Arroz Mexicano (Authentic Mexican Rice)
This Arroz Mexicano is a budget-friendly, authentic Mexican rice recipe made using the traditional method of toasting rice before simmering it in tomato and broth. Fluffy, flavorful, and never mushy, it’s a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with enchiladas, tacos, and everyday Mexican meals.
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- ¼ cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic chopped, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cups water or 2 cups water and 1 cup unsalted chicken broth fresh or packaged
- 1/3 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tomato or chicken bouillon cube
Instructions
- Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat and add rice. Stir until rice is slightly browned. Remove skillet from the heat and add the onions and fresh garlic, if using. Stir until onions are translucent. (The pan is usually warm enough to cook the onions and fresh garlic, keeping them from burning.)
- Add water, chicken broth, if using, tomato sauce, bouillon cube, and garlic powder, if using. Stir and let mixture come to a boil; lower heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir gently after 10 minutes, cover, and let simmer for another 10 minutes. (If adding canned or frozen vegetables add them during the last 10 minutes.)
- After the final 10 minutes of cooking, turn heat off, fluff rice with a fork and cover again for another 3 to 5 minutes so liquid can finish absorbing.
Video
Notes
- Bouillon substitution: 1 bouillon cube equals 1 tablespoon of granulated bouillon. Bouillon is salty, so additional salt is usually not needed.
- Tomato sauce amount: If using tomato bouillon, use ⅓ cup tomato sauce. If using chicken bouillon, use ½ cup tomato sauce.
- Liquid tip: A mix of water and chicken broth gives the best flavor, but all water works if needed.
- Midway stir: Stir the rice once, gently, about halfway through cooking to prevent sticking. Avoid frequent stirring.
- Storage: Store cooled Mexican rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat with a splash of water or broth in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 112kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 527mg | Potassium: 138mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 44IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg