Description
Spicy stovetop Mexican rice delivers authentic flavors straight from regional kitchens. Simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic spices, this simple side dish brings zest to your plate and connects you with traditional Mexican culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (8 ounces) plain tomato sauce
Aromatics and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 white onion (diced)
- 1 jalapeño (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 bay leaf
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon tomato bouillon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime (juiced)
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse rice in a fine mesh strainer until water becomes transparent, allowing it to drain completely for 5 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot, sautéing diced onion and jalapeño for 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Introduce rice, cumin, chili powder, minced garlic, and oregano, toasting ingredients for 3-4 minutes while stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Pour in broth, tomato sauce, bouillon, bay leaf, and salt, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Increase heat to high, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil, then immediately reduce temperature to lowest setting.
- Cover pot and simmer for 15 minutes, gently stirring once midway through cooking to prevent rice from sticking.
- Remove from heat, keeping lid sealed, and allow rice to rest undisturbed for an additional 10 minutes.
- Uncover and fluff rice gently with a fork, incorporating freshly chopped cilantro and a splash of lime juice for brightness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot as a vibrant side dish.
Notes
- Thoroughly rinse rice to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that won’t clump together.
- Toast spices and rice before adding liquid to enhance deep, rich Mexican-inspired flavor profile and prevent blandness.
- Use fresh jalapeños for authentic heat, but can substitute with milder green chiles or bell peppers for sensitive palates.
- Avoid lifting lid during cooking to maintain consistent steam and perfect rice texture, allowing moisture to absorb evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg