Easy Mexican Rice

Looking for a simple yet delicious side dish to accompany your Mexican-inspired meals? Look no further! This Easy Mexican Rice recipe is the perfect addition to Taco Tuesdays, fajita nights, or any time you crave the flavors of Mexico. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of flavorful rice that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe!

Why It’s Great

This Easy Mexican Rice recipe is a game-changer for busy cooks and Mexican food enthusiasts alike. Here’s why it’s so fantastic:

• Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a tasty side dish in a hurry.
• Versatile: Serve this rice alongside your favorite Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or as a filling for stuffed peppers.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples like rice, tomato sauce, and spices, this recipe won’t break the bank but delivers big on flavor.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add more chili powder for extra heat or toss in some diced bell peppers for added color and texture.

Now, let’s explore how to make this Easy Mexican Rice step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups chicken stock or broth
• 8 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

1. Rinse the Rice: Start by rinsing the rice in a mesh strainer until the water draining is clear. This optional step helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming mushy when cooked.
2. Sauté the Rice: Heat the oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rice and cook until translucent (somewhat clear), about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Add the Ingredients: Once the rice is translucent, add the chicken stock, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic salt, and ground cumin to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil over high heat.
4. Simmer and Cook: Stir the ingredients once, then cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to simmer for 20 minutes until tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
5. Fluff and Serve: After cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 2-3 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork to loosen the grains and serve hot.

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the dry rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffy and separate grains.
• Prep Ahead: Measure all the ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
• Choose Quality Rice: Opt for a good quality long-grain rice for the best texture and flavor.
• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your preference for mild or spicy rice.
• Stretch the Serving Amount: To serve more people, increase the rice to 1 ½ cups and chicken broth to 2 ½ cups without altering the other ingredients or cooking time.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 185kcal
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 679mg
• Potassium: 230mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

Storage and Leftovers

Any leftover Easy Mexican Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

Pairing Suggestions

This flavorful rice pairs perfectly with a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes. Serve it alongside tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. For a complete meal, add some grilled chicken or beef and a side of fresh salsa and guacamole.

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