Easy Homemade Mexican Rice Recipe: Authentic & Flavorful

Craving that perfect, fluffy side dish to complete your Mexican feast? Look no further! This Homemade Mexican Rice recipe is incredibly easy to make and delivers truly authentic flavor, just like you’d find in Mexico. It’s the essential accompaniment to all your favorite Mexican dishes.

Having learned this authentic Mexican rice recipe directly from local chefs in Puebla, Mexico, I can confidently say this is the real deal. Forget bland, mushy rice – this recipe guarantees perfectly cooked, flavorful rice every time. If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you’ll also want to check out my other popular Mexican recipes, including mouthwatering Carne Asada Tacos, refreshing Esquites, and comforting Chiles Relleño.

Bowl of authentic homemade Mexican rice with visible carrots and peas.

During a college internship in Puebla, Mexico, my husband and I had the incredible opportunity to live there and connect with the local community. We were teaching business workshops, and through that, we met so many wonderful people, including a talented local chef. Eager to learn the secrets of authentic Mexican cooking, I asked him if he would teach me. He graciously invited us to his home for a day of cooking and culinary immersion.

That day was a whirlwind of delicious aromas and flavors. As we cooked together, I diligently took notes, learning to prepare not only this amazing homemade Mexican rice but also rich mole poblano, vibrant red and green salsas, and hearty pozole. This Mexican rice recipe is a cherished takeaway from that unforgettable experience, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Mexican Rice

To make this delicious homemade Mexican rice, you’ll need just a few key ingredients. Here’s what you should gather:

Long Grain White Rice: Washing the rice is a critical step. It removes excess starch, which is key to achieving fluffy, separate grains. For a healthier twist, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time (see notes below).
Cooking Oil: Vegetable or canola oil works perfectly for toasting the rice. Toasting the rice in oil before cooking adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Aromatic Vegetables: A small piece of finely chopped onion and a clove or two of minced garlic form the flavor base of this rice.
Tomato Sauce: For convenience, tomato sauce is used in this recipe. However, for an even more authentic touch, you can blend fresh tomatoes with the onion and garlic – instructions are below!
Tomato Bouillon: This is the secret ingredient for authentic Mexican rice! Tomato bouillon granules or cubes, often found in the Mexican food aisle of grocery stores or online, provide that signature orange color and savory flavor. If you can’t find tomato bouillon, chicken bouillon is a decent substitute.
Water: Water is the standard liquid, but chicken broth can be used if you are omitting the tomato bouillon for extra flavor.
Salt: To season and enhance all the flavors.
Optional Vegetables: Peas and diced carrots are classic additions to homemade Mexican rice, adding color and sweetness.
Optional Serrano Peppers: For a subtle depth of flavor without adding significant heat, you can place 1-2 whole serrano peppers on top of the rice while it simmers. They infuse a mild, pleasant flavor.

Ingredients laid out for making homemade Mexican rice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Mexican Rice

Making homemade Mexican rice is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

Step 1: Rinse and Toast the Rice

Place the long grain white rice in a fine mesh strainer. Rinse it thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice to the hot oil and sauté, stirring frequently, until the rice turns a light golden brown. This toasting process is crucial for developing the nutty flavor of authentic Mexican rice.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Flavor Boosters

Add the tomato sauce, minced garlic, and diced onion to the saucepan with the toasted rice. Stir well to combine and cook for about a minute, until the onion softens slightly and becomes fragrant. Next, stir in the tomato bouillon, salt, diced carrots (if using), peas (if using), and water (or broth).

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. It’s important to keep the lid on and avoid lifting it during the simmering process to allow the rice to steam properly.

Step 4: Rest and Fluff

After 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the steam to redistribute and finish cooking the rice to fluffy perfection. Finally, gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Avoid stirring vigorously, as this can make the rice mushy.

Four process images showing steps to cook homemade Mexican rice.

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Mexican Rice

Don’t Skip Rinsing: Rinsing the rice is non-negotiable for fluffy homemade Mexican rice. It removes surface starch that leads to clumping.
Toast the Rice Properly: Toasting the rice in oil until lightly golden brown is key to unlocking deeper flavor. Don’t rush this step!
Tomato Bouillon is Your Friend: For that authentic flavor and vibrant orange color, tomato bouillon is essential. Look for it in the Mexican aisle of your grocery store. If you absolutely can’t find it, chicken bouillon can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Rest is Best: Resist the urge to serve the rice immediately after cooking. The 5-minute resting period, covered, is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Fluff Gently: When fluffing the rice, use a fork and gently lift and separate the grains. Avoid stirring, which can make the rice gummy.
Instant Pot Mexican Rice Option: If you’re short on time or prefer using an Instant Pot, this recipe can easily be adapted for pressure cooking. Check out my Instant Pot Mexican Rice recipe for quick and easy instructions.

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Mexican Rice

Homemade Mexican rice is the perfect side dish for countless Mexican meals. Serve it alongside:

Tacos and burritos
Enchiladas and quesadillas
Fajitas and carne asada
Grilled chicken or fish
Refried beans and black beans

And so much more! It’s a versatile and essential component of any homemade Mexican food spread.

Bowl of homemade Mexican rice with peas and carrots, ready to serve.

Authentic Homemade Mexican Rice Recipe

This homemade Mexican rice recipe is easy to follow and delivers truly authentic results. Enjoy!

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Author: Lauren Allen

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 275 kcal

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 medium onion, finely diced
1/4 cup tomato sauce (or 2 pureed fresh tomatoes for more authentic flavor)
2 teaspoons tomato bouillon granules or cubes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 carrot, diced
1/2 cup frozen or fresh peas
3 cups water
1-3 whole serrano peppers (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 bouillon, salt, carrots, peas, and water (and serrano peppers, if using).
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.

Recipe Notes

Rice: Washing the rice is crucial for fluffy results. For brown rice, increase liquid to 3 1/2 cups and cook for 40 minutes.
Tomato Sauce: For a more authentic version, blend 1-2 fresh tomatoes with the onion and garlic before adding.
Tomato Bouillon: Essential for color and flavor. Substitute chicken bouillon if needed.
Serrano Peppers: Optional, adds flavor without significant heat.
Instant Pot: See Instant Pot Mexican Rice recipe for pressure cooker instructions.
Serving Suggestions: Pairs perfectly with any Mexican recipes.

Nutrition Information