The Best Mexican Rice Recipe: Authentic, Fluffy, and Easy

Mexican rice, also known as arroz mexicano or Spanish rice, is a staple side dish in Mexican cuisine, and for good reason. When done right, it’s incredibly flavorful, fluffy, and the perfect complement to tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, and so much more. This isn’t just good Mexican rice; this is the Best Mexican Rice Recipe you’ll ever make. Having learned this authentic recipe firsthand from locals in Puebla, Mexico, I’m excited to share all the secrets to achieving restaurant-quality Mexican rice right in your own kitchen. Forget bland or mushy rice – this recipe guarantees perfectly cooked, vibrant grains every single time.

Bowl of delicious and fluffy Mexican rice with carrots and peas, showcasing the best Mexican rice recipe.

During a memorable college internship in Puebla, Mexico, my husband and I had the incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture. While teaching business workshops, we were fortunate to connect with many wonderful people, including a talented local chef. Eager to learn the true secrets of Mexican cooking, I asked him to teach me how to make a few authentic dishes. He graciously welcomed us into his home for a day of culinary exploration. We spent the day cooking up a feast, and I diligently took notes as we prepared this incredible Mexican rice recipe, alongside other classics like mole poblano, vibrant salsas, and comforting pozole. This recipe is a direct result of that invaluable experience, bringing the true taste of Mexico to your table.

What Makes This the Best Mexican Rice Recipe?

This recipe stands out because it focuses on authentic techniques and flavors. Unlike some recipes that yield bland or mushy results, this method ensures fluffy, flavorful rice with that signature vibrant orange hue. The key is in a few simple yet crucial steps:

Washing the Rice: This removes excess starch, preventing stickiness and promoting fluffy grains.
Toasting the Rice: Sautéing the rice in oil before adding liquid deepens the flavor and adds a nutty dimension.
Tomato Bouillon: This essential ingredient is the secret to authentic flavor and that beautiful orange color.
Resting Time: Allowing the rice to steam after cooking is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Authentic Mexican Rice

You likely have many of these ingredients in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing best mexican rice recipe:

Essential ingredients for making authentic Mexican rice recipe, including rice, tomato sauce, and spices.

Long Grain White Rice: Essential for that classic fluffy texture. Avoid short grain or risotto rice.
Vegetable or Canola Oil: For toasting the rice.
Onion: A small piece, finely chopped, adds savory depth.
Garlic: Minced garlic provides aromatic flavor.
Tomato Sauce: For convenience and that signature tomato base. For an even more authentic touch, you can use fresh tomatoes (see notes below).
Tomato Bouillon: The star ingredient! Look for granulated bouillon or cubes in the Mexican food aisle of your grocery store or online. Chicken bouillon can be substituted in a pinch, but tomato bouillon is highly recommended for authentic flavor and color.
Water: The cooking liquid. Chicken broth can be used if you omit the tomato bouillon.
Salt: To enhance all the flavors.
Optional Vegetables: Diced carrots and peas add color and sweetness.
Optional Serrano Pepper: For a subtle depth of flavor (not spicy), add 1-2 whole serrano peppers while cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Mexican Rice

Follow these simple steps to create the best mexican rice recipe every time:

Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
Toast the Rice: Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rinsed rice and sauté, stirring frequently, until the rice turns a light golden brown. This toasting process is key to developing a rich, nutty flavor in your rice. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan with the toasted rice. Cook for another minute or two until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato bouillon, salt, and water (or chicken broth). If using carrots and peas, add them now. For added depth, you can also nestle 1-2 whole serrano peppers on top of the rice at this stage.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 20 minutes. It’s crucial to keep the lid on and avoid lifting it during the simmering process to ensure the rice steams properly.
Rest and Fluff: After 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to fully absorb and finish cooking the rice. Finally, gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Avoid stirring vigorously, as this can make the rice mushy.

Step-by-step process photos for cooking the best Mexican rice recipe, showing toasting, simmering, and ingredient adding.

Pro Tips for the Best Mexican Rice Every Time

Don’t Skip Rinsing: Rinsing the rice is a non-negotiable step for fluffy rice. It removes surface starch that leads to clumping.
Toast it Right: Be patient and toast the rice until it’s lightly golden brown. This step significantly enhances the flavor.
Tomato Bouillon is Your Secret Weapon: Seriously, don’t skip the tomato bouillon! It provides the authentic flavor and beautiful color that defines classic Mexican rice. If you can’t find it, chicken bouillon is an okay substitute for flavor, but you’ll miss out on the signature color. Look for brands like Knorr or Maggi in the international aisle.
Respect the Resting Time: The resting period is just as important as the cooking time. It allows the rice to fully steam and reach the perfect fluffy texture. Resist the urge to peek or stir during this time.
Fluff Gently: When fluffing the rice, use a fork and gently lift and separate the grains. Avoid stirring or mashing, which can make the rice mushy.
Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like corn kernels, diced bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Add them along with the carrots and peas.
Spice it Up (Optional): If you like a little heat, add a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper when you sauté the onion and garlic.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Mexican Rice

This best mexican rice recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with countless Mexican dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Tacos and Burritos: A classic pairing! Serve alongside your favorite tacos, burritos, or burrito bowls.
Enchiladas and Tamales: Mexican rice is the ideal side for enchiladas, tamales, and other saucy Mexican entrees.
Grilled Meats and Fajitas: Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or fajitas.
Beans and Vegetarian Dishes: Pairs beautifully with refried beans, black beans, and vegetarian Mexican dishes.
As a Base for Bowls: Create a healthy and flavorful Mexican-inspired bowl with rice as the base, topped with beans, protein, salsa, guacamole, and your favorite toppings.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this best mexican rice recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Mexico right in your own home!

## Authentic Mexican Rice

The BEST, truly authentic Mexican Rice is so easy to make, and a necessary side dish for all of your favorite Mexican recipes.

[ Print](https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/wprm_print/authentic-mexican-rice)  [ Pin](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/bookmarklet/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftastesbetterfromscratch.com%2Fauthentic-mexican-rice%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Ftastesbetterfromscratch.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F05%2FMexican-Rice-1.jpg&description=The+BEST%2C+truly+authentic+Mexican+Rice+is+so+easy+to+make%2C+and+a+necessary+side+dish+for+all+of+your+favorite+Mexican+recipes.&is_video=false)  [ Review](#comments)

Author [Lauren Allen](https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/about/)

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 275

Cost 3

Prep 15 minutes mins

Cook 20 minutes mins

Total 35 minutes mins

[Save Recipe](https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/register/)

### Equipment

*   Saucepan with lid
*   Fine mesh strainer

### Ingredients

*   1 1/2 cups [long grain white rice](https://amzn.to/3ZGm063) *
*   1/4 cup [oil](https://walmrt.us/4f1X6UN) (vegetable or canola oil)
*   1 teaspoon garlic , minced
*   1/4 medium onion , finely diced
*   1/4 cup [tomato sauce](https://walmrt.us/3Zvx1co) , or 2 pureed tomatoes*
*   2 teaspoons [tomato bouillon ](https://amzn.to/3SDh4dI) granulated, or cubes*
*   1/4 teaspoon [salt](https://amzn.to/4hQKh2l)
*   1 carrot , diced
*   1/2 cup [peas](https://walmrt.us/4eUM5EX) (frozen or fresh)
*   3 cups water
*   1-3 whole [serrano peppers](https://walmrt.us/4eRec80) , optional

### Instructions

*   Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Set aside.
*   In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the oil. Once hot, add the rice and stir to combine. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly golden brown all over (about 10 minutes).
*   Add tomato sauce, garlic, and diced onion to the pan. Stir. Add tomato bullion, salt, carrots, peas, and water (and serrano peppers, if using. They add a little flavor, but not spice.).
*   Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes or until the water is completely absorbed. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

### Notes

**Rice**: Washing the rice is crucial to remove the outer starch, allowing the rice to cook fluffy. ***If you’d like to use Brown Rice*,** increase liquid by ½ cup and cook for 40 minutes, following the same resting instructions. **Tomato Sauce:** I used this because it’s fast and easy, but for a more authentic version, add 1-2 fresh tomatoes to a blender with the onion and garlic, and blend before adding to the rice. [**Tomato Bouillon**](https://amzn.to/3tlzfYJ): granules or cubes, found in the Mexican aisle or [online](https://amzn.to/3tlzfYJ). This adds color and flavor to the rice. If you can’t find it, substitute chicken Bouillon. **Serrano peppers:** It’s optional to add 1-2 on top of the rice while it cooks, to add extra flavor (it wont make the rice “spicy”. **Instant Pot Mexican Rice:** If you own an [instant pot](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FLYWNYQ/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=taste03e-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00FLYWNYQ&linkId=cc289a8b55030f524d5fc1a61e3f3530), I’ve adapted this recipe for [Instant pot Mexican rice.](https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/instant-pot-mexican-rice/) **Serve** as a side with any number of my favorite [Mexican recipes.](https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/category/international-recipes/mexican/)

### Nutrition

Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSodium: 394mgPotassium: 164mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1865IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 0.7mg

This recipe provides all the details you need to make truly authentic and delicious Mexican rice at home. Enjoy!