Mexican Rice Recipe
Make Mexican Rice Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Rice and Base
Liquid and Tomato
Seasoning
Add-ins and Finish
Method
Rice and Base
- 1
Rinse rice
Place the long-grain rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear (about 30–60 seconds). Drain well. This removes excess starch and helps keep the rice grains separate.
- 2
Sauté aromatics and toast rice
Heat a medium saucepan or a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Add the drained rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 4–6 minutes until rice turns opaque and starts to take on a light golden color (toasting develops flavor). Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 more minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Liquid and Tomato
- 3
Combine tomato and broth
Lower the heat slightly and stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste, mixing until the rice is evenly coated and the paste is dissolved. Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom so nothing sticks.
Seasoning
- 4
Add spices
Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed through the liquid. Taste the liquid (careful, it's hot) and adjust salt if needed — remember flavors will concentrate as the rice cooks.
Cook and Finish
- 5
Simmer covered
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce heat to low so the surface shows small, gentle simmering bubbles. Cover tightly with the lid and cook undisturbed for 15–18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to maintain steam.
- 6
Steam off heat
After 15–18 minutes, remove the pan from heat and keep it covered. Let the rice steam for an additional 5–10 minutes. This final resting period makes the grains fluffy and finishes cooking evenly.
- 7
- 8
Finish and serve
Stir in chopped cilantro if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten flavors. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.