Restaurant Style Mexican Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/restaurant-style-mexican-rice-recipe/
