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Learn how to make Authentic Mexican Rice! It’s a simple recipe, requires just a few ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to make. Add it to your menu for Taco Tuesday or anytime Mexican food is on the menu.
This is the best Mexican Rice recipe that is so good and so easy, it is our go-to side dish for any Mexican dinner. We serve this rice dish alongside Refried Beans or Slow Cooker Mexican Beans, Mexican Black Beans and with our favorite meals, like Ground Beef Enchiladas, Chicken Tacos, Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas and Carne Asada.
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The Best Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
By far, this is one of my favorite and most requested recipes to cook. We make it for any Mexican dish from taquitos, to tacos to burritos. It’s truly an authentic Mexican Rice recipe. You want to know why? Because it comes from an authentic Mexican kitchen that just so happens to belong to my cousin’s mother-in-law!
My cousin shared this recipe with me years ago and I’ve been making it almost weekly ever since. This authentic family recipe was passed down from her mother-in-law who had learned the recipe from her mother and grandmother. The ingredients are pretty simple – white rice, tomato sauce, garlic, chili powder, and Caldo de Tomate.
For me, this recipe is the closest to what you typically find in Mexican restaurants. While it might not feel “authentic” to some, it certainly is to us!
Ingredients
- Oil – I have used vegetable, canola, corn or olive oil. Other oils that you prefer can be used as long as they have a high smoke point.
- Long grain white rice – I have used Jasmine rice without issues, but don’t recommend a short grain because it can be too starchy. Brown rice works – see the FAQs section for tips.
- Tomato sauce – Depending on how saucy you like your rice, use anywhere from 4-8 ounces.
- Caldo de Tomate – This is a tomato bouillon that can be found in the Mexican aisle or with the dry soup mixes. If you can’t find it or don’t want to purchase it, you can omit or use chicken bouillon instead.
- Water – Substitute low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer, especially if you omit the caldo de tomate.
How to Make Mexican Rice
See recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Brown the Rice. The first step is to brown the rice by cooking it in a deep skillet or a large saucepan with some vegetable oil over a fairly high heat. When the rice starts to turn bright white and then golden, you’re ready for the next step, which is basically just adding the rest of the ingredients – water, tomato sauce, tomato bouillon, garlic and chili powder.
Once it all comes to a boil, cover it up and turn down the heat. A clear lid is helpful here so you can see when the rice is done, but really 20 minutes is about all it takes. If after 20 minutes there’s still some liquid in the pan, just let it continue to cook until you can no longer see liquid bubbling to the top.
Let it rest, covered, for several minutes, then fluff it up in the pan using a fork or wooden spoon, and you’re ready to serve. Sometimes I’ll add some frozen veggies, like peas and carrots, or even chicken, like in my One Pot Mexican Chicken & Rice. For a garnish, chop up some fresh cilantro or parsley and sprinkle it on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some people call this Spanish Rice, but Mexican Rice and Spanish Rice are actually not the same thing. While they do use some of the same ingredients, Traditional Spanish Rice uses saffron threads and has more of a yellow color.
Whether you call it Mexican Rice or Spanish Rice, you’ll always call it delicious!
White rice on its own has a pretty neutral flavor, so adding spices is key to adding big flavor. Add garlic, tomato bouillon and chili powder for restaurant-style Mexican rice; chicken broth, onion and garlic for rice pilaf; and saffron for Spanish Rice.
I have been asked this many times so I thought it was important to address. Chicken bouillon would be a fine substitution, although it wouldn’t have the same tomato taste. You could also simply use chicken stock instead of water and leave the bouillon out completely. I definitely recommend Caldo de Tomate if you can easily get it because it will give the best, most authentic flavor to your restaurant-style Mexican Rice recipe.
Keep in mind that you may need to add salt if you skip the bouillon. I highly recommend just doing a taste test once the rice is fully cooked, and adding the salt then if needed.
Since each kitchen and stove is different, it’s hard to say what could have gone wrong. However, typically it’s just that the heat wasn’t high enough and the rice didn’t come to a full boil. Let it cook a little longer to absorb more of the liquid. Or, remove the lid, turn up the heat to medium and let any remaining liquid boil off. One of these solutions should work for most problems.
Each kitchen, family, and family tradition is different. Just like in the US there are about 18 different types of barbecue sauce depending on what part of the country you live in, the same goes for Mexico and authentic Mexican Rice recipes. Just because it isn’t the same as what your family cooks, doesn’t make it wrong or bad.
This recipe calls for basic long-grain white rice, which is the best for an Authentic Mexican Rice recipe. However, I have used Jasmine Rice in its place and it comes out great. Basmati rice is typically used in Indian dishes, but will also work well. Brown rice can be used, but will require an additional ⅓ cup of water and about 10-20 minutes more cook time.
Yes! You can definitely double the recipe. You want to make sure that your pot is plenty big – A 5-quart should be fine. Double the ingredients, prepared the same way, but do not double the time. Your rice should still be ready in about 20 minutes.
Storage
Can you freeze Mexican Rice? Absolutely! Store leftover cooked rice in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-6 days or the freezer for up to 6 months.
Refrigerating – Let the rice cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating – Thaw first, then Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to rehydrate if needed.
Top Tips and Tricks
- Use a good quality nonstick saute pan for cooking your Mexican Rice. The rice never sticks, and it has higher sides so there’s no chance or and of the rice going overboard while stirring! Do not use stainless steel pans for cooking rice.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid! Rice needs steam to cook and as it steams, the grains absorb the liquid which makes them plump and fluffy. Lifting the lid releases essential steam that is necessary to cooking rice perfectly.
- About the tomato sauce – This recipe was recently updated to use a little less tomato sauce. The original calls for an 8-ounce can, but a lot of people commented that their rice was a little too saucy. This can be a personal preference and often depends on the cook, but you can use half of the can (4 ounces) and still have delicious, tomato-y restaurant-style Mexican Rice. Freeze the remainder of the sauce for using the next time you make this recipe.
- Vegetables – Feel free to add some cooked veggies, like peas and carrots, when you add the water. This is best with frozen vegetables rather than fresh, which will overcook and turn mushy.
- Add a chopped up Roma tomato before serving for more color and freshness.
- Serrano Peppers – Chopped serrano peppers can add some extra flavor without adding too much heat. Sprinkle on top just before covering the pan.
- Long-Grain Rice – You can use any long grain white rice. I have been using Jasmine rice for years and we actually prefer it to a regular white rice.
Recipes that use Mexican Rice
Even though it’s usually used as a side dish, Mexican Rice can be incorporated into a lot of different main dishes.
More Mexican Recipes
Planning a fiesta of your own? Mexican food is what we live for around here! If you want some delicious Mexican inspired recipes, you’ve got to try our Crock Pot Chicken Tacos, Crock Pot Carnitas, Baked Salsa Chicken, and my famous homemade Guacamole!
Or dip your chips in some sweet Mango Salsa. My husband swears by my Shrimp Ceviche and my kids rave about my Mexican Sopes.
Or if you’re wanting some other side dish options, we love Black Beans and Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice.
Want Mexican food for breakfast? Try this amazing Chilaquiles recipe! Just don’t forget the Margaritas!
Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe
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 of tomato sauce
- 2 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Minced garlic about 2 cloves
- 2 teaspoons Caldo de Tomate tomato bouillon
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
Instructions
- Heat oil in a 3-quart saute pan over medium heat. Add rice and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, until rice begins to turn a golden color.
- Add chili powder, Caldo de Tomate (tomato boullion), and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
- Pour in water and tomato sauce and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until all water has been absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork and serve.
Notes
- About the Tomato Sauce – You can use 4 ounces (¼ cup) tomato sauce, or up to 8 ounce (½ cup) if you like it saucier. If you have leftover sauce, freeze for the next time.
- Rinsing the rice is not necessary, which is why it’s not included in the recipe. However, you are welcome to do so.
- Feel free to add cooked veggies like peas and carrots before covering and cooking the rice.
Something isn’t right in the proportions. After 20 minutes of cooking, the rice still wasn’t close to done. Almost as crunchy as raw rice. Or maybe the toasting the rice has something to do with it. I cook white rice all the time, and 1 part rice to two parts water works just fine.
I assure you the recipe proportions are just right. Hundreds of thousands of cooks agree. You may have toasted it too long or your water wasn’t hot enough to begin with.
This is a great recipe! I’ve been wanting to make a good Mexican rice. The first time I made it, the rice came out mushy but good flavor. Decided to try again tonight and – perfect! As I re-read the recipe, I think where I went wrong the first time was not using 2c WARM water. I believe it was 2 c cold which would cause the cooking times to be off. This time warm water bordering on hot and it was great. Also I used the full 8oz can of tomato sauce and it was just right. Not soupy at all. After fluffing I added 3/4c corn and let it sit for 10 minutes and – delicious! Thank you for the recipe.
You are so welcome Stephanie! Thank you so much for sharing your feedback.
This rice was good but I added salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. 8oz of tomato sauce was perfect.
I’ve made Spanish Rice since I was 13. My Grandmother taught me, she was such a great cook before she got sick. To give your rice extra flavor, add some fresh onion, fresh cut up tomatoes and bell peppers, guarantee it adds a lot of flavor to your rice.
That’s certainly one way to do it!
This recipe could have been good but when I made it it was far too overcooked. Use a tad bit less water and cook for less time.
It definitely doesn’t need less water. There is a universal ratio for cooking rice and this is it.
Hands down, the best Mexican rice recipe I’ve tried. My husband loves it and so do I!! I make it exactly as written except I sub 2 tbsp. butter for the oil. Cook 20 mins and all the water is absorbed nicely. I also cook it in a 12 inch non stick fry pan. I’ve bookmarked this recipe and use it everytime!! Turns out perfect. Thank you Kristin!
You are so welcome Katie! Love the feedback, thanks for stopping by.
Good flavor, but very mushy. Too much liquid maybe. I simmered it for 210 minutes and it was soupy. I did another 10 still very wet. even after sitting uncovered for 10 minutes, no bueno. I am still on the hunt for a Mexican rice recipe that comes out like my friends and restaurants make it.
210 minutes???
I agree, doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.
No quantities. Not much help.
Actually, if you scroll down to the recipe card you’ll see all the information you need.
My bf is Mexican and grew up with his moms rice so I’m scared but I’m going to try this! Lol wish me luck!!!
This recipe was super simple and easy to
Follow! The rice came out SO GOOD! The only different thing I did was cook sofrito in the oil before adding the rice, simply because I made like 3 jars of it a while back and it needs to be used! Lol anyway, thanks for this recipe, I’ll be using it from now on for Mexican rice<3
Hi Magen, So glad you enjoyed it and weren’t afraid to make it your own. Thanks for your comment!
I think this is a good basic rice recipe. However, red rice is an Americanized thing. I grew up in Mexico and did travel and red rice is NOT the common type of rice eaten. Most people eat rice with out the tomato sauce added. While “arroz rojo” as it is known, is eaten in some places in lieu of the classic rice, it typically is to serve the tourists in restaurants. And yes, there are various ways of making rice by region, but the truth is the closer you get to the US geographically, the more the food is made for the tourists’ palette. The recipe is good though 🙂
I have made this recipe over and over and over for several years! It is the best mexican rice and tastes just like what you get in a restaurant. I have not been able to find Caldo de Tomate in my grocery store so have left it out and it’s still delicious. I do use chicken broth instead of water and I add some salt. Don’t look for other recipes – just take a jump and make this one!
Hi Talie, thank you so much for the awesome feedback.
It’s next to the chicken bouillon on the soup isle. Looks just like bullion but has a tomato on the pack.
I found the Caldo de Tomate at Walmart, and I live in Missouri. They also have it on Amazon.
The above recipe is how I was taught by a Mexican friend. My husband was 1/2 Apache & 1/2 Mexican. He asked if I knew how to make Spanish Rice. I said yes, I made it for dinner that nite. He was shocked. He said, ” this tastes just like my mom’s.” After thanking him I had to leave the table momentarily as I had to wipe the tears from my eyes. That was the highest compliment a man can give a woman.
Awesome comment Sparki! Thank you so much for sharing.
Love love this recipe!! I add chicken broth instead of water and a splash of hot sauce to give it a little kick. When we make large batches we brown our rice and then toss all ingredients into a large rice cooker and it cooks it perfectly and keeps it warm!! Thanks for the recipe!!
You are so welcome Leann! Fantastic feedback, thanks for stopping by.
Growing up, there was a Mexican restaurant in my town that made the most amazing Mexican rice. Over the years I tried to duplicate it many times with disappointing results. THIS IS IT! Just as written. I do tend to do just 4 oz of tomato sauce, but have done as much as 8. Love this rice and it’s super easy!
That’s awesome Lisa! Love the comment, thanks for stopping by to share.
I’ve been looking for an easily adaptable Mexican rice recipe and this is it. Thank you for sharing this. For my family, I added a half can suggestion of tomato sauce instead of full can, and used chicken broth instead of water and a tablespoon of chili powder. It was great! Everyone raved!
Awesome feedback Madelyn! Thank you so much for stopping by.
This was so easy! We all loved it even my seven and eight year old grandbabies!
Nice! Thanks for stopping by Missy!
I am wanting to make this recipe and freeze for a wedding. Any tips on making it taste and look fresh after freezing?
You could try adding a little bit of water when reheating. If you’re making it for a wedding, I highly recommend doing a test run first.
After thawing (on the counter) put rice in microwave safe dish. Add 1 ice cube per 3 cups of rice and microwave to desired temp.
The ice cube trick is phenomenal. Remoisturizes the rice via steam rather than boiling, which often leads to soggy.
Great tip!
I want to try this but live overseas in Europe and cannot find the tomato bouillon. Recommend an alternative?
Chicken bouillon and a little tomato paste would do the trick. Or use chicken broth instead of water and add a teaspoon of tomato paste.
We absolutely love this recipe. I am so glad I found this and other recipes. Thanks a lot for all of the recipes!
You are so welcome Kadena! Thanks for stopping by.
This is the easiest and most tasty Mexican-style rice I’ve made and served to guests! I’ve made it several times with varying levels of spice and it’s always a hit. I did find that a single recipe was great with 4 ounces of tomato sauce and a double recipe was great with 8 ounces of tomato sauce. This recipes was awesome for burritos, burrito bowls, a vegetarian meal of rice and beans, and just by itself. Once the recipe is made I like to mix my portion with a little bit of a spicy salsa just because I like that flavor profile and I tent to keep foods mild when serving friends and family so they can adjust spice as they like. This is a recipe I will be using for years to come. Thank you so much for making this so easy for me! I was nervous about making rice on my new induction stovetop but with the right pan this recipe is perfect.
Thank you Ann for the awesome feedback.