Name: Restaurant Style Mexican Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter ((or ghee for richer flavor)); 1 cup long-grain brown rice ((e.g., Uncle Ben's Long-Grain)); 1/2 cup sweet onion ((diced)); 1 clove garlic ((minced)); 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt ((more or less to taste)); 1/2 cup diced fire-roasted tomatoes ((canned, with liquid)); 2 tablespoons diced green chiles ((canned, with liquid)); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 cups chicken broth ((fat-free))

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of perfectly cooked Mexican rice, especially when it’s served alongside your favorite dishes. Whether it’s tacos, enchiladas, or a simple grilled chicken, this Restaurant Style Mexican Rice elevates any meal to a whole new level. With its vibrant flavors and fluffy texture, it’s no wonder why this dish is a staple in many Mexican restaurants. Today, I’m excited to share with you an easy recipe that captures that restaurant-quality taste at home!

Why This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice Stands Out

This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is a delightful blend of spices, tomatoes, and a hint of smokiness from the fire-roasted tomatoes. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a flavor-packed accompaniment that steals the show. The use of long-grain brown rice gives it a nutty flavor and chewy texture, making it more nutritious than traditional white rice. Plus, it’s made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

The Essentials

To create this delicious Restaurant Style Mexican Rice, you will need the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter (I used ghee for a richer flavor)
1 cup long-grain brown rice (I like Uncle Ben’s Long-Grain)
1/2 cup sweet onion (diced)
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt (more or less to taste)
1/2 cup diced fire-roasted tomatoes (canned, with liquid)
2 tablespoons diced green chiles (canned, with liquid)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups chicken broth (fat-free)

Must-Have Equipment

To make this Restaurant Style Mexican Rice, you’ll need the following equipment:

Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking the rice.
Wooden spoon: For stirring the ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise measurements.
Knife and cutting board: For dicing the onions and garlic.

Build Restaurant Style Mexican Rice Step by Step

Creating your own Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is easier than you think. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (or ghee) over medium heat. Once melted, add 1/2 cup diced sweet onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Add 1 cup of long-grain brown rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat the rice with the butter and aromatics. Toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to turn slightly golden.

Step 3: Add Spices

Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the spices, releasing their fragrant oils.

Step 4: Incorporate the Tomatoes and Broth

Next, add in 1/2 cup of diced fire-roasted tomatoes (including the liquid), 2 tablespoons of diced green chiles, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Stir everything together, allowing the tomatoes to blend with the rice.

Step 5: Simmer

Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Your Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is now ready to serve!

Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas

This versatile Restaurant Style Mexican Rice can be adapted for any season. Here are some fun ideas:

Spring: Add fresh peas and diced bell peppers for a pop of color.
Summer: Mix in grilled corn and diced tomatoes for a refreshing twist.
Fall: Incorporate pumpkin puree and a pinch of nutmeg for a seasonal flair.
Winter: Serve it alongside hearty stews or Creamy Poblano Chicken Enchilada Skillet for a comforting meal.

What Could Go Wrong

While making Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is straightforward, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

Overcooking the rice: Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness to avoid mushy rice.
Not enough liquid: Ensure you measure the chicken broth accurately for the right texture.
Under-seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust the salt and spices to your preference.

Shelf Life & Storage

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store your Restaurant Style Mexican Rice:

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out.

Questions People Ask

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes! You can substitute long-grain white rice, but adjust the cooking time as white rice cooks faster than brown rice.

Can I make this rice in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the rice ahead of time and reheat it just before serving. This can save you time on busy weeknights!

Can I add protein to this rice?

Yes! You can mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even black beans for a heartier dish.

What can I serve with Restaurant Style Mexican Rice?

This rice pairs beautifully with dishes like tacos, burritos, or even a Taco Skillet Dinner for a complete meal.

If you love the simplicity of one-pan meals, here are some more ideas to try:

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of cooking Restaurant Style Mexican Rice wafting through your kitchen. This recipe not only brings authentic flavors to your home but also provides a nourishing side that’s sure to please everyone at the table. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy every flavorful bite of this delightful dish. Happy cooking!