4.9 from 171 votes
Authentic Mexican Rice
This Authentic Mexican Rice recipe uses a tomato-based broth infused with spices like chili powder and black pepper, creating a warm, savory side dish. The rice is sautéed until lightly golden before simmering in a seasoned liquid, resulting in fluffy grains with a subtle tomato flavor. It’s a classic accompaniment for Mexican meals or any dish that benefits from a flavorful rice side.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
4
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups + 2 Tbsp chicken broth or water, unsalted
- 1 Roma tomato minced (heaping 1/3 cup, medium
- 2 1/2 tsp Tomato Broth
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
- 1 large garlic minced (1 1/2 tsp, clove
Instructions
- Whisk together warm water, minced tomato, Caldo de Tomate, onion powder, chili powder, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a medium non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and saute until opaque and lightly golden, about 2 – 3 minutes. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer.
- Pour water mixture in (careful, it will steam and sputter!). Stir once to level out rice (water should simmer right away if not bring it up to a simmer).
- Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes (you'll notice water bubbles stop coming to the surface).
- Remove from heat, fluff rice with a fork. Cover with lid and allow to rest 5 minutes off heat. Serve warm.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use Knorr Selects or similar tomato broth seasoning without MSG for best flavor.
- Reheat leftover rice with a little water to keep it moist and tender.
- You may substitute tomato broth with tomato powder and always prefer chicken broth for richer taste.
- Allow cooked rice to rest covered off the heat for better texture before serving.