Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is a flavorful side dish that complements any Mexican meal perfectly. With its rich tomato base and fresh cilantro, it brings vibrant color and taste to your dinner table. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long grain rice
• 1/4 cup oil
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 3 tsp salt
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt, minced garlic, cumin, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Stir everything together to combine and cover the pan with a lid.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the rice simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Step 6: Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the chopped cilantro, and serve. For extra flavor, sprinkle some cheese like Cotija on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

• To add a smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of cumin.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
• For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño along with the garlic.
• Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.

Storage

Store leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of long grain rice?

Yes, white long grain rice works best for this recipe because it cooks evenly and stays fluffy, but other white rice varieties can be used with similar results.

Can I prepare this rice in advance?

Absolutely. You can make the rice ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it before serving. Fluffing it up again after reheating helps maintain its texture.

Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 110 reviews

This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice recipe delivers flavorful, fluffy rice infused with tomato sauce, garlic, cumin, and fresh cilantro. It is a perfect side dish that complements Mexican meals, providing vibrant color and authentic taste made easily on the stovetop.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Seasoning

• 2 cups long grain rice
• 3 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Liquids and Aromatics

• 1/4 cup oil
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth

Finishing Ingredient

• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• Optional: Cotija cheese for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat oil: In a large frying pan, heat the 1/4 cup of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, preparing the pan for toasting the rice.
2. Toast rice: Add the 2 cups of long grain rice to the hot oil and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is golden brown. This enhances the nutty flavor and texture of the rice.
3. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 8 oz of tomato sauce along with 3 tsp salt, minced garlic, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4. Simmer covered: Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, or until all the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Finish and serve: Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in 1/2 cup of freshly chopped cilantro. Optionally, sprinkle Cotija cheese on top for added flavor before serving.

Notes

• Use long grain rice for best texture and fluffiness.
• To enhance flavor, toast the rice until golden before adding liquids.
• Keep the lid on during simmering to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
• Cilantro adds freshness but can be adjusted or omitted based on preference.
• Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Adding Cotija cheese on top provides authentic Mexican flavor but is optional.

Keywords: Mexican rice, restaurant style rice, side dish, tomato rice, cilantro rice, authentic Mexican, easy rice recipe