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    Home » Side Dishes

    Published: Apr 23, 2020 · Modified: Apr 8, 2021 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 72 Comments

    Easy Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Cooking your own restaurant-style Mexican rice is very easy. It only requires a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. It is delicious, made in one pot, and is done in about 30 minutes.  You could not ask for anything more in a recipe.  You will be making this authentic Mexican rice all the time once you find out how flavorful and easy it is to make.  It is the best side dish to serve with tacos, enchiladas, tamales, or quesadillas.

    Mexican rice is a recipe that I recommend that everyone learns to make and do it well.  As Mexican food is popular all over the United States, cooking more of it at home has become more common. Whether you are having taco Tuesday or grilling Carne Asada with friends, having a great side dish like Mexican rice ensures the meal is complete and satisfying. This recipe I have been making for years and is one of my kid's favorites (Landon even wants leftovers for breakfast sometimes!)

    This recipe will go great with the following recipes:

    • SPICY JALAPENO BASIL MOSCOW MULE
    • MEXICAN WATERMELON CUCUMBER SALAD
    • SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP
    • TEQUILA SUNRISE COCKTAIL (with a twist)

     

    Easy Restaurant Style Mexican Rice and tacos

    Taco Tuesdays need Easy Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

     

    Authentic Mexican Rice

    There are many versions of what people think is considered authentic when it comes to Mexican food and the rice is one of those dishes that surely has many recipes out there considered "authentic".  Having grown up in California, I have eaten a fair share of rice dishes but all my friends with Mexican heritage swear by this recipe also.  They also all agree that Mexican rice never has cilantro, corn, or chunks of tomatoes in it.  They also agree that using long grain rice and chicken broth is a must.

    This Mexican rice recipe is great also for burritos.  It is the ideal rice to add to beans, cheese, meat, and all the other goodies you may like wrapped up in a tortilla. I will take mine with lots of cheese and avocado, please.  What do you like in a burrito?

     

    How to Make Mexican Rice

    Making amazing restaurant-style Mexican rice is easy and is the perfect side for any taco, enchilada, or carne asada. Here are the foolproof step-by-step instructions for fluffy and flavorful Mexican rice that is cooked on the stovetop. I have tried numerous rice cooker recipes, and Mexican rice just tastes so much better and is less sticky when you do it right, on the stovetop.

    For vegetarian Mexican rice, use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken broth.  To make the Mexican rice without tomato sauce you can use tomato paste instead.  If you have salsa you can use that too.  But for what I consider the best restaurant-style Mexican rice with a tint of red/orange, please use the tomato sauce.

     

    Mexican Rice Ingredients

     

    Here are the ingredients for homemade Mexican rice:

    • Long grain white rice (do NOT substitute with any other type of rice)
    • Chicken Broth (do not use just water, you can use vegetable broth instead if vegetarian)
    • Tomato sauce
    • Cumin
    • Garlic
    • Minced Onion
    • Vegetable oil

    Here are the steps you must do:

    • Saute the rice in oil to bring out a nutty flavor
    • Add the spices and brown those with the rice before adding the liquid
    • Simmer slowly in the broth to flavor every grain
    • Add tomato sauce for some acidity and for that orange-red color we all recognize

     

    First, add the vegetable oil to a large saucepot and bring to medium-high heat. Add the rice and stir to toast /fry some of the grains.  Some will become white as they heat up and a few will become a bit brown as they toast. This is what you want to see.

     

    Saute rice in vegetable oil for mexican rice

    Saute rice in vegetable oil

     

    Next, add the minced onion, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir and toast about for a minute to really get the spices mixed with the warm rice and hot oil.  You should be able to smell the spices and the onions as they release their own oils.

     

    Add spices and toast

     

    Once all the dry ingredients are combined add the broth (water/bouillon combination) and the tomato sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a slow boil.

     

    Easy Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

    Add chicken broth and tomato sauce

     

    Once everything comes to a slow boil, turn the heat down to low and cover.  Stir a few times during the cooking process but try to not remove the lid which lets out the heat or stir too often, which breaks up the rice grains and can make it mushy.

     

    Reduce heat, cover, and simmer on low

     

    Once ready, spoon into a serving dish or alongside your favorite tacos, enchiladas, chile rellenos, etc.  This rice is also fantastic in burritos.  Ian and Landon both love this rice with refried beans, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream for a no meat burrito.

    Easy Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

    Easy Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

     

    Look at all those wonderful rice grains and that orange-red color.  This is is what Mexican rice should be.  Make sure you save this recipe on Pinterest.

     

     

     

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

     

    Easy Restaurant Style Mexican Rice PIN

    Easy Restaurant Style Mexican Rice PIN

     

     

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

     

    This Recipe Will Go Great with these Recipes:

    Hot Ones Grilled Pineapple Hot Sauce by Living Smart Girl

    Hot Ones Grilled Pineapple Hot Sauce by Living Smart Girl

     

     

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup ready

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

     

    Easy Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

    Easy Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

    Angela
    Tastes just like the flavorful, bright, and fluffy Mexican rice you get in your favorite authentic Mexican restaurant.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 6

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 TB vegetable oil
    • 1 & ½ C long-grain white rice
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    • ½ TB minced dry onion
    • 3 C chicken broth OR vegetable broth works too
    • ½ C tomato sauce

    Instructions
     

    • Heat oil on medium-high in a large saucepan. Add rice and saute to brown and toast the grains. Some should be slightly brown and others white as they heat.
    • Add the garlic, cumin, and dry onion. Stir to saute and toast the spices along with the rice for about a minute.
    • Add in the broth and stir. Next, add the tomato sauce and stir.
    • Bring to a boil and then turn down to low. Put the lid on your saucepan and continue to cook on a very slow simmer for about 20 minutes.
    • Try and only remove the lid and stir 1-2x during the 20 minute cooking time.
    • When done, fluff with a fork and transfer to a serving bowl.
    Keyword easy, international, kid favorite, one pot

    This Recipe was Featured on the Weekend Potluck 

     

     

    Did you make this The Short Order Cook Recipe?

    Tag @theshortordercookblog (Instagram & Facebook) or @shortorder_cook (Twitter). 

    I would love to see your latest creations and kitchen adventures.

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Holly says

      April 23, 2020 at 9:18 am

      Very easy recipe.. mine is very detailed.. I can't wait to try this recipe! Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 23, 2020 at 12:52 pm

        Enjoy.

        Reply
        • Holly says

          April 27, 2020 at 6:50 pm

          Made it tonight...delicious! Thank you!

          Reply
          • Angela says

            April 27, 2020 at 8:03 pm

            Great, so glad you enjoyed it.

            Reply
    2. jen says

      April 27, 2020 at 9:24 am

      very similar to how we make our rice too. we use Natures' Seasoning

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 6:25 pm

        Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    3. Debbie says

      April 27, 2020 at 9:42 am

      Sounds great. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 6:25 pm

        You are welcome.

        Reply
    4. Karie says

      April 27, 2020 at 10:54 am

      Yum. My hubby grew up in mexico and loves Mexican food but the only thing I have not attempted was the rice. I have always been afraid of it. I really do need to try it.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 6:22 pm

        Good luck, I hope this recipe brings you success.

        Reply
    5. Julia Kelahan says

      April 27, 2020 at 11:04 am

      Not kidding, my mouth literally watered while I read this.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 6:22 pm

        I will take that as a compliment!

        Reply
    6. Tricia Snow says

      April 27, 2020 at 11:17 am

      I love making my own rice over a box. I will definitely be using this later.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 6:19 pm

        Yes, it comes out so much better.

        Reply
    7. Suzan | It’s My Sustainable Life says

      April 27, 2020 at 11:33 am

      Love Mexican rice. Add some beans to that and I’m good to go

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 6:16 pm

        Bam - a meal is ready!

        Reply
    8. Beth Shields says

      April 27, 2020 at 12:19 pm

      Looks amazing. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 6:12 pm

        You are welcome.

        Reply
    9. heather J jandrue says

      April 27, 2020 at 12:35 pm

      Now I want Mexican rice!!!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 6:12 pm

        Glad I could inspire and tempt you!

        Reply
    10. Tiffany says

      April 27, 2020 at 12:38 pm

      We make similar rice all the time, and there are a few things you mentioned that we don't add and should try it next time!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 27, 2020 at 8:19 pm

        Yes, give it a try and let me know what you think.

        Reply
    11. Jaclyn says

      April 27, 2020 at 12:49 pm

      This looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 27, 2020 at 8:18 pm

        Thank you.

        Reply
    12. Lisa Manderino says

      April 27, 2020 at 1:30 pm

      I love Mexican rice. I have tried a few recipes , I am looking forward to trying this one!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 27, 2020 at 8:16 pm

        I hope this is the Mexican rice recipe that you have been looking for.

        Reply
    13. Candy says

      April 27, 2020 at 4:28 pm

      I love Mexican rice. Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 6:10 pm

        You are welcome.

        Reply
    14. Linda Egeler says

      April 27, 2020 at 6:28 pm

      Sauteing the rice makes all the difference!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 27, 2020 at 8:07 pm

        Absolutely! The rice is so much more flavorful with just that simple step.

        Reply
    15. Lori says

      April 27, 2020 at 7:40 pm

      Great description on how to make this dish. Looks good.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 27, 2020 at 8:02 pm

        Thank you

        Reply
    16. Eva Keller says

      April 27, 2020 at 9:23 pm

      These are really great photos! The recipe looks like it'll be good too! Who doesn't love mexican rice?

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 6:05 pm

        I know right! Thanks for the compliment - hope you enjoy this recipe and it tastes as good as you think it looks.

        Reply
    17. Charlene says

      April 28, 2020 at 10:20 am

      Having tacos later this week. I'll add this as a side!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 6:05 pm

        Perfect!

        Reply
    18. Santana says

      April 28, 2020 at 11:04 am

      I've had some pretty bad Mexican rice. I'll be sure to give this recipe a try!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 6:03 pm

        Oh no, I hope you find tasty success with this recipe.

        Reply
    19. Kendra says

      April 28, 2020 at 12:06 pm

      My mother in law taught me how to make her version years ago and I screwed it up several times. This sounds much easier!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 6:00 pm

        Oh Kendra sorry to hear you had some trouble. I hope you find success with this recipe and would love to hear how it comes out.

        Reply
    20. Sydney says

      April 28, 2020 at 12:08 pm

      I love mexican rice from restaurants. This looks delicious, and not too difficult to make! Maybe I should make this for my burrito bowls next time!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 6:00 pm

        Oh you gotta try this! You will love it!

        Reply
    21. Abbie says

      April 28, 2020 at 12:32 pm

      This looks delicious and easy! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 5:58 pm

        You are welcome

        Reply
    22. Alice says

      April 28, 2020 at 4:27 pm

      That looks easy enough!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 28, 2020 at 5:56 pm

        Easy peasy pleasy!

        Reply
    23. Cathy says

      April 28, 2020 at 6:38 pm

      I usually don't like rice in Mexican restaurants because it doesn't have much flavor. This looks great, I'm definitely going to try it!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 29, 2020 at 10:31 am

        Oh, well this one has flavor, the toasting the grains and the broth is key. Just having the spices is not enough.

        Reply
    24. Hillari says

      April 28, 2020 at 6:50 pm

      I have been CRAVING Mexican as of late. This is perfect! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 29, 2020 at 10:28 am

        We always crave it at our house, this is made often to help with that.

        Reply
    25. Cindy says

      April 28, 2020 at 8:02 pm

      This looks amazing! I’ll try it switching out the chicken broth for veggie broth.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 29, 2020 at 10:27 am

        The vegetarian option is great too, enjoy.

        Reply
    26. Lina says

      April 29, 2020 at 4:07 am

      I love Mexican rice. I will have to try this. Thanks

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 29, 2020 at 10:26 am

        Great, I hope you enjoy it.

        Reply
    27. Sara - Seek Discover Learn says

      April 29, 2020 at 5:06 am

      I have one child that is a very picky eater and the only thing he will eat when we go out for Mexican food is the rice. He usually wants to order 2-3 side orders of rice. I'm going to surprise him and make this for me and see what he thinks. Hopefully he will like it. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    28. Shirley says

      April 30, 2020 at 7:44 am

      Thank you !! I am pinning this! Great photos in your post also.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 30, 2020 at 3:03 pm

        Thanks so much Shirley.

        Reply
    29. Sandi says

      April 30, 2020 at 8:01 am

      I love Mexican style rice - just in time for Cinco de Mayo.

      Reply
    30. Cindy says

      May 04, 2020 at 11:21 am

      This is a great recipe to add to our taco Tuesday routine.

      Reply
    31. Lisa says

      May 04, 2020 at 9:44 pm

      I never knew this was as easy as it is. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    32. Ruth Iaela-Pukahi says

      May 09, 2020 at 12:09 pm

      I think I'm only missing the cumin! I want to try! Sounds delicious!

      Reply
    33. Dee | Grammy's Grid says

      May 12, 2020 at 5:03 am

      YUM!! Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 12, open May 1 to 26. All party entries shared if social media buttons installed.

      Reply
    34. Stephanie says

      May 12, 2020 at 3:10 pm

      I am so happy you shared this! We have tacos every single week. It would be nice to add some rice to it, rice is one of my favorite parts when I get fajitas at the mexican restaurants.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        May 12, 2020 at 7:36 pm

        I am so glad your weekly taco plate now has a side dish.

        Reply
    35. Karen G says

      October 26, 2020 at 2:34 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great recipe, thank you. It turns out perfect each time I have made it, I think I have made it 3 times now.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        October 26, 2020 at 2:48 pm

        Thanks so much, Karen, glad you found this recipe easy and perfect each time you made the homemade Mexican rice.

        Reply
    36. Michelle says

      October 29, 2020 at 1:29 pm

      5 stars
      I know this comment will make some people laugh. I'm pregnant and miss going to Mexican restaurants. I have been wanting to eat Mexican rice and beans for weeks now! Thank you for this recipe, I will be making the rice tonight to go with my enchiladas.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        October 29, 2020 at 7:00 pm

        Congrats Michelle! When you crave, you crave and it doesn't wait for a pandemic to leave. I am so happy you found this recipe and I hope you enjoy it, would love to hear what you think. ENJOY!

        Reply
    37. Ed says

      December 18, 2020 at 9:49 pm

      5 stars
      This was so easy and good!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 19, 2020 at 11:47 am

        Thank you, Ed. Glad you like it so much.

        Reply
    38. debby ward says

      August 10, 2022 at 5:38 am

      5 stars
      this is one of the easiest and best tasting recipes I have tried. this is a keeper for our house. thank you

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 10, 2022 at 11:01 am

        So glad you loved it. I agree - easy and soooo good!

        Reply

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