Restaurant Style Mexican Rice Recipe

Introduction

Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is a flavorful and vibrant side dish that perfectly complements any Mexican meal. This recipe yields fluffy, golden rice infused with tomato, garlic, and a touch of cumin, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long grain rice
• 1/4 cup oil
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 3 tsp salt
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Add the rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is golden brown.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, then add salt, garlic, cumin, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Stir everything together to combine well, then cover the pan with a lid.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the rice simmer for 35–40 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Step 6: Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the chopped cilantro, and serve. For extra flavor, sprinkle some cheese such as Cotija on top.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• Toast the rice carefully to avoid burning; golden brown color adds to the flavor.
• Add diced onions when frying the rice for extra depth.
• Sprinkle fresh lime juice over the rice before serving for a zesty twist.

Storage

Store leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of long grain rice?

Yes, you can use white rice, but long grain rice is preferred because it stays fluffy and separate after cooking.

What if I don’t have tomato sauce on hand?

You can substitute tomato sauce with canned crushed tomatoes or tomato paste diluted with water for a similar flavor and consistency.

Restaurant Style Mexican Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice recipe delivers fluffy, flavorful rice cooked to perfection with tomato sauce, garlic, and a blend of spices. It’s a classic side dish that’s perfect for complementing Mexican meals, with a rich golden color and a hint of cilantro freshness.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Seasonings

• 2 cups long grain rice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Liquids and Oils

• 1/4 cup oil
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth

Garnish

• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• Optional: Cotija cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Toast Rice: In a large frying pan, heat 1/4 cup of oil over medium-high heat. Add the 2 cups of long grain rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice turns golden brown. This step adds a nutty flavor and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
2. Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 8 oz tomato sauce. Then add 3 teaspoons of salt, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly into the rice.
3. Simmer Covered: Cover the frying pan with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the rice simmer for about 35 to 40 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the flavorful liquid completely and become tender.
4. Fluff and Garnish: Once all the liquid has been absorbed, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro for a fresh, aromatic touch. Optionally, sprinkle Cotija cheese on top before serving for an authentic Mexican taste.

Notes

• Use long grain rice for best texture and consistency.
• To add extra flavor, you can sauté the garlic with the rice during the toasting step.
• If you prefer vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• The optional Cotija cheese adds a salty, creamy layer that complements the rice well.
• Ensure the heat is reduced to medium-low before simmering to prevent burning on the bottom.

Keywords: Mexican rice, restaurant style rice, tomato rice, cilantro rice, side dish, easy Mexican recipe