Fiesta Rice: Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice at Home

Alright, let's dive into this! Fancy some seriously good rice?

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to make mexican rice that tastes like your favourite restaurant? i'm telling you, this aromatic tomato rice is a total game-changer.

It's got that perfect blend of savory, slightly tangy, and comforting flavors.

Brief Overview

Authentic mexican rice , or spanish rice recipe as some folks call it, is a staple in mexican cuisine. it's super easy to make at home.

This easy mexican recipe takes about 35 minutes and makes about 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

This homemade mexican rice is not just delicious. it's a great source of carbs for energy. serve it alongside your tacos or enchiladas! what makes this fluffy mexican rice extra special is the toasting of the rice before cooking.

Trust me, it adds loads of flavour.

Fiesta Rice: Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice at Home Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15 mL)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked (200g)
• 1/2 medium white onion, finely chopped (approx. 75g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 6g)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (411g)
• 2 cups chicken broth (475 mL) (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (5 mL)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (2.5 mL)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.25 mL)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.25 mL)
• Optional garnish: Chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and toast, stirring constantly, until lightly golden brown. This step is crucial for flavour!
• Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the saucepan. Sauté until softened and fragrant. Think MasterChef level aroma.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes. Don't peek!
• Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the steam to evenly distribute. Fluff with a fork before serving.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:210 calories

Fat:4g

Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish

Cuisine:Mexican

Let's Get Started: Your Fiesta Rice Adventure

Have you ever been disappointed by bland rice side dishes ? yeah, me too. the key to proper restaurant style mexican rice is all in the flavour base.

Toasting the rice really unlocks a nutty goodness that just blows the socks off the flavour profile.

What Makes This Mexican Rice Recipe Special?

Honestly, it's all about the flavour. this isn't just any tomato rice recipe . we're talking proper mexican rice recipes here.

We start by toasting the rice, which might sound a bit faffy, but it brings out this amazing nutty flavour.

This mexican rice becomes perfectly fluffy and never sticky!

Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Right, so what do you need? you'll need rice, obviously, plus some onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. the spices are crucial too.

Chili powder and cumin give it that classic mexican taste.

Alright, let's dive into the heart of how to make mexican rice – the ingredients and gear you'll need! honestly, it's simpler than you think.

I've been making this for years, and trust me, once you nail the basics, you can adapt it like a pro.

It's one of my absolute favorite rice side dishes . and let me tell you, forget bland rice forever!

Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Ingredients

Here's the lowdown on what you need for this Fiesta Rice. We're going for that Restaurant Style Mexican Rice flavour, so quality matters.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

• Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 mL) . Any neutral oil will do.

• Long-Grain White Rice: 1 cup (200g) , uncooked. Trust me, long-grain is your friend for Fluffy Mexican Rice .

• White Onion: 1/2 medium (approx. 75g) , finely chopped. Adds that essential savory base.

• Garlic: 2 cloves (approx. 6g) , minced. No vampire will come near!

• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can (411g) , undrained. This is where the Tomato Rice Recipe magic starts.

• Chicken Broth: 2 cups (475 mL) . Use vegetable broth for a veggie version. It is great and very Easy Mexican .

• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 mL) . Gives it that subtle warmth.

• Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) . Earthy and essential.

• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 mL) . To taste, of course.

• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 mL) . A must for balance.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

• Essential spice combo: Chili powder and cumin. It’s the backbone of that Authentic Mexican Rice taste.

• Enhancers: Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of cayenne for a kick!

• Quick subs: No chili powder? A dash of paprika and a pinch of cayenne will work in a pinch. You know?

Key Ingredient Quality: Rice & Tomatoes

The rice is key. look for unbroken, clean grains . avoid anything that looks dusty or discoloured. as for tomatoes, a good quality brand will have rich flavour and vibrant colour.

Honestly, it makes all the difference.

Gear Up: Equipment You'll Need

Let's talk equipment. You don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this Mexican Rice recipe . These are the tools that are really essential.

Essential Tools: Keep It Simple

• Medium saucepan with lid: A must for simmering!
• Measuring cups and spoons: Get those measurements spot on.
• Cutting board and knife: For chopping those veggies.
• Stirring spoon or spatula: Wooden spoon for the win.

Household Alternatives: Improvise & Overcome!

Don’t have a measuring cup? use your trusty mug! just remember the conversions. no fancy saucepan? a regular pot with a lid will do in a pinch.

Just keep a close eye on it. this homemade mexican rice is all about ease.

Alright, let's get down to business. how to make mexican rice that's actually amazing? not the sad, bland stuff, but proper fiesta rice that explodes with flavour! honestly, once you nail this, you'll be serving it with everything .

This is where we will learn homemade mexican rice.

Getting Ready: Your Essential Prep

First things first: the mise en place . sounds fancy, yeah? it just means having everything ready. chop 1/2 medium white onion finely.

Mince 2 cloves of garlic. get out 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice , 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes (undrained) and 2 cups of chicken broth.

A little chili powder , cumin , salt and pepper too, ok? this prep cuts down stress. did you remember the rice? don't forget the rice!

The Secret Steps to Amazing Mexican Rice

Follow these steps, and you'll be golden:

1. Toast the Rice : In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the rice. Stir constantly until lightly golden brown. (About 3- 5 minutes.) This is crucial – don't skip it!
2. Sauté Those Aromatics : Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they're soft. A good couple of minutes. The aromas are really important here!
3. Tomato Time : Pour in those diced tomatoes with the juice, then add the chicken broth, 1 teaspoon chili powder , 1/2 teaspoon cumin , 1/4 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
4. Simmer Like a Pro : Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover it TIGHT. Simmer for 20 minutes . No peeking. Seriously, resist the urge.
5. Rest, Relax, and Fluff : Take it off the heat. Leave the lid on. Let it sit for 5- 10 minutes . Then, fluff it with a fork. This gives you that fluffy Mexican rice texture.
6. Garnish and Serve : Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Chef's kiss .

Pro Tips for Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

• Don't stir while it's cooking! You want fluffy, not sticky, rice. Trust me on this.
• Use a tight-fitting lid. This traps steam. You know? Essential!
• For extra flavor, use tomato sauce, but you will need to adjust the amount of broth to achieve the desired consistency.

So there you have it. easy mexican rice , a proper spanish rice recipe , that’s way better than anything you'd get at a chain restaurant.

This authentic mexican rice side dish is truly something special. i hope you enjoy my mexican rice recipes , that are chef's kiss .

Let me know how you get on!

Alright, let's talk recipe notes for this fiesta rice, a.k.a. mexican rice . honestly, these little details are what take a recipe from "meh" to "omg, this is amazing!" you know? it's all about the love you put in.

Serving Up Success: More Than Just a Side

So, you've nailed how to make mexican rice – congrats! but presentation matters, right? i like to pile it high on a plate next to some juicy carne asada.

It looks proper fancy.

For sides, think about what complements the easy mexican vibe. a simple black bean salad or some grilled corn on the cob would be chef's kiss .

Don't forget the drinks! ice-cold margaritas or a mexican beer are always a winner.

Storage Secrets: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries! Refrigeration is your friend. Just pop that Homemade Mexican Rice in an airtight container and it'll be good for about 3-4 days.

Freezing? yeah, you can , but honestly, it's never quite the same. the texture changes a bit, know what i mean? if you do freeze it, make sure it's cooled completely first.

Reheating is best done in a microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Remixing Rice: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a change? Let's play around with this Spanish Rice Recipe .

For a dietary adaptation , use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Boom! Vegetarian sorted. Seasonally, swap regular tomatoes for roasted tomatoes in the summer. Trust me; it is game-changing!

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Grain

Ok, let's be real. This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice isn't exactly a health food. But! It does have some good stuff.

You're getting about 210 calories per serving. Not bad! Plus, the tomatoes have lycopene. And fiber? Sure, there's a little. But hey, it tastes amazing, right?

Listen, fluffy mexican rice is a crowd-pleaser. don't be scared to give it a go. it's easier than you think.

And who knows? maybe you'll even create your own mexican rice recipes masterpiece. get in the kitchen and have fun with it!

Remember this, a great Tomato Rice Recipe is the backbone of many Rice Side Dishes .