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
Scale
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
