Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://famdishes.com/restaurant-style-mexican-rice-recipe/
