Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe

Name: Authentic Mexican Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 Cup Long Grain Rice (rinsed well and set aside to drain); 1 tablespoon Oil; 2 Roma Tomatoes (cut in half); ¼ Medium White Onion; 2 Garlic Cloves (whole); ¼ cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth (or use Chicken Bouillon and water); ¼ tsp Salt

Jessica Baker

Update : December 20, 2025

Bowl of authentic Mexican rice with fresh herbs and spices

Why Make This Recipe

Authentic Mexican Rice is a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with various main courses. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and adds a vibrant touch to your dinner table. Moreover, making this rice at home allows you to adjust flavors and ingredients to suit your taste, ensuring a dish that is truly yours.

How to Make Authentic Mexican Rice

Ingredients

1 Cup Long Grain Rice (rinsed well and set aside to drain)
1 tablespoon Oil
2 Roma Tomatoes (cut in half)
¼ Medium White Onion
2 Garlic Cloves (whole)
¼ cup Chicken or vegetable broth (or use Chicken Bouillon and water)
¼ tsp Salt

Directions

Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water for about 30 seconds to remove excess starch. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
In a blender, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken bouillon and water (or chicken broth). Blend until smooth. You should have about 1.5 cups of liquid for every cup of rice. Adjust with extra water or broth if necessary.
In a pot with a lid, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the drained rice and stir continuously to toast the rice until it turns lightly brown.
Carefully pour in the blended sauce (it may splatter) and stir well. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the rice simmer with the lid on for 12 minutes.
After 12 minutes, remove the pot from the heat but keep the lid on for an additional 10 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

How to Serve Authentic Mexican Rice

Authentic Mexican Rice can be served as a side dish to complement grilled meats, stews, or tacos. It also pairs well with a side of beans for a hearty vegetarian meal. You can top it with fresh cilantro or lime for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Store Authentic Mexican Rice

To store leftover Mexican Rice, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a saucepan with a splash of water to bring back moisture.

Tips to Make Authentic Mexican Rice

Rinse your rice well before cooking to avoid clumping and ensure a light texture.
Toasting the rice brings out a nutty flavor and adds depth to the dish.
Adjust the amount of broth or bouillon to suit your taste; you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
If you want a spicier rice, add a small chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the blended sauce.

Variation

For a colorful variation, you can add diced bell peppers, peas, or corn to the rice during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds beautiful color to the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but remember that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. Adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

2. Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any meat-based bouillon.

3. How can I make my rice fluffier?
Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly and don’t skip the toasting step. Keeping the lid on while the rice finishes cooking will also help achieve a fluffy texture.