10-Minute Mexican Rice

10-Minute Mexican Rice

8 servings
10-Minute Mexican Rice is a great side dish for your next Mexican night. You can whip up this Mexican Rice recipe in about 10 minutes. My nephew says this is the "best rice ever!" And I agree. 

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • garlic powder
    1 tsp
  • onion powder
    1 tsp
  • ground cumin
    1 tsp
  • sea salt
    1 tsp
  • cilantro

    fresh, finely chopped

    2 tbsp
  • tomato sauce
    1 c
  • water
    2 c
  • instant white rice

    uncooked

    2 c

Directions

  1. 1

    In large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, sea salt, and cilantro. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

  2. 2

    Add tomato sauce and water. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.

  3. 3

    Add uncooked rice and bring back to a boil. Cover and turn off heat. Let rice sit covered for 5 minutes until liquids have been absorbed.

10-Minute Mexican Rice

10-Minute Mexican Rice

10 min8 servings108 cal

Similar Recipes

Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice

This easy Mexican rice recipe is SO simple you'll want to make it every Taco Tuesday, or as a side dish for all your Mexican meals!

25 minutes8 servings185 kcal
Mexican Rice Recipe

Mexican Rice Recipe

Our Restaurant Style Mexican Rice rivals anything you can get in a restaurant. It has the perfect consistency and just the right amount of seasoning.

25 minutes6 servings183 kcal
Rice Cooker Mexican Rice

Rice Cooker Mexican Rice

Did you know that you can make Mexican rice in a rice cooker? It's simple! Everything cooks together for an easy and delicious side dish!

30 minutes3 servings192 kcal
Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice

Try this easy Mexican rice recipe for a side dish that's light, fluffy, and full of flavor! Plus, get tips for making the best Mexican rice.

30 minutes
Easy Spanish Rice

Easy Spanish Rice

Cook a pot of rice using chicken broth, tomato sauce, and a few seasonings to make this quick and easy Spanish Rice. It's the perfect base for rice bowls or a delicious side dish to your favorite Mexican entrees!

25 minutes6 servings
Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Perfectly cooked authentic Mexican rice in the Instant Pot.

22 minutes6 servings248 kcal
Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice - Restaurant-style Mexican rice can easily be made right at home, and it tastes a million times better too!

30 minutes6 servings
Rice Cooker Mexican Rice

Rice Cooker Mexican Rice

A very easy Mexican side dish that cooks up in your rice cooker.

10 minutes8 servings

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, flavorful side dish that comes together in a flash for your next Mexican feast? This 10-Minute Mexican Rice recipe delivers authentic taste with unparalleled speed, making it the perfect companion for tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.

Why This Mexican Rice Works So Fast

The secret to this incredibly quick Mexican rice is the use of instant white rice, allowing you to whip up a delicious batch in just 10 minutes from start to finish. You’ll achieve that coveted fluffy texture and rich flavor without the lengthy cook times of traditional rice, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. The blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin creates a deeply savory foundation that tastes like it cooked for hours, not minutes.

What truly sets this 10-Minute Mexican Rice apart is its simplicity and impressive flavor payoff. It combines convenience with a blend of aromatic spices and tomato sauce, creating a side dish that's both comforting and exciting. Your kitchen will fill with the enticing aroma of cumin and garlic, promising a delightful meal to come.

Expect a light, fluffy rice dish infused with warm, earthy spices and a subtle tang from the tomato sauce. Each spoonful offers a harmonious balance of savory notes, brightened by fresh cilantro. This side is surprisingly robust for how quickly it’s prepared, providing a satisfying texture and taste that complements any main course without overpowering it. It’s an incredibly forgiving recipe, designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the amounts of garlic powder, onion powder, or ground cumin to suit your personal preference for a bolder or milder spice profile. If you prefer a whole-grain option, instant brown rice can be substituted for instant white rice, though you might need to slightly adjust the water amount based on package directions for instant brown rice. For a touch of freshness and brightness, a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving or an extra sprinkle of cilantro can elevate the flavors even further.

Serve this quick Mexican rice alongside your favorite main courses for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for any casual dinner or a festive Mexican-themed gathering, adding color and flavor to every plate.

Frequently Asked Questions