Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

How to Make Perfect Mexican Rice Every Time!

Login to Save
5.3K views👍 106
Jehan Powell
Jehan Powell
80 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
Follow Jehan Powell to prioritize their recipes in your meal plans, pantry matches, and suggestions

Recipes in this Video

4 recipes

Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a staple side dish in Mexican cuisine, often served alongside beans, meats, and salsas. Its vibrant color and flavor come from the use of tomatoes and spices, making it a popular accompaniment to many meals. The dish has roots in traditional Mexican cooking, influenced by Spanish culinary practices, and is commonly found in households and restaurants across Mexico and beyond.

Ingredients

  • long-grain rice
  • tomato sauce
  • onion
  • garlic
  • vegetable broth
  • peas
  • carrots
  • corn
  • cumin
  • salt
  • pepper
  • cilantro

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. 2In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent.
  3. 3Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and toast for a few minutes until lightly golden.
  4. 4Stir in the tomato sauce, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  5. 5Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  6. 6Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
  7. 7Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in peas, carrots, and corn.
  8. 8Cover and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes to heat the vegetables.
  9. 9Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

long-grain rice

Healthier: brown rice

Cheaper: white rice

Brown rice is more nutritious, while white rice is often less expensive.

vegetable broth

Healthier: homemade vegetable broth

Cheaper: water

Homemade broth is healthier, while water is a budget-friendly option.

peas

Healthier: green beans

Cheaper: frozen peas

Green beans are nutritious, while frozen peas are often cheaper.

Techniques

sautéingtoastingsimmeringfluffing

Equipment

large skilletmeasuring cupscutting boardknifefork
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Spanish RiceArroz Rojo

Originating from the Caribbean, Rice and Peas is a staple dish often enjoyed alongside jerk chicken or curry. Traditionally made with pigeon peas or kidney beans, it reflects the region's agricultural heritage and resourcefulness. This dish is a symbol of hospitality and is frequently served at gatherings and celebrations. Today, variations exist across the Caribbean, with many families adding their unique twists, making it a beloved comfort food worldwide.

Ingredients

  • long-grain rice
  • red kidney beans
  • coconut milk
  • green onions
  • garlic
  • thyme
  • scotch bonnet pepper
  • allspice
  • bay leaves
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • water
  • lime juice

Instructions

  1. 1Soak the red kidney beans overnight in water.
  2. 2Drain and rinse the beans, then place them in a pot with fresh water.
  3. 3Cook the beans over medium heat until tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
  4. 4Add the coconut milk, green onions, garlic, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, allspice, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
  5. 5Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. 6Add the long-grain rice and lime juice, stirring gently.
  7. 7Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, cooking for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  8. 8Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
  9. 9Fluff the rice with a fork and remove the scotch bonnet pepper and bay leaves before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

red kidney beans

Healthier: black beans

Cheaper: pinto beans

Pinto beans are often less expensive and still provide a good texture.

coconut milk

Healthier: light coconut milk

Cheaper: coconut cream diluted with water

Light coconut milk reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

scotch bonnet pepper

Healthier: jalapeño

Cheaper: habanero

Habaneros are often more accessible and provide similar heat.

long-grain rice

Healthier: quinoa

Cheaper: white rice

White rice is generally less expensive and cooks faster.

Techniques

soakingsimmeringfluffing

Equipment

potstirring spoonmeasuring cups
🌶️🌶️🌶️Hot

Also Known As

Rice and PeasRice and Beans

Guyanese Cookup Rice is a beloved one-pot dish that reflects the diverse culinary influences of Guyana, combining rice with various proteins and vegetables. Traditionally enjoyed during family gatherings and celebrations, it showcases the use of coconut milk and local spices, making it a hearty and flavorful meal. Today, Cookup Rice is enjoyed in homes across the Caribbean and beyond, often customized with different ingredients based on availability and personal preference.

Ingredients

  • rice
  • coconut milk
  • black-eyed peas
  • chicken
  • onion
  • garlic
  • thyme
  • scallions
  • bell pepper
  • carrots
  • bay leaves
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • vegetable oil
  • pimento peppers

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. 2Soak the black-eyed peas in water for at least 2 hours.
  3. 3In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
  4. 4Sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5Add diced bell pepper and carrots, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
  6. 6Stir in the soaked black-eyed peas and cook for 2 minutes.
  7. 7Pour in the coconut milk and 2 cups of water, bringing to a simmer.
  8. 8Add the rice, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
  9. 9Cover and cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until rice is tender.
  10. 10Stir in chopped scallions and pimento peppers before serving.
  11. 11Allow to rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.

Ingredient Alternatives

coconut milk

Healthier: light coconut milk

Cheaper: coconut cream diluted with water

Light coconut milk reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

black-eyed peas

Healthier: green peas

Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans are more affordable and save prep time.

chicken

Healthier: tofu

Cheaper: canned chickpeas

Tofu provides a plant-based protein alternative.

Techniques

sautéingboiling

Equipment

large potwooden spoonmeasuring cups
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Cookup RiceCook Up Rice

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced

Instructions

  1. 1Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. 2Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. 4Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender.
  5. 5Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the cooked rice to the other side.
  6. 6Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, then mix everything together.
  7. 7Season with salt and black pepper, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
  8. 8Add chopped green onions and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
  9. 9Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat.
  10. 10Serve hot as a main dish or side.

Equipment

large skilletspatulameasuring cupsmeasuring spoons

More Mexican Rice Videos

(24 videos)

Similar Mexican Videos

(24 videos)

Similar Recipes From Other Cuisines

(24 videos)