How to Make Mexican Rice Recipe for all your Tex-Mex meals! (2024)

FAQs

What kind of rice is served at Mexican restaurants? ›

The most popular type of rice used in Mexico is a medium long grain rice. Two types are cultivated in Mexico, Sinaloa (long grain) and Morelos (short grain). Rice is served as a food, in and of itself, in Mexican meals.

Spanish rice has a firmer texture and stronger aroma compared to Mexican rice, it gets its sweet yet savory flavor as well as its golden color from saffron. As it is more absorbent, Spanish rice is also better suited for dishes that need to be slow cooked.

Ingredients Needed:

Long Grain White Rice: Washing the rice is crucial to remove the outer starch, allowing the rice to cook fluffy. If you'd like to use Brown Rice, increase liquid by ½ cup and cook for 40 minutes, following the same resting instructions.

If you're a fan of homemade Mexican food, a good Mexican rice recipe is a must. Often referred to as Spanish rice or “arroz rojo,” this classic dish features long-grain rice simmered in a tomato-infused broth, seasoned with onions, garlic, cumin, and chili powder — lending it that iconic reddish-orange color.

However, in southern Mexico, ​plain white rice is more common. But since adding the broth, tomato, onion, and garlic is the Mexican way to add flavor to rice, calling the dish "Mexican rice" indicates rice that is made in the Mexican style.

Mexican rice, arroz a la Mexicana, is orange because it's cooked with tomatoes or tomato sauce. Mexican rice isn't just steamed rice, it is sautéed and browned in oil, often with chopped onions and garlic. After browning the rice, chicken broth and chopped tomatoes are added to the rice before steaming it.

Add lots of pepper. Stir in a couple of tablespoons minced fresh herbs, ideally warmed first in melted butter. Cook a couple of tablespoons minced garlic, leek, scallion, or shallot in olive oil or butter until just soft to add while fluffing. Add lemon juice to taste (great with butter and pepper).

The big picture: Mexican rice is one of the healthier ways to eat rice. Cooking rice with vegetables and olive oil adds extra vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your rice.

According to its shape, there are four kinds of rice: short grain, medium grain, long grain and wild rice. Short grain rice is used mostly in Asia, particularly in the elaboration of sushi. Medium grain rice is the one most used in the Spanish cuisine, while long grain rice is the most widely sold in the United States.

Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; season with onion powder and garlic powder. Stir in rice and cook until golden, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in water and tomato sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, about 15 minutes.

Why doesn't my Mexican rice come out fluffy? ›

Top tips for the perfect fluffy (not sticky) rice:

Stir frequently to make sure the rice doesn't burn. Once you add the liquid and seasonings, give it a good stir once to combine all the ingredients. Put the lid on the pot, and do not stir it again until it is finished cooking.

The method used to make Mexican rice involves lightly frying the uncooked rice in oil which helps it absorb more flavor from the seasoning and cook to a perfect consistency. In addition, a traditional blend of spices and diced vegetables and potatoes create unique flavor.

If your rice is really wet and mushy, you probably added too much water and/or overcooked it. This recipe is kindly sponsored by Mahatma® Rice. I carry their products in my kitchen at all times!

For tender grains of rice that easily separate, such as in a pilaf, use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. You can also use another liquid like stock in this 2:1 ratio. For slightly chewier, fluffy white rice, use 1 1/2 cups of water for every cup of rice, or a 1.5:1 ratio.

Long grain white rice is most common rice used in traditional American recipes, and it's also popular in Asian and Mexican cuisine.

The perfect kind of rice for burritos

Many use jasmine or basmati rice for an even better flavor and aroma. Cilantro lime rice is also one of the recommended types. If you're looking for a bit of spice, try adding Mexican-style seasonings like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano.

Jasmine rice and basmati rice are both types of long grain white rice. Jasmine rice and basmati rice both make a delicious side dish, thanks to the aromatic qualities of the rice. Basmati is chewy and firm, while jasmine is fluffy and moist. The rice you choose depends on the texture you want to achieve in your dish.

Spanish Rice Recipe Ingredients

Long-grain white rice, such as basmati, works best in this recipe. You can also use brown rice, but you'll need to increase the broth measurement to 2 cups. Simmer the rice for 45 minutes instead of 15.