Cooking Mexican cuisine at home can be a delicious and satisfying experience. One popular dish that you can easily make on your stove is Mexican rice. Mexican rice is a flavorful and fragrant rice dish that is a perfect accompaniment to many Mexican dishes. Whether you’re having a taco night or just want to add some zing to your usual rice, learning how to cook Mexican rice on the stove is a valuable skill to have.

Traditional Mexican rice, also known as arroz rojo, is made with long-grain white rice, tomato sauce, and a variety of spices. The result is a vibrant, slightly tangy, and savory rice dish that pairs well with any protein or vegetable. It’s important to cook the rice properly to achieve the desired texture and flavor.

One key step in making Mexican rice is to lightly fry the rice in oil before cooking it. This process, called toasting the rice, adds a depth of flavor and helps the grains remain separate and fluffy. Adding the right amount of liquid and simmering it gently ensures that the rice is fully cooked without becoming mushy. And don’t forget the seasoning! A combination of garlic, onion, cumin, and chili powder gives Mexican rice its authentic taste.

With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can easily make a delicious pot of Mexican rice on your stove. So why not take your next homemade Mexican meal to new heights by mastering this classic dish? Your taste buds will thank you!

Prepare the Ingredients

Before you begin cooking Mexican rice on the stove, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients prepared and ready to use. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of long-grain rice
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon of tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Make sure to measure and prepare all the ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

Rinse the Rice

Before cooking the Mexican rice, it is important to rinse the rice to remove any excess starch. This will help ensure that the rice cooks evenly and does not become sticky. Follow these steps to rinse the rice:

  1. Measure the desired amount of rice and place it in a fine-mesh strainer.
  2. Place the strainer with the rice under cold running water.
  3. Gently stir the rice with your fingers, allowing the water to flow through the grains.
  4. Continue rinsing and stirring the rice until the water runs clear.
  5. Once the rice is rinsed, allow it to drain in the strainer for a few minutes before using it in the recipe.
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Sauté the Vegetables

Before starting to cook the Mexican rice, it’s important to sauté the vegetables to build flavor and aroma. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
  3. Add the red and green bell peppers, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until they become slightly tender.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Sautéing the vegetables will release their natural flavors and contribute to the overall deliciousness of the Mexican rice. Make sure to stir them frequently to prevent burning and achieve an even cooking.

Add the Rice and Spices

Once the onion and garlic are cooked, it’s time to add the rice to the pot. Measure out one cup of long-grain white rice and add it to the pot with the vegetables.

Stir the rice into the vegetable mixture until it is well coated in the oil. Allow the rice to cook in the oil for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes slightly translucent.

Add the spices to the pot of rice. Traditional Mexican rice is flavored with cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Measure out 1 teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of chili powder, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. Sprinkle the spices over the rice and stir until they are evenly distributed.

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For an extra burst of flavor, you can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste at this stage. Stir the tomato paste into the rice and spices until it is well incorporated.

Note: Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. If you like your rice spicier, add more chili powder or paprika. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spices called for in the recipe.

Cook the Rice

Before you start cooking the Mexican rice, it’s important to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove any excess starch. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

In a large saucepan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice starts to turn golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Next, add minced garlic and diced onion to the pan and cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 2 minutes.

Add the tomato sauce to the saucepan and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Now, it’s time to add the liquid. Pour in the chicken broth and water, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.

Once the liquid comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

After 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.

Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and it’s ready to be served. Enjoy your delicious homemade Mexican rice!

Fluff and Serve the Rice

Once the rice has finished cooking, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, covered. This allows the rice to continue steaming and absorb any excess moisture.

After the 5 minutes have passed, using a fork, fluff the rice gently to separate the grains. Be careful not to stir vigorously as this can result in mushy rice.

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Once the rice is fluffed, it is ready to be served. Transfer the rice to a serving dish and garnish with chopped cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

Mexican rice is a delicious and versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. It can be served alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.

Pro Tip: If the rice still seems slightly undercooked after the initial cooking time, you can return the pot to low heat and cook for an additional 5 minutes, covered.

Storage

If you have leftovers, make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Mexican rice can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of water or broth to refresh the texture.

Enjoy your homemade Mexican rice!

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of long-grain rice to make Mexican rice on the stove. However, note that the cooking time may be longer, and the texture and taste of the rice may be slightly different.

How long does it take to cook Mexican rice on the stove?

The cooking time for Mexican rice on the stove is typically around 25-30 minutes. This includes the time for sautéing the rice and vegetables, simmering it with tomato sauce and spices, and letting it rest before serving.

Can I add other vegetables to the Mexican rice?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to the Mexican rice according to your preference. Some popular options include corn, peas, carrots, and diced tomatoes. Just make sure to chop them finely and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is it necessary to rinse the rice before cooking?

Rinsing the rice before cooking is not necessary, but it can help remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky. If you prefer fluffy and separate grains, you can rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear before cooking.