Andy’s Zesty Homemade Mexican Rice Recipe That Wows Every Time

Let’s spice up dinner with andy’s homemade mexican rice that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Authentic flavors burst from every grain, transporting you straight to a cozy kitchen in mexico.

Comfort meets simplicity in this delightful side dish packed with vibrant ingredients.

Crisp vegetables and perfectly seasoned rice create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Warm aromas will fill your kitchen, promising a memorable meal that everyone will adore.

My family can’t get enough of this foolproof recipe that comes together in minutes.

Grab a fork and prepare to savor every delicious bite of this mouthwatering mexican rice.

Why Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice Shines

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this Mexican rice in just 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy families craving delicious, home-cooked meals.
• Foolproof Flavor Explosion: Even beginner cooks can master this recipe, with simple steps that guarantee a perfectly seasoned, restaurant-quality side dish every single time.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Customize the rice by adding protein, mixing in different vegetables, or serving as a base for burrito bowls, making it adaptable for multiple meals and preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Affordable ingredients and minimal cooking skills transform basic pantry staples into a mouthwatering side that stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing taste.

Mexican Rice Andy’s Homemade Essentials

• Long-Grain White Rice: Classic Mexican rice foundation with perfect fluffy texture, ideal for absorbing flavors.
• Chicken Broth: Rich liquid base that adds depth and savory character to the rice.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides vibrant color and tangy tomato essence to the rice.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a robust and authentic Mexican flavor profile.

• Cumin, Chili Powder: Signature Mexican spices that deliver warm, earthy, and slightly spicy notes.
• Salt: Essential for balancing and intensifying the overall taste.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps prevent rice sticking and adds subtle richness during cooking.

• Peas: Fresh green element that brings color and slight sweetness to the dish.

Guide to Andys Homemade Mexican Rice

Step 1: Sizzle Rice in Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add uncooked rice and stir continuously until the grains turn a beautiful light golden brown color, releasing a nutty aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Sauté for about a minute until the kitchen is filled with a fragrant blend of savory scents that make your mouth water.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Liquid Base

• Tomato sauce
• Chicken broth
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt

Stir everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated and distributed evenly.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Lower the heat, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes.

The rice will absorb all the delicious liquid and become tender.

Step 5: Add Colorful Vegetables

• Frozen peas
• Diced carrots

Gently fold these vegetables into the rice to add extra nutrition and vibrant color.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and fluff the rice with a fork, separating the grains and creating a light, fluffy texture.

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the burst of Mexican-inspired flavors.

Mexican Rice Like Andy’s With Authentic Prep Tips

• Toast rice until golden brown to enhance flavor and develop a rich, appetizing appearance.
• Stir rice frequently while toasting to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.
• Swap peas and carrots with corn, bell peppers, or your favorite vegetables for variety.
• Adjust chicken broth amount slightly if using different rice types to maintain perfect texture.
• Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or fresh cilantro for a personalized taste twist.

Keep Mexican Rice Stored Right For Flavor

• Store leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 1 month without losing flavor quality.
• Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water over the rice, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
• Warm rice in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out, stirring gently until heated through.

Dishes That Pair with Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice

• Pair Vibrant Proteins: Grilled chicken or tender carne asada perfectly complement the rice's zesty tomato and spice profile, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Match Cooling Beverages: Crisp Mexican lager beer or refreshing horchata provide a smooth counterpoint to the rice's warmth, balancing the mild heat and cleansing the palate.
• Create Textural Contrast: Fresh cilantro-lime crema or chunky salsa verde add bright acidity and creamy/chunky textures that elevate the rice's soft, comforting base.
• Boost with Fresh Sides: Sliced avocado or quick pickled onions introduce creamy richness and tangy crunch, adding layers of flavor and visual appeal to the dish.

Homemade Mexican Rice with Andy’s Flavor Touch

• Gluten-Free Mexican Rice: Replace chicken broth with gluten-free vegetable broth and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Mexican Rice: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a plant-based version.
• Cauliflower Rice Alternative: Substitute traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a low-carb option, reducing cooking time to 10-12 minutes.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add cooked black beans or diced grilled chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking to increase protein content.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. You’ll need to adjust cooking time to about 45 minutes and increase chicken broth by 1/2 cup to ensure proper hydration.

• Is it necessary to toast the rice before cooking?

Toasting rice helps develop a nutty flavor and prevents rice from becoming mushy. It creates a protective layer on rice grains, helping them stay separate and fluffy during cooking.

• What if I don't have tomato sauce?

You can substitute with diced tomatoes, tomato paste mixed with water, or even salsa. Each option will slightly change the flavor but will work well in the recipe.

• How do I prevent my rice from burning or sticking?

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet, stir occasionally during initial cooking, maintain low heat after bringing to a simmer, and keep the lid on tight to trap moisture and prevent burning.

Andys Homemade Mexican Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican culinary magic sparks to life with Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice, a zesty side dish brimming with authentic flavors. Savory spices and perfectly textured grains invite you to savor a delicious journey through traditional Mexican cuisine.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) long-grain white rice
• 3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (237 ml) tomato sauce

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) peas (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet with vegetable oil over medium temperature, creating a sizzling base for the rice.
2. Introduce uncooked rice to the heated oil, gently stirring and rotating grains until they transform into a delicate golden hue.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing aromatics to release their vibrant essence for approximately one minute.
4. Stream tomato sauce and chicken broth into the skillet, complementing the mixture with earthy cumin, robust chili powder, and a measured pinch of salt. Blend ingredients thoroughly.
5. Encourage the liquid to reach a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to its lowest setting and seal the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
6. Allow rice to slowly absorb the seasoned liquid, maintaining a low temperature for 18-20 minutes until grains become perfectly tender and liquid completely disappears.
7. During the final moments of cooking, fold in colorful peas and diced carrots, integrating these vegetables for added nutrition and visual appeal.
8. Delicately separate rice grains using a fork, creating a light, fluffy texture before presenting the aromatic dish to eager diners.

Notes

• Toast rice thoroughly to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.
• Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and authentic Mexican rice consistency.
• Add frozen mixed vegetables during the last few minutes for extra nutrition and color without sacrificing traditional taste.
• Adjust liquid ratio if using brown rice, which requires more cooking time and water compared to white rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg