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Mexican Rice Recipe

Authentic Mexican Rice

This authentic Mexican rice recipe creates fluffy, flavorful rice with the perfect orange color and restaurant-quality taste. Made with traditional techniques including toasting the rice and using tomato bouillon for that signature flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 275
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Rice Base
  • 1½ cups long grain white rice
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil or canola oil
Flavor Base
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • ¼ medium onion finely diced
  • ¼ cup tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons tomato bouillon granules or cubes
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups water
Vegetables (Optional)
  • 1 medium carrot diced
  • ½ cup peas frozen or fresh
  • 1-2 whole serrano peppers optional, for flavor

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Fork for Fluffing

Method
 

  1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping. Set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rice and stir constantly for about 10 minutes until golden brown all over. This toasting step adds incredible flavor.
  3. Add tomato sauce, garlic, and diced onion to the pan. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add tomato bouillon, salt, carrots, peas, and water. Include serrano peppers if using. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes or until water is completely absorbed.
  6. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows steam to finish cooking the rice evenly.
  7. Gently fluff with a fork before serving. Never stir vigorously as this breaks the rice grains.

Notes

Rice: Washing the rice is crucial to remove the outer starch, allowing the rice to cook fluffy. For brown rice, increase liquid by ½ cup and cook for 40 minutes.
Tomato Bouillon: Found in the Mexican aisle or online. This adds the authentic color and flavor. Substitute with chicken bouillon if unavailable.
Tomato Sauce: For more authentic flavor, blend 1-2 fresh tomatoes with the onion and garlic instead of using canned sauce.
Serrano Peppers: These add flavor without heat. Remove before serving if desired.