Instant Mexican Rice
Transform your mealtime with this quick and flavorful Instant Mexican Rice recipe, a one-pot wonder that’s ready in just 20 minutes! Featuring tender, golden-brown long-grain white rice simmered in a rich mixture of tomato sauce and broth, this dish is infused with aromatic sautéed onions, garlic, and a vibrant blend of cumin and paprika. Perfect as a side dish for your favorite Mexican-inspired meals or as a satisfying stand-alone dish, this easy recipe is customizable for both vegan and non-vegan preferences. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this Instant Mexican Rice is the perfect balance of speed, simplicity, and bold flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegan version)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 2 lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat with the oil. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes golden and aromatic.
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and tomato sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 12-15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time.
After 12-15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Keep the lid on and let the rice sit for 5 minutes to finish cooking.
Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
168 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.5 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 978 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.6 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 3.8 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 45 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 340 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
