Delicious Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This restaurant-style Mexican rice is packed with flavor and made with minimal ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and loved by kids and adults alike. The dish has a nice balance of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors that will complement any Mexican entree. Plus, it’s easy to make a big batch, ensuring you have plenty of leftovers to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rice (long grain)

• ¼ cup oil

• 8 oz tomato sauce

• ½ cup cilantro, chopped

• 3 teaspoons salt

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.

2. Add the rice and cook until golden brown.

3. Stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt, garlic, cumin, and black pepper.

4. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low.

5. Simmer for about 35-40 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed.

6. Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the chopped cilantro, and serve. For extra flavor, sprinkle some Cotija cheese on top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.

• Spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra heat.

• Cheese: Top the rice with different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a creamy texture.

• Lime: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• To reheat, simply add a tablespoon of water to the rice and heat it in the microwave or on the stove, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time, typically about 45-50 minutes.

2. Can I make this rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this rice in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

3. Can I freeze this rice?

Yes, you can freeze the rice for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

4. How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?

Make sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully, especially the simmering time. If the rice looks too dry, add a bit more broth.

5. Can I make this rice without cilantro?

Yes, you can omit the cilantro if you don’t like it, or substitute with fresh parsley for a different flavor.

6. What other dishes can I pair this rice with?

This rice pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, burritos, grilled chicken, or even as a base for a burrito bowl.

7. Can I make this rice in a rice cooker?

Yes, you can make this rice in a rice cooker. Just combine the ingredients and follow the rice cooker’s instructions for cooking.

8. How do I make this rice spicier?

Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to make the rice spicier.

9. Can I add vegetables to the rice?

Yes, you can add diced carrots, peas, or corn for a more colorful and nutritious dish.

10. How do I avoid overcooking the rice?

Make sure to keep the heat low once you cover the pan and check the rice towards the end of the cooking time to ensure it isn’t overcooked.

Conclusion

Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is the perfect side dish to elevate any Mexican meal. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll have a delicious and flavorful dish in no time. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this rice will always be a hit.

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Delicious Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

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Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish that brings the taste of Mexican restaurants to your home. It’s packed with savory, spicy, and fresh flavors, making it the perfect pairing for any Mexican meal.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 cups rice (long grain)

¼ cup oil

8 oz tomato sauce

½ cup cilantro, chopped

3 teaspoons salt

4 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups chicken broth

½ teaspoon cumin

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the rice and cook until golden brown.
3. Stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt, garlic, cumin, and black pepper.
4. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low.
5. Simmer for about 35-40 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the chopped cilantro, and serve. For extra flavor, sprinkle some Cotija cheese on top.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• For extra heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Top the rice with different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a creamy texture.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.
• Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat by adding a tablespoon of water and heating it in the microwave or on the stove.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg