Authentic Mexican Rice (Easy, Family-Favorite Side Dish)
This authentic Mexican rice is light, fluffy, and full of fresh flavor. Made with simple ingredients and blended tomato base, it’s the perfect easy side dish for tacos, quesadillas, or taquitos.
Equipment
- Blender
- Large Bowl
- Rice Strainer
- Cooking Pan
Ingredients
Tomato Base (Blended Mixture)
- 3 cups water
- 1/3 of yellow onion
- 3 large garlic cloves fresh
- 2 medium-large tomatoes or 4 Roma tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste or tomato bouillon
- 2 tbsp chicken bouillon
Rice & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 cups white rice organic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Add water, onion, garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken bouillon to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, keeping only the liquid. (You can save the thicker leftover pulp as a fresh, salsa-like topping for your meal.)
- Rinse the rice in a strainer under cold water for about 1–2 minutes, until the water runs clearer. Let excess water drain well.
- Heat a large, wide pan over medium-high heat. Add oil, then add the rice. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice starts to turn slightly golden and smells lightly nutty. (This step builds flavor—don’t skip it!)
- Carefully pour the tomato mixture into the pan with the rice.
- Add salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with your favorite Mexican dishes.
Notes
A few things:
Let rice cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to bring back moisture. I also like adding a little avocado before reheating so the rice doesn't get sticky or dry.
- You can swap tomato paste for tomato bouillon depending on what you have.
- Vine tomatoes or Roma tomatoes both work great—use what you have on hand.
- If your tomatoes are small, use 3 instead of 2. This recipe is very forgiving.
- Always rinse your rice—this helps keep it light and fluffy.
- Kid-friendly and zero spice, but full of flavor.
Let rice cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to bring back moisture. I also like adding a little avocado before reheating so the rice doesn't get sticky or dry.