Restaurant Style Mexican Rice Recipe
Introduction
This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is a flavorful and vibrant side dish that pairs perfectly with any Mexican meal. With its rich tomato base and fresh cilantro, it brings a comforting and authentic taste to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 1/4 cup oil
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 3 tsp salt
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add the rice and cook, stirring often, until the rice turns golden brown.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt, garlic, cumin, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Step 4: Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Step 5: Let the rice simmer gently for 35 to 40 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 6: Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the chopped cilantro, and serve. For extra flavor, sprinkle with cheese such as Cotija before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian.
- Toast the rice carefully to avoid burning while still achieving a nice golden color.
- Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Top with fresh lime juice for added brightness before serving.
Storage
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave or warm gently on the stove until heated through, fluffing before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of long grain rice?
Long grain rice is preferred for its texture and ability to stay fluffy, but you can use other white rice varieties. Adjust cooking time as needed.
What can I use instead of Cotija cheese?
If Cotija is unavailable, feta or grated Parmesan can provide a similar salty, crumbly texture for topping.
Print
Restaurant Style Mexican Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice recipe delivers perfectly fluffy, flavorful rice cooked with tomato sauce, chicken broth, and aromatic spices. The rice is toasted to a golden brown before simmering, infusing it with rich depth and classic Mexican flair. Fresh cilantro added at the end brightens the dish, making it a perfect side for any Mexican meal.
Ingredients
Rice
- 2 cups long grain rice
Liquids and Sauces
- 1/4 cup oil
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
Herbs and Spices
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 3 tsp salt
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil and toast rice: In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the long grain rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice grains are golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Add the salt, minced garlic, ground cumin, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer with lid: Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the rice simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, or until all the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pan from heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the chopped cilantro for freshness. Optionally, sprinkle Cotija cheese on top for an authentic Mexican finish before serving.
Notes
- To achieve the best texture, make sure to toast the rice evenly until golden brown before adding liquids.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adding Cotija cheese is optional but enhances the authentic flavor.
- Make sure not to lift the lid during simmering to keep the steam trapped for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Mexican rice, restaurant style rice, side dish, long grain rice, cilantro rice
