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Fluffy Mexican Rice Recipe Easy Restaurant Style for Family Dinners

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This restaurant-style Mexican rice is fluffy, savory, and easy to make with pantry staples. It’s the perfect side dish for family dinners, taco nights, or potlucks, delivering tender grains coated in a vibrant tomato broth with hints of cumin and fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water for 1-2 minutes until the water runs mostly clear.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until golden and nutty.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions are soft and garlic is fragrant.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce and stir to coat the rice. Sprinkle in salt, cumin, and chili powder. Stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
  5. Add chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Stir well, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly with a lid.
  6. Simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid. If rice is dry but not cooked, add 2 tablespoons hot water, cover, and cook another 2-3 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle in frozen peas (if using) and stir gently. Replace lid and let rice rest off heat for 5 minutes.
  8. Remove lid and fluff rice gently with a fork. Squeeze lime juice over rice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
  9. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed.
  10. Serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Notes

For best results, rinse rice thoroughly and toast in oil before adding liquid. Use vegetable broth for vegetarian or vegan version. Add extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers for more nutrition. If rice is sticky, rinse more thoroughly next time. Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican rice, restaurant style, fluffy rice, easy side dish, family dinner, taco night, gluten-free, vegetarian option

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/fluffy-mexican-rice-recipe-easy-restaurant-style-for-family-dinners/