Peas, diced carrots, or corn can all be stirred in either right before simmering or folded in after cooking for extra color and nutrition.
How spicy is this Mexican Rice Recipe?
This particular recipe is mild, focusing on savory and aromatic flavors rather than heat. You can easily add chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want to turn up the spice.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Rice Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite side dishes because it’s so simple yet full of character. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel special and guests ask for seconds without fail. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a cherished staple in your home kitchen.
Print
Mexican Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This flavorful Mexican Rice recipe features perfectly cooked jasmine rice infused with a savory blend of Sazón Goya seasoning, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. It’s a quick and easy side dish that complements any Mexican meal, offering a vibrant and comforting taste with minimal prep and cook time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup white jasmine rice
- 1 packet Sazón Goya Con Culantro Y Achiote seasoning
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes slightly translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Toast Rice: Add the jasmine rice to the pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to lightly toast the rice and enhance its nutty flavor.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the Sazón Goya seasoning packet, diced tomatoes (with their juices), water, and oregano. Mix everything together well and cover the pot.
- Simmer Covered: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, keep the lid on, and cook for 10 minutes without stirring or opening the lid to allow the rice to absorb the liquid evenly.
- Finish Cooking: After 10 minutes, check the rice. If there is still excess water, cook uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not stir the rice while it is cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- If you cannot find Sazón Goya seasoning, substitute with a blend of ground annatto, cumin, garlic powder, and coriander.
- You can use long grain white rice instead of jasmine, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeño or chili powder during the sauté step.
- Make sure to use a pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam for even cooking.
