Name: Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Olive oil or vegetable oil; 1 cup Long-grain white rice; 4-8 ounces Canned tomato sauce (Use at least 4 or up to 8 ounces); 2 cups Water; 1 teaspoon Minced garlic (about 2 cloves); 2 teaspoons Caldo de Tomate (tomato bouillon); 1 teaspoon Chili powder

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Authentic Mexican rice is a flavorful and vibrant side dish that complements many meals. This recipe is simple to make and delivers perfectly cooked, golden rice infused with savory tomato and spices.

A large white bowl filled with fluffy orange-red rice, each grain separate and cooked to a soft texture. The rice has small bits of red sauce mixed throughout, giving it a slightly uneven color with hints of deeper red. On top, there is a small bright green parsley sprig placed as a garnish. A smooth wooden spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, partially buried in the rice. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that adds a subtle, clean background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1 cup long-grain white rice
4-8 ounces canned tomato sauce (use at least 4 or up to 8 ounces)
2 cups water
1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
2 teaspoons Caldo de Tomate (tomato bouillon)
1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the oil in a 3-quart sauté pan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3–5 minutes until the rice turns a golden color.
Step 2: Add the chili powder, Caldo de Tomate, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine the spices with the rice.
Step 3: Pour in the water and tomato sauce, then stir to mix everything together.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed.
Step 5: Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5–10 minutes to finish cooking and absorb steam.
Step 6: Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve warm as a delicious side.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, sauté finely chopped onions with the rice before adding the spices.
Adjust the amount of tomato sauce depending on your preference for color and tomato flavor.
Add fresh chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice after cooking to brighten the flavor.
Use vegetable broth instead of water for richer taste.

Storage

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white plate filled with bright orange-red cooked rice that looks fluffy and slightly oily, with grains clearly separated. On top, there are three fresh green parsley leaves adding a small pop of color, and a wooden spoon partially resting on the edge of the plate, touching the rice. The plate sits on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more water, so adjust the liquid and simmer time accordingly if substituting.

What if I don’t have Caldo de Tomate?

You can substitute with a small amount of vegetable bouillon or a pinch of salt and extra tomato paste to maintain flavor.