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Easy Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice Recipe

A mound of vibrant orange Mexican rice recipe served on a white plate, garnished with a few flecks of green herbs.
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Learn how to make authentic, fluffy Mexican rice at home. This simple, one-pot recipe delivers the flavorful taste you expect from your favorite Mexican restaurants, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the rice to the pan. Toast the rice, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes until it turns light golden brown. This step is key for fluffy Mexican rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to coat the rice completely. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to darken slightly.
  6. Add the chicken broth and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  8. Remove the pan from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix.
  9. Keep the pan covered and let the rice steam off the heat for an additional 10 minutes.
  10. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving as your perfect Taco Tuesday rice side.

Notes

  • For an authentic flavor, use low-sodium chicken broth.
  • If you want a richer color, add a small pinch of saffron threads with the broth.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten free.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/mexican-rice-recipe-easy-restaurant-style/