Learn how to make classic Mexican Rice with tomato, broth, garlic, onion, and spices. This simple stovetop recipe creates fluffy, flavorful rice perfect for tacos, enchiladas, bowls, and family dinners.
Quick Answer:
Mexican Rice is a tomato-style rice dish also called
arroz rojo.
The best version uses rinsed and toasted long-grain rice,
tomato sauce, broth, garlic, onion, and seasonings.
Keep the lid closed while cooking, avoid stirring,
and rest the rice before fluffing for the best texture.
What Is Mexican Rice?
Mexican Rice is a savory tomato-flavored rice side dish cooked with broth, aromatics, and spices. In many Mexican and Mexican-American homes, it is known as arroz rojo, meaning red rice.
The signature orange-red color comes from tomato sauce, tomato paste, tomato bouillon, or fresh tomato puree. Good Mexican Rice should taste warm, savory, fluffy, and lightly seasoned rather than overly spicy.
Mexican Rice Recipe Card
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
6 people
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients for Easy Mexican Rice
Rice:
1½ cups long-grain white rice
1½ cups long-grain white rice
Oil:
2 tablespoons neutral oil
2 tablespoons neutral oil
Aromatics:
Onion and garlic for deep flavor
Onion and garlic for deep flavor
Tomato:
¼ cup tomato sauce
¼ cup tomato sauce
Liquid:
2¾ cups chicken or vegetable broth
2¾ cups chicken or vegetable broth
Seasonings:
Cumin, chili powder, salt, tomato bouillon
Cumin, chili powder, salt, tomato bouillon
Optional:
Jalapeño, bay leaf, peas, carrots
Jalapeño, bay leaf, peas, carrots
Garnish:
Fresh cilantro and lime
Fresh cilantro and lime
