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Homemade Restaurant Style Mexican Rice recipe photo

Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is bursting with flavors! It's the perfect side for any Mexican meal, easy to make, and oh-so-delicious!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Rice:

  • 2 tablespoons butter (I used ghee)
  • 1 cup long-grain brown rice (I like Uncle Ben's Long-Grain)
  • 1/2 cup sweet onion (diced)
  • 1 clove garlic (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)

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Start by melting the ghee (or butter) in your medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced sweet onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the long-grain brown rice to the saucepan, stirring frequently for about 2-3 minutes. This step allows the rice to absorb the flavors of the onion and garlic while lightly toasting it for a richer flavor.
  • Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat the rice evenly with the spices, allowing the mixture to cook for another minute.
  • Pour in the canned fire-roasted tomatoes (with their liquid), diced green chiles, and tomato paste. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
  • Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. Then, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Serve it warm as a side dish or as the base for any Mexican-inspired meal.

Notes

  • Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
  • Adjust the spices to your taste for a more personalized flavor.
  • Store cooked rice in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Keyword Easy, Flavorful, Vegetarian