So Simple Mexican Rice
Transform your dinner table with "So Simple Mexican Rice," a vibrant and flavor-packed side dish that's as easy to make as it is satisfying. Featuring fluffy, golden grains of long-grain white rice infused with the earthy richness of cumin, bold notes of tomato paste, and the subtle zest of lime, this recipe is a true staple of Mexican-inspired cuisine. Toasted rice ensures the perfect texture, while fresh cilantro and a hint of lime juice add a refreshingly zesty finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pot wonder pairs beautifully with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled proteins, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation. Whether you're prepping for Taco Tuesday or looking for an effortlessly flavorful side dish, this easy Mexican rice recipe promises to deliver big on taste with minimal effort!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 0.5 cup (chopped) onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup (drained) canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons (chopped) fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
Add the rinsed rice to the pan and toast it in the oil for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice begins to turn light golden brown.
Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it evenly coats the rice, then add the chicken broth, ground cumin, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Uncover the pan and gently stir in the diced tomatoes. Re-cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the pan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice for a fresh, zesty finish.
Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite Mexican-inspired meals!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
159 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.8 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g | 6% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 707 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.9 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.8 g | ||
| Protein | 3.8 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 40 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 221 mg | 5% | |
*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.
