Super Easy Plain Mexican Rice
Transform your weeknight dinners with this Super Easy Plain Mexican Rice—a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. Made with long-grain white rice toasted to a delicate golden hue, this recipe blends aromatic garlic and onion with rich tomato sauce and fragrant cumin for a subtle kick. Simmered to perfection in chicken or vegetable broth, this rice is as fluffy as it is delicious, and it's ready in just 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous finish, or serve it plain for a no-frills classic. Whether you're whipping up tacos, enchiladas, or a hearty chili, this quick and easy Mexican rice will steal the show every time. Perfect for busy cooks and bursting with authentic flavor, this recipe is guaranteed to be a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
Add the long-grain white rice to the pan and toast it for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes slightly golden and aromatic.
Stir in the finely diced onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken (or vegetable) broth, salt, and ground cumin (if using). Stir everything together to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes. Avoid opening the lid during this time to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 additional minutes to steam.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro (if desired) and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
353 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.8 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2674 mg | 116% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 66.8 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.2 g | ||
| Protein | 8.0 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 55 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 104 mg | 2% | |
*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.
