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Fluffy Mexican Rice Recipe Easy Authentic Flavor in 5 Steps

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This recipe delivers fluffy, flavorful Mexican rice with a simple, authentic method involving toasting the rice and simmering it in broth with spices. Perfect as a side dish for tacos, enchiladas, or any Mexican-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (about 190 grams), rinsed until water runs clear
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (480 ml), preferably low sodium
  • ½ cup tomato sauce (120 ml), plain or seasoned
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or light olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the drained rice and stir frequently for 5 to 7 minutes until the rice is light golden brown and smells nutty. (7 minutes)
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the toasted rice. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant. (3 minutes)
  4. Stir in tomato sauce, ground cumin, chili powder (if using), and salt. Cook for 2 minutes to warm the sauce and bloom the spices. (2 minutes)
  5. Pour in the broth and increase heat until it comes to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. (20 minutes)
  6. Remove skillet from heat and let rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork and adjust salt if needed. (5 minutes)
  7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges. (2 minutes)

Notes

Use a medium-heat cast iron pan if possible for better heat retention and flavor. Avoid stirring the rice while it simmers to prevent mushiness. Rinsing the rice removes excess starch for fluffiness. Adjust salt after resting. For vegan version, use vegetable broth and oil. Brown rice can be used with increased broth and longer cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican rice, fluffy rice, easy Mexican side, authentic Mexican rice, toasted rice, rice recipe, quick Mexican rice

Find it online: https://grubella.com/fluffy-mexican-rice-recipe-easy-authentic-flavor-in-5-steps/