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The Ultimate Easy & Authentic Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice

A close-up of a generous serving of vibrant orange Mexican rice recipe, garnished with fresh cilantro, peas, and diced carrots.
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Follow this simple guide to make fluffy, flavorful Mexican rice (Arroz Mexicano) that tastes just like your favorite restaurant version.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the rice to the hot oil. Stir constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the rice grains are lightly golden brown and toasted. This step is key for fluffy rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring, until the onion softens, about 3 minutes.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir in the salt and cumin. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, stir once, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and immediately reduce the heat to low.
  6. Simmer undisturbed for 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
  8. Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix if using, allowing the residual heat to warm them through. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality chicken broth.
  • If you prefer a smoother tomato flavor, blend the tomato sauce with 1/4 cup of water before adding it to the pot.
  • Rinsing the rice before toasting is not necessary for this restaurant-style method, as the starch helps achieve the correct texture when toasted properly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfleet.com/mexican-rice-recipe-easy-authentic/