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Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 448 reviews

This Authentic Mexican Rice recipe features perfectly toasted long-grain white rice cooked with tomato sauce, garlic, and traditional Mexican seasonings like chili powder and tomato bouillon. The rice simmers gently until tender, delivering a flavorful and aromatic side dish perfect for complementing a variety of Mexican meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
  • 2 teaspoons Caldo de Tomate (tomato bouillon)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Liquids

  • 4–8 ounces canned tomato sauce (use at least 4 or up to 8 ounces)
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil and Toast Rice: Heat oil in a 3-quart sauté pan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until the rice is golden to enhance its nutty flavor.
  2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the chili powder, Caldo de Tomate (tomato bouillon), and minced garlic, mixing well with the toasted rice to build layers of flavor.
  3. Add Liquids: Pour in the water and tomato sauce, stirring thoroughly to distribute the sauce evenly throughout the rice mixture.
  4. Simmer Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  5. Rest Rice: Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, still covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the texture to fully develop and firm up.
  6. Fluff and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and serve immediately as a delicious Mexican side dish.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of tomato sauce to control the intensity of tomato flavor and moisture.
  • Use Caldo de Tomate for authentic tomato bouillon flavor; if unavailable, substitute with tomato bouillon or vegetable stock powder.
  • Keep the rice covered during resting to ensure it finishes cooking evenly and remains fluffy.
  • For a gluten-free meal, confirm that the caldo de tomate and bouillon ingredients are gluten-free.
  • This rice pairs well with beans, grilled meats, or as a base for burrito bowls.

Keywords: Mexican rice, authentic Mexican side dish, tomato rice, arroz rojo, Mexican cooking, easy rice recipe

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/authentic-mexican-rice-recipe/