Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

If you’ve ever dined at a Mexican restaurant and savored the fluffy, flavorful rice served alongside your favorite dishes, you know there’s something truly special about it. This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice recipe captures that essence beautifully, making it easy to recreate at home. With a perfect blend of spices, the richness of ghee, and the natural sweetness of fire-roasted tomatoes, this dish will elevate any meal. It pairs wonderfully with tacos, enchiladas, or even as a stand-alone side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is not only simple to make but also loaded with flavors that will transport you straight to Mexico. The combination of spices and ingredients creates a depth of flavor that is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s made with wholesome ingredients, making it a great choice for a nutritious side. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just cooking for yourself, this recipe is versatile and satisfying.

Ingredient List

• 2 tablespoons butter (I used ghee)
• 1 cup long-grain brown rice dry (I like Uncle Ben’s Long-Grain)
• 1/2 cup sweet onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt (more or less to taste)
• 1/2 cup diced fire-roasted tomatoes, canned, with liquid
• 2 tablespoons diced green chiles, canned, with liquid
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken broth (fat-free)

What’s in the Gear List

• Large skillet or saucepan – For cooking the rice and blending the flavors.
• Wooden spoon – To stir and combine the ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting board and knife – For dicing the onions and garlic.

Restaurant Style Mexican Rice: How It’s Done

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the sweet onion, mince the garlic, and set your canned tomatoes and green chiles aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced sweet onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add 1 cup of long-grain brown rice to the skillet. Stir the rice into the onion and garlic mixture, allowing it to toast for about 2-3 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the rice, giving it a nice nutty aroma.

Step 4: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste). Stir well to coat the rice and integrate the spices into the mixture.

Step 5: Incorporate the Tomatoes and Broth

Add 1/2 cup of diced fire-roasted tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of diced green chiles, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to the skillet. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and stir everything together.

Step 6: Bring to a Boil

Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the rice simmer for about 45-50 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 7: Fluff and Serve

Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before removing the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Serve warm alongside your favorite Mexican dishes or as a delicious standalone side.

Dietary Swaps & Alternatives

• For a vegan option, replace ghee with olive oil or coconut oil.
• Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative.
• If you prefer white rice, you can use long-grain white rice; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• For a spicier kick, add more diced green chiles or a dash of cayenne pepper.

If You’re Curious

This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding frozen peas or corn for added texture and sweetness. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different spices, like paprika or oregano, to make it your own. It also works great as a base for burrito bowls, topped with your favorite proteins and veggies.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

This Mexican rice is a fantastic make-ahead option! Once it has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water to restore its fluffy texture.

Common Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a healthier option and adds a nuttier flavor. Just remember that it requires a longer cooking time than white rice.

How can I make this dish spicier?

You can increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers for an extra kick. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.

What can I serve with this Mexican rice?

This rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, or even alongside a fresh salad. It’s the perfect side for any Mexican-inspired meal.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little added liquid to keep it moist.

See You at the Table

This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s a dish that embodies the spirit of Mexican cuisine. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that tastes just like it came from your favorite restaurant. Enjoy every bite!