Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe

Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe

The best Mexican rice that is fluffy and rich in flavor!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 cup dry long-grain white rice
  • ounces canned tomato sauce

    4-8

  • 3 cups warm water
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons Caldo de Tomate

    tomato bouillon

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

    about 2 cloves

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a 5 quart saute pan over medium-high heat. Add rice. Cook rice, stirring constantly, for several minutes, until rice begins to turn a golden color.

  2. 2

    Reduce heat to low to avoid spattering. Gently pour in warm water, then tomato sauce and stir. Stir in chili powder, Caldo de Tomate and minced garlic. Turn heat back up to medium-high, bring to a boil, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until all water has been absorbed.

  3. 3

    Turn off heat, fluff rice then let sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe

Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe

Similar Recipes

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
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
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
Spanish Rice Recipe

Spanish Rice Recipe

Restaurant-Style Spanish Rice (aka Mexican Rice), that is easy to make and tastes like it came straight from the restaurant, and is the best side dish to any Mexican entree.

45 minutes8 servings90 kcal
Instant Pot Authentic Mexican Rice

Instant Pot Authentic Mexican Rice

This Instant Pot Mexican Rice recipe is my favorite side-dish for any Mexican food we eat! I perfected this recipe while living in Mexico-- it's completely authentic-- and I've adapted it to cook perfectly in the Instant Pot! 

23 minutes6 servings323 kcal
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
Authentic Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo)

Authentic Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo)

A staple in Mexican cuisine, arroz rojo is typically made with long grain rice and gets it beautiful red color from fresh tomato juice.

35 minutes5 servings
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

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 the authentic, fluffy Mexican rice that perfectly complements your favorite tacos or enchiladas? This recipe delivers that rich, savory experience right at home, promising a side dish that's far from ordinary.

What sets this Mexican rice apart is its foundational depth of flavor. By incorporating both canned tomato sauce and Caldo de Tomate (tomato bouillon), we ensure a vibrant color and an umami-rich taste that permeates every grain. The minced garlic and chili powder add layers of aromatic complexity, creating a profile that's both comforting and truly authentic.

Prepare to enjoy a stunning, reddish-orange rice that is consistently fluffy and separate, never clumpy or mushy. Each bite offers a delightful burst of savory tomato, subtly sweet garlic, and a gentle warmth from the chili powder. It's a substantial yet light-tasting side that brings the heart and soul of traditional Mexican cuisine to your table, making any meal feel special and complete.

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor, but it's also adaptable. You can adjust the canned tomato sauce from 4 to 8 ounces to control the intensity of its color and flavor, tailoring it to your palate. For a touch more warmth, consider a slightly larger pinch of chili powder, always tasting as you go.

This versatile Authentic Mexican Rice is an essential component for any Mexican-inspired feast. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak fajitas, or as a flavorful base for burrito bowls, transforming a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions