How to Make Mexican Rice Recipe for all your Tex-Mex meals! (2024)

FAQs

What kind of rice do Mexican restaurants use? ›

Any kind of long grain rice works well for making Mexican rice. You can use generic “long grain rice”, or basmati, or jasmine, anything like that.

One of the main differences between these two rice dishes is that Mexican rice is fluffier and tends not to stick together. Whilst Spanish Rice is known for that rich yellow color, Mexican Rice is best known for its reddish orange hue that it gets from being cooked with cumin.

If your rice is really wet and mushy, you probably added too much water and/or overcooked it. This recipe is kindly sponsored by Mahatma® Rice. I carry their products in my kitchen at all times!

If you're a fan of homemade Mexican food, a good Mexican rice recipe is a must. Often referred to as Spanish rice or “arroz rojo,” this classic dish features long-grain rice simmered in a tomato-infused broth, seasoned with onions, garlic, cumin, and chili powder — lending it that iconic reddish-orange color.

Mexican rice (sometimes referred to as Spanish rice or red rice in Tex–Mex cuisine), also known as arroz a la mexicana, arroz mexicano, sopa de arroz, or arroz rojo in Spanish, is a Mexican side dish made from white rice, tomato, garlic, onion, and perhaps other ingredients.

Why is rice at Mexican restaurants orange? - Quora. It has a tomato element to it. I use tomato bullion, I'd imagine you could use tomato paste or something else tomato-y. Mexicans often cook rice using a puree of roasted/charred onion, chile, and tomato instead of water.

Arguably the best part of any Mexican meal is the heap of Spanish rice, alongside a mound of cheesy, refried beans. This orange-hued aromatic rice is known in northern Mexico (and by Mexican American families, affectionately) as arroz or arroz rojo. For Mexican Americans, arroz is perhaps the most beloved side dish.

Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; season with onion powder and garlic powder. Stir in rice and cook until golden, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in water and tomato sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, about 15 minutes.

Frying the rice before hand makes the whole rice cooking process more forgiving. One can use more water and cook longer without turning the rice into a pasty mess. Also, the technique can assist in making rice more savory. For example sauteing onion or garlic in the oil before adding rice adds flavor.

Why do you brown Mexican rice before cooking? ›

First, we'll lightly toast the brown rice in oil for extra flavor and separation. Then, we'll bring the rice to a boil with rich, tomato-y broth (you can use ripe tomatoes or canned). Then, we'll bake it in the oven for perfectly fluffy Mexican rice with amazing flavor.

For tender grains of rice that easily separate, such as in a pilaf, use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. You can also use another liquid like stock in this 2:1 ratio. For slightly chewier, fluffy white rice, use 1 1/2 cups of water for every cup of rice, or a 1.5:1 ratio.

Cook the rice properly - Undercooked or overcooked rice can have a bitter taste. Make sure you cook the rice properly to the right tenderness and texture.

If you cooked on a temperature that is too high (you should always bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer) then the rice will be burnt on the bottom and raw on top.

The usage of rice

In Fried Rice, most quick-service restaurants (QSRs) use long-grain white rice like Basmati, whereas Jasmine Rice is used in Chinese Rice.

Rice – while it's optional, adding rice into your burrito can make it extra filling and provide a bit more texture. Use cooked white rice or swap for brown rice if you're looking for some more nutrients. Avocado – another optional ingredient, but one we love to include for a bit of extra flavour and taste.

Around here, all you need to know is that we use long-grain white rice. We have always been committed to preparing real food made with real ingredients. You know, the kind you can recognize and pronounce. In fact, we've listed every single one of them right here.

Spanish Rice Recipe Ingredients

Long-grain white rice, such as basmati, works best in this recipe. You can also use brown rice, but you'll need to increase the broth measurement to 2 cups. Simmer the rice for 45 minutes instead of 15. Onion and garlic – For savory depth of flavor.