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A clear glass bowl of cooked Authentic Mexican Rice with peas and carrots, garnished with chopped cilantro, with a serving spoon resting inside.

Authentic Mexican Rice

Fluffy, flavorful Mexican rice made perfectly every time, a must-have for all your favorite meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
resting 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Lunch, Side
Cuisine: Latin, Mexican
Calories: 275
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups long grain white rice rinsed and drained
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced (fresh for best flavor)
  • ¼ medium onion finely diced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • ¼ cup tomato sauce or 2 small pureed fresh tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons tomato bouillon granulated or cubes (adds color and depth)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 medium carrot diced (for sweetness and texture)
  • ½ cup peas frozen or fresh (adds color and flavor)
  • 3 cups water or low-sodium broth for more flavor
  • 1-3 whole serrano peppers optional (adds subtle aroma, not spicy)

Method
 

  1. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear, then drain thoroughly.
  2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add the drained rice to the saucepan and stir frequently for about 8-10 minutes until the rice turns a light golden brown.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, garlic, and diced onion until evenly combined. mix
  5. Add tomato bouillon, salt, diced carrot, peas, and water to the pan. If using, add serrano peppers for extra flavor.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
  7. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.5gSodium: 394mgPotassium: 164mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1865IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 0.7mg

Notes

Washing the rice ensures fluffiness, while tomato and aromatic seasonings create a rich, authentic flavor. Perfect for pairing with tacos, enchiladas, or your favorite Mexican dishes.

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