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    Easy Mexican Rice

    clock-icon45 minutes
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    Author
    Pixicook editorial team

    A simple and flavorful recipe for traditional Mexican rice.

    Ingredients for Easy Mexican Rice

    units in
    USchevron
    units in
    USchevron
    serves
    6 peoplechevron
    serves
    6 peoplechevron

    Long Grain White Rice

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Tomato, cored and quartered

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Jalapeño Chile, stemmed, halved, and seeded

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Salt

    to taste

    Black Pepper

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Clove, chopped

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chicken Stock

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Tomato Paste

    tablespoons

    Fresh Cilantro, chopped

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lime Wedge

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Easy Mexican Rice

    1. Rinse Rice

    Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water for about one and a half minutes until the water runs clear.

    2. Prepare Tomato Mixture

    In a food processor, combine the tomato, jalapeño, 1.5 teaspoons of salt, garlic, and 0.25 teaspoon of pepper. Process for about 30 seconds until smooth. Stir to deflate foam and add enough chicken broth to equal 2.5 cups of liquid.

    3. Toast Rice

    Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the rinsed rice and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the edges of the rice are translucent.

    4. Add Tomato Paste

    Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute until the rice is uniformly colored.

    5. Cook Rice

    Pour in the tomato mixture, bring it to a boil, give it a quick stir, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 20 minutes.

    6. Rest and Fluff

    Remove the pan from the heat but keep it covered. Let it stand for 10 minutes.

    7. Finish and Serve

    Stir in the chopped cilantro and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the rice to a serving bowl and serve with lime wedges on the side.

    Variations

    Spicy Chipotle Mexican Rice

    Use a chipotle-based salsa or add chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor.

    Protein-Enhanced Mexican Rice

    Incorporate cooked chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or flaked fish after simmering with salsa.

    Cilantro-Lime Mexican Rice

    Stir in fresh chopped cilantro and lime juice after cooking for a zesty flavor profile.

    Toast the Rice

    Toast rice in a dry pan or with oil until golden brown for a nuttier flavor and added dimension.

    Stuffed Peppers with Mexican Rice

    Use the rice as a filling for bell peppers, bake with cheese, and serve with sour cream.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Quality Salsa

    Use high-quality or homemade salsa, and consider roasting ingredients for depth.

    Liquid Ratios

    Use about 1 ¾ cups of liquid per cup of rice, adjusting based on salsa consistency.

    Rice Selection

    Use long-grain white rice like Basmati or Jasmine for a fluffier texture.

    Avoid Stirring

    Do not stir while simmering to prevent breaking grains and releasing starch.

    Rinsing the Rice

    Rinse until the water runs clear to prevent stickiness and gumminess.


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