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Easy Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice

A close-up of a white bowl filled with vibrant orange Mexican rice mixed with bright green peas and sliced carrots.
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Make authentic, fluffy Mexican rice quickly. This simple recipe uses common ingredients to achieve the rich flavor found in your favorite Mexican restaurants, perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the rice to the pan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the rice turns light golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is key for fluffy rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Keep the lid on and let the rice steam for an additional 10 minutes off the heat.
  8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • For a more authentic flavor, substitute the chicken broth with water mixed with 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder or tomato bouillon base.
  • To achieve the fluffiest texture, do not stir the rice after it begins to simmer.
  • This rice pairs well with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.

Nutrition

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