Andy’s Spicy Mexican Rice Recipe: Sizzling Fiesta Flavor

Steaming with aromatic spices, this incredible homemade mexican rice recipe from andy dances with flavor and tradition.

The kitchen comes alive with vibrant colors and enticing scents.

Fragrant herbs and perfectly seasoned grains promise a delightful culinary experience.

Each carefully measured ingredient tells a story of comfort and warmth.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same with this simple yet spectacular side dish.

The recipe brings authentic Mexican cuisine right to your table with minimal effort.

You’ll savor every delicious bite of this hearty and satisfying rice that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Why Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice Hits the Spot

• Boost Flavor Intensity: This Mexican rice recipe packs a punch with bold spices like cumin and chili powder, creating a rich, authentic taste that transforms an ordinary side dish into a memorable culinary experience.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: With just a few basic steps and common ingredients, home cooks can easily master this recipe without requiring advanced cooking skills or special equipment.
• Versatile Companion Dish: Perfect for pairing with various main courses like tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, or as a standalone vegetarian option that suits multiple meal styles and dietary preferences.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Delivers a crowd-pleasing side that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings with its familiar, warm flavors.

Everything Needed for Homemade Mexican Rice

• Long Grain White Rice: A staple grain that creates the perfect fluffy texture for this classic Mexican side dish.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients provide a rich, deep flavor foundation that enhances the overall taste of the rice.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the rice while boosting its savory profile.
• Tomato Sauce: Brings a subtle tangy sweetness and gives the rice its signature reddish color.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt: Classic Mexican spices that create a warm, slightly spicy flavor characteristic of authentic Mexican rice.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps toast the rice and prevents sticking while adding a light, neutral cooking base.

How to Cook Andy’s Flavorful Mexican Rice

Step 1: Cleanse The Rice

Wash the rice thoroughly under running cold water until the liquid becomes transparent.

This helps remove excess starch and ensures fluffy results.

Step 2: Toast The Grains

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium temperature.

Add rice and gently stir, allowing the grains to transform into a golden-brown color, releasing a nutty aroma.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, creating a fragrant base for the rice.

Step 4: Build Flavor Profile

• Chicken broth
• Tomato sauce
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt

Stir all ingredients thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Simmer And Cook

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and allow the rice to simmer gently for 18-20 minutes.

Step 6: Rest And Fluff

Remove the skillet from heat and let the rice sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.

Use a fork to gently separate and fluff the grains, creating a light and airy texture.

Tips for Fluffy Mexican Rice Every Time

• Sauté rice until golden brown to develop a nutty, rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Wash rice under cold water to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain stays separate and fluffy after cooking.
• Use precise measurements of chicken broth to achieve the perfect texture – not too dry or mushy.
• Don't shy away from cumin and chili powder; these spices are key to creating authentic Mexican rice flavor.
• Allow rice to sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking, which helps steam distribute evenly and improves overall texture.

Variations for Spicing Up Mexican Rice

• Veggie Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add diced bell peppers, corn, and zucchini for a colorful vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice: Swap traditional rice with riced cauliflower, maintaining the same spices and cooking method for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and mix in black beans for a bolder, more intense flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Garden Rice: Use gluten-free broth, ensure all spices are certified gluten-free, and incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro for added freshness.

The Best Ways to Serve Mexican Rice

• Fiesta Flavor Companions: Pair this zesty Mexican rice with grilled chicken or shredded beef for a complete meal bursting with authentic taste.
• Fresh Garnish Boost: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, diced green onions, or crumbled queso fresco on top to add bright colors and extra layers of flavor.
• Spice Level Customization: Drizzle hot sauce or add diced jalapeños for those craving extra heat, or keep it mild for family-friendly dining.
• Versatile Side Dish: Serve alongside black beans, use as a base for burrito bowls, or stuff into bell peppers for a quick and delicious meal transformation.

Storing Homemade Mexican Rice for Later

• Transfer cooled rice to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss.
• Pack the rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water to restore moisture, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Why rinse rice before cooking?

Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky and ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy.

• Can I use water instead of chicken broth?

Yes, but chicken broth adds more depth and flavor to the Mexican rice, making it more authentic and delicious.

• What if I don't have tomato sauce?

You can substitute with diced tomatoes or tomato paste, adjusting the liquid quantity to maintain the right rice consistency.

• Is Mexican rice spicy?

This recipe is mild with cumin and chili powder, but you can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or including diced jalapeños for extra kick.

Andys Homemade Mexican Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Andy’s homemade Mexican rice brings zesty southwestern flavors straight to your dinner table. Aromatic spices and perfectly seasoned grains promise a delightful side dish that completes your Mexican-inspired meal with authentic flair.

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Ingredients

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Main Rice Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse rice grains under cold running water until liquid becomes transparent, eliminating excess starch.
2. Warm olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully introducing rice kernels and gently toasting until achieving a rich golden-brown complexion.
3. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic into the skillet, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
4. Pour chicken broth and tomato sauce into the rice mixture, seasoning generously with ground cumin, vibrant chili powder, and kosher salt. Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
5. Elevate heat to initiate boiling, then immediately reduce flame to low, covering skillet with a tight-fitting lid to trap moisture and steam rice evenly.
6. Allow rice to simmer quietly for approximately 18-20 minutes, maintaining consistent low heat without lifting lid.
7. After cooking duration, remove skillet from heat source and permit rice to rest undisturbed for an additional 5 minutes, enabling remaining moisture absorption.
8. Gently separate and fluff rice grains using a fork, creating a light, airy texture before serving.

Notes

• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffy and separated texture when cooked.
• Toast rice in oil until golden brown to develop a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Use fresh garlic and onions for maximum flavor depth, and consider adding diced bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
• For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and adjust spices to maintain the authentic Mexican rice profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg