🌾 Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe: A Flavorful Side Dish for Every Meal

If you’ve ever enjoyed a plate of Mexican food at a restaurant and wondered how they make that perfectly fluffy, reddish-orange rice, you’re in the right place. This authentic Mexican Rice recipe (also known as Arroz Rojo) is the ideal companion for tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, and just about any Mexican-inspired dish.

With its slightly nutty, tomato-infused flavor and tender texture, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or planning a fiesta, this Mexican rice recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

🌮 What Is Mexican Rice?

Mexican rice, or Arroz Rojo, is a classic side dish made by lightly toasting rice in oil and then simmering it with a flavorful blend of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and broth. The result is fluffy, aromatic rice with a reddish hue from tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes.

It’s often served alongside refried beans, carne asada, tacos, or enchiladas — but it’s delicious enough to enjoy on its own.

🍅 Why You’ll Love This Mexican Rice Recipe

Authentic flavor: Inspired by traditional Mexican home cooking.
Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples like rice, tomatoes, and garlic.
Perfect texture: Fluffy, not sticky or mushy.
Versatile side: Pairs with almost any main dish — from chicken fajitas to burritos.
Easy to customize: Add veggies, corn, or peas for extra color and nutrition.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, gather these simple ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

1 cup long-grain white rice (like Jasmine or Basmati for fluffiness)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium tomato, finely chopped (or ½ cup tomato sauce)
1 ¾ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon cumin (optional but adds depth)

Optional Add-Ins:

½ cup frozen peas or corn
¼ cup diced bell pepper
Fresh cilantro or lime juice for garnish

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping — a key step for perfectly fluffy rice.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

In a medium skillet or saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5–7 minutes until the rice turns golden brown.
This toasting step enhances the nutty flavor that makes Mexican rice so distinctive.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics

Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant and the onions soften slightly.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce

Add the diced tomato (or tomato sauce) to the skillet. Stir to coat the rice evenly. Allow the tomato to cook down for about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Pour in the Broth

Slowly pour in chicken broth, then season with salt and cumin. Stir once to combine — then stop stirring!
Over-stirring can make the rice gummy.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 7: Rest and Fluff

Turn off the heat, keep the lid on, and let the rice rest for 5 minutes. Then fluff gently with a fork.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Top your Mexican rice with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of peas and corn for a pop of color.

🌶️ Tips for the Best Mexican Rice

Use long-grain rice – Short-grain rice tends to be stickier, while long-grain stays light and fluffy.
Toast the rice – Don’t skip this step! It’s what gives Mexican rice its signature nutty flavor.
Adjust the color – For a deeper orange hue, add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
No peeking! – Keep the lid closed during simmering to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
Add spice – Like it hot? Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili powder when sautéing onions.

🍋 Variations of Mexican Rice Recipe

1. Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice

Use tomato bouillon (like Knorr brand) instead of regular salt. It gives that authentic restaurant flavor and a rich orange color.

2. Mexican Rice with Vegetables

Add diced carrots, peas, and corn to the mix for a colorful and hearty side dish. Perfect for serving with grilled meats or vegetarian meals.

3. Spicy Mexican Rice

Add ½ teaspoon chili powder or a diced jalapeño for a fiery twist. This pairs wonderfully with grilled shrimp or spicy chicken fajitas.

4. One-Pot Chicken Mexican Rice

Turn this side into a complete meal! Add bite-sized chicken breast pieces and cook them with the rice for a delicious one-pot dinner.

5. Vegan Mexican Rice

Simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use olive oil. The flavor stays bold and satisfying.

🍽️ What to Serve with Mexican Rice

Mexican rice complements just about anything! Here are some pairing ideas:

🌮 Tacos – Chicken, beef, or veggie tacos all pair beautifully.
🌯 Burritos and enchiladas – Use the rice as a filling or a side.
🍗 Grilled chicken or carne asada – Perfect for backyard cookouts.
🫘 Refried beans – The ultimate Mexican comfort combo.
🥗 Salads – A spoonful of warm rice adds heartiness to any salad bowl.

🧊 Storing and Reheating Mexican Rice

To Store:

Cool the rice completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

Freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Flatten the bag for easy thawing.

To Reheat:

Add a splash of water or broth to the rice.
Cover and microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is my Mexican rice mushy?

You may have added too much liquid or stirred the rice during cooking. Stick to the recommended ratio and let it cook undisturbed.

2. Can I make Mexican rice with brown rice?

Yes! Just increase the cooking time to about 40–45 minutes and add a bit more broth.

3. What’s the difference between Spanish rice and Mexican rice?

Though often used interchangeably, Spanish rice usually includes saffron and has a yellow hue, while Mexican rice gets its red color from tomatoes.

🌟 Expert Tip: Make It Ahead for Meal Prep

Mexican rice tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight. Make a big batch on Sunday and pair it with grilled meats, taco bowls, or burrito fillings throughout the week.

🥄 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 190
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 300mg

(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)

🧡 Final Thoughts on the Best Mexican Rice Recipe

This authentic Mexican rice recipe delivers that restaurant-style flavor you love with simple ingredients and foolproof steps. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to boxed mixes again!

Whether you’re serving it with enchiladas, tacos, or grilled chicken, this rice adds warmth, texture, and color to your meal — truly the heart of every Mexican table.

So, grab your skillet, toast that rice, and bring the vibrant taste of Mexico straight to your kitchen. 🌶️🍅🌾