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Learn how to make Authentic Mexican Rice! It’s a simple recipe, requires just a few ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to make. Add it to your menu for Taco Tuesday or anytime Mexican food is on the menu.

Authentic Mexican Rice on a platter

This is the best Mexican Rice recipe that is so good and so easy, it is our go-to side dish for any Mexican dinner. We serve this rice dish alongside Refried Beans or Slow Cooker Mexican Beans, Mexican Black Beans and with our favorite meals, like Ground Beef EnchiladasChicken Tacos, Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas and Carne Asada.

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The Best Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

By far, this is one of my favorite and most requested recipes to cook. We make it for any Mexican dish from taquitos, to tacos to burritos. It’s truly an authentic Mexican Rice recipe. You want to know why? Because it comes from an authentic Mexican kitchen that just so happens to belong to my cousin’s mother-in-law!

My cousin shared this recipe with me years ago and I’ve been making it almost weekly ever since. This authentic family recipe was passed down from her mother-in-law who had learned the recipe from her mother and grandmother. The ingredients are pretty simple – white rice, tomato sauce, garlic, chili powder, and Caldo de Tomate.

For me, this recipe is the closest to what you typically find in Mexican restaurants. While it might not feel “authentic” to some, it certainly is to us!

Ingredients

  • Oil – I have used vegetable, canola, corn or olive oil. Other oils that you prefer can be used as long as they have a high smoke point.
  • Long grain white rice – I have used Jasmine rice without issues, but don’t recommend a short grain because it can be too starchy. Brown rice works – see the FAQs section for tips.
  • Tomato sauce – Depending on how saucy you like your rice, use anywhere from 4-8 ounces.
  • Caldo de Tomate – This is a tomato bouillon that can be found in the Mexican aisle or with the dry soup mixes. If you can’t find it or don’t want to purchase it, you can omit or use chicken bouillon instead.
  • Water – Substitute low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer, especially if you omit the caldo de tomate.

How to Make Mexican Rice

See the recipe card below for full, detailed instructions

Long grain white rice toasting in a pan, a wooden spoon for mexican rice

Brown the Rice. The first step is to brown the rice by cooking it in a deep skillet or a large saucepan with some vegetable oil over a fairly high heat. When the rice starts to turn bright white and then golden, you’re ready for the next step, which is basically just adding the rest of the ingredients – water, tomato sauce, tomato bouillon, garlic and chili powder.

tomato sauce in a skillet with a wooden spoon

Once it all comes to a boil, cover it up and turn down the heat. A clear lid is helpful here so you can see when the rice is done, but really 20 minutes is about all it takes. If after 20 minutes there’s still some liquid in the pan, just let it continue to cook until you can no longer see liquid bubbling to the top.

Authentic restaurant style Mexican Rice, being fluffed in the pan with a spoon

Let it rest, covered, for several minutes, then fluff it up in the pan using a fork or wooden spoon, and you’re ready to serve. Sometimes I’ll add some frozen veggies, like peas and carrots, or even chicken, like in my One Pot Mexican Chicken & Rice. For a garnish, chop up some fresh cilantro or parsley and sprinkle it on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between Mexican Rice and Spanish Rice?

Some people call this Spanish Rice, but Mexican Rice and Spanish Rice are actually not the same thing. While they do use some of the same ingredients, Traditional Spanish Rice uses saffron threads and has more of a yellow color.

Whether you call it Mexican Rice or Spanish Rice, you’ll always call it delicious!

What Spices should be added to rice?

White rice on its own has a pretty neutral flavor, so adding spices is key to adding big flavor. Add garlic, tomato bouillon and chili powder for restaurant-style Mexican rice; chicken broth, onion and garlic for rice pilaf; and saffron for Spanish Rice.

What can I use as a substitute for the Caldo de Tomate?

I have been asked this many times so I thought it was important to address. Chicken bouillon would be a fine substitution, although it wouldn’t have the same tomato taste. You could also simply use chicken stock instead of water and leave the bouillon out completely. I definitely recommend Caldo de Tomate if you can easily get it because it will give the best, most authentic flavor to your restaurant-style Mexican Rice recipe.

Keep in mind that you may need to add salt if you skip the bouillon. I highly recommend just doing a taste test once the rice is fully cooked, and adding the salt then if needed.

My rice didn’t cook all the way through in the 20 minutes. What happened?

Since each kitchen and stove is different, it’s hard to say what could have gone wrong. However, typically it’s just that the heat wasn’t high enough and the rice didn’t come to a full boil. Let it cook a little longer to absorb more of the liquid. Or, remove the lid, turn up the heat to medium and let any remaining liquid boil off. One of these solutions should work for most problems.

Is this really authentic?

Each kitchen, family, and family tradition is different. Just like in the US there are about 18 different types of barbecue sauce depending on what part of the country you live in, the same goes for Mexico and authentic Mexican Rice recipes. Just because it isn’t the same as what your family cooks, doesn’t make it wrong or bad.

What kind of rice is best for Mexican Rice?

This recipe calls for basic long-grain white rice, which is the best for an Authentic Mexican Rice recipe. However, I have used Jasmine Rice in its place and it comes out great. Basmati rice is typically used in Indian dishes, but will also work well. Brown rice can be used, but will require an additional ⅓ cup of water and about 10-20 minutes more cook time.

Can you double this recipe?

Yes! You can definitely double the recipe. You want to make sure that your pot is plenty big – A 5-quart should be fine. Double the ingredients, prepared the same way, but do not double the time. Your rice should still be ready in about 20 minutes.

Storage

Can you freeze Mexican Rice? Absolutely! Store leftover cooked rice in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-6 days or the freezer for up to 6 months.

Refrigerating – Let the rice cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating – Thaw first, then Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to rehydrate if needed.

Top Tips and Tricks

  • Use a good quality nonstick saute pan for cooking your Mexican Rice. The rice never sticks, and it has higher sides so there’s no chance or and of the rice going overboard while stirring! Do not use stainless steel pans for cooking rice.
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid! Rice needs steam to cook and as it steams, the grains absorb the liquid which makes them plump and fluffy. Lifting the lid releases essential steam that is necessary to cooking rice perfectly.
  • About the tomato sauce – This recipe was recently updated to use a little less tomato sauce. The original calls for an 8-ounce can, but a lot of people commented that their rice was a little too saucy. This can be a personal preference and often depends on the cook, but you can use half of the can (4 ounces) and still have delicious, tomato-y restaurant-style Mexican Rice. Freeze the remainder of the sauce for using the next time you make this recipe.
  • Vegetables – Feel free to add some cooked veggies, like peas and carrots, when you add the water. This is best with frozen vegetables rather than fresh, which will overcook and turn mushy.
  • Add a chopped up Roma tomato before serving for more color and freshness.
  • Serrano Peppers – Chopped serrano peppers can add some extra flavor without adding too much heat. Sprinkle on top just before covering the pan.
  • Long-Grain Rice – You can use any long grain white rice. I have been using Jasmine rice for years and we actually prefer it to a regular white rice.
Authentic Mexican Rice recipe on a platter with a wooden spoon, a sprig of parsley

Recipes that use Mexican Rice

Even though it’s usually used as a side dish, Mexican Rice can be incorporated into a lot of different main dishes.

More Mexican Recipes

Planning a fiesta of your own? Mexican food is what we live for around here! If you want some delicious Mexican inspired recipes, you’ve got to try our Crock Pot Chicken Tacos, Crock Pot Carnitas, Baked Salsa Chicken, and my famous homemade Guacamole!

Or dip your chips in some sweet Mango Salsa. My husband swears by my Shrimp Ceviche and my kids rave about my Mexican Sopes.

Or if you’re wanting some other side dish options, we love Black Beans and Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice.

Want Mexican food for breakfast? Try this amazing Chilaquiles recipe! Just don’t forget the Margaritas!

Recipe
A close up of Mexican Rice.

Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe

4.67 from 905 votes
The best Mexican rice that is fluffy and rich in flavor!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup Long-grain white rice
  • 4-8 ounces Canned tomato sauce Use at least 4 or up to 8 ounces of tomato sauce
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1 teaspoon Minced garlic about 2 cloves
  • 2 teaspoons Caldo de Tomate tomato bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder
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Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a 3-quart saute pan over medium heat. Add rice and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, until rice begins to turn a golden color.
  • Add chili powder, Caldo de Tomate (tomato boullion), and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
  • Pour in water and tomato sauce and stir to combine.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until all water has been absorbed.
  • Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
  • Fluff rice with a fork and serve.

Notes

  • About the Tomato Sauce – You can use 4 ounces (½ cup) tomato sauce, or up to 8 ounce (1 cup) if you like it saucier. If you have leftover sauce, freeze for the next time.
  • Rinsing the rice is not necessary, which is why it’s not included in the recipe. However, you are welcome to do so.
  • Feel free to add cooked veggies like peas and carrots before covering and cooking the rice. 

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 283mgPotassium: 105mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 181IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of “Yellow Bliss Road” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.

Kristin Maxwell

Kristin Maxwell is the creator and main recipe developer, writer, and photographer of Yellow Bliss Road. A self-taught cook and self-appointed foodie, she specializes in easy, flavorful and approachable recipes for any home cook.

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Comments

  1. Paula C says:

    I’ve been looking for a great Mexican rice recipe for years. Since we can’t really go out for great Mexican food these days I’ve been trying to make it myself but have failed miserably, until I found this recipe. Omg delicious and perfect consistency. Light fluffy and very flavorful. My husband pretty much hates rice because of its lack of flavor, but this one he actually liked, and said so out loud. Big, big Thank you for posting this.

    1. Kristin says:

      You are so welcome Paula! Thanks for the awesome feedback.

  2. Darlene Leon says:

    I used 4 oz of tomato sauce and I used a garlic and pepper blended seasoning in addition to the fresh garlic. I have made this recipe about 4 times now. Then first 3 times I also added onions because that’s how we do it. And i didn’t use that much calde de tomate because I don’t really like the taste. But, overall this is my favorite recipe that I have tried because it reminds me most of the rice my mom and grandma made.

    1. Kristin says:

      Awesome feedback Darlene! Thanks for stopping by.

  3. Karla says:

    I made this for dinner tonight. Extra good! Wonderful! I did use beef broth as I was adding ground beef. Also, since I was adding the beef & peas & carrots, I wound up using about 20 ozs of petite diced tomatoes. Also cooked it in a cast iron pot. It turned out great! My family is greatly impressed! Thank you very much. I’m glad I tried this recipe. I did also use1 cube of the tomato bullion to the broth & sauce while the rice was cooking. Again, excellent!

    1. Kristin says:

      You are so welcome Karla! Thanks for stopping by.

  4. Laura Johnson says:

    Awesome recipe
    This is my go to for mexican rice
    I use minced onion and garlic and add to oil when toasting the rice

    I use 4 oz of tomato sauce (1/2 a can) and add the measuring cup and then fill to 2 cups of water

    Also, if you’re using caldo de tomate cubes, only use 1 LOL

    Thanks so much Kristin!

    1. Kristin says:

      You are so welcome Laura! Awesome feedback!.

  5. Caitlyn Kurtz says:

    The best spanish rice!!!!! I’m so glad I found your recipe! Thanks for sharing! I did add some salt and a goya sazon packet. We had that and chicken quesadillas for supper tonight?

    1. Kristin says:

      You are so welcome Caitlyn! Thanks for stopping by.

  6. Mary says:

    My beloved Mexican maid made this using her mothers recipe. For those of you who can’t get tomate boullion or caldo, do what she did—throw one or two quartered Roma tomatoes in the blender, a couple cloves of garlic, half a small onion, half a jalapeño (no seeds for us), add the cooking water and blend till there are largish flecks of vegetables. Use this for the cooking liquid. She kept a small saucepan of hot water on the stove to add if the rice seemed dry. It was wonderful!

    1. Kristin says:

      Awesome feedback Mary! Thank you.

  7. Carol Fitzpatrick says:

    This is delicious! I followed the recipe as written and it’s perfect! It has wonderful depth of flavor. I’ve never used the tomato bouillon before but I’m thinking it is a key player in the flavor. Thank you for this recipe. It’s a keeper!

    1. Kristin says:

      You are so welcome Carol! Thanks for stopping by.

  8. Lisa Herrin says:

    I have the authentic mexican rice simmering right now & it smells sooooo goooood!

    1. Kristin says:

      That’s awesome Lisa! Let use know how it turned out. Thanks for stopping by.

  9. Sue says:

    I fixed this for my Brother in laws wedding ,doublednitbto serve 25 people and they loved it!

    1. Kristin says:

      Nice! Thanks for stopping by Sue.

  10. Don says:

    Didn’t care for it to much of a chili flavor and boy was it dark. Almost a mahogany color not close to the pictures or what I would get in a restaurant, and yes I put the exact amount of ingredients in. Pictures also look like they may have little chunks of tomatoes in them.

    1. Kristin Maxwell says:

      The brand of chili powder you use will make a difference. Some brands are darker. And the photos you see don’t have chunks of tomato, that’s the tomato sauce once cooked.

  11. Consuelo says:

    Mexican rice was one of the first things my Mom taught me to make at age of 12. She was born in 1924 taught me Authentic Mexican rice is made with fresh ingredients, onion, garlic, tomato, (Before there was ever canned anything), & water,(sometimes fresh chicken stock if you happen to have from making chicken Caldo), & seasonings salt & cumin. As years have gone on ingredients have evolved it’s easier to use canned tomatoes & boullion as it is cheaper and has a longer shelf life. My Sister when taking rice to potlucks has had elder Mexican women comment to her that she makes her rice the “old way”. Fresh tomato should give it a little color & flavor, not necessarily orange or red.

    1. Kristin Maxwell says:

      Everyone has a different story and slightly different methods. Thanks for sharing yours.

  12. LisaMarie says:

    Great flavor but a little dry for me. I didn’t read your comments about how you had reduced the amount of tomato sauce based on others’ comments. Can’t please ’em all, right? I will go with 6 ounces next time and see if that is the right balance for me. Or, I might add onion which has a lot of water. Regardless, it is a good recipe and definitely reminded me of rice I’ve had in Mexican restaurants.

    1. Kristin Maxwell says:

      Hi LisaMarie – you are absolutely right! My family has actually come to prefer the rice with only half of the tomato sauce, but we also like it with the full amount. I tend to switch it up each time I make it and don’t even measure any more! Glad you enjoyed it!

  13. McKell says:

    I’m wanting to make this for my wedding in December. There will be 30 people there so I need to make a substantial amount. I can make it day of, but any suggestions for keeping it warm or reheating?

    1. Kristin Maxwell says:

      If you’re feeding that many people, you might want to consider borrowing. bunch of crockpots. The warm setting would work fine.

  14. Margaret says:

    I’ve been trying different Mexican Rice recipes on and off for years and never could get it right until now. You’re AWESOME for putting this out there. Thank you!

    1. Kristin says:

      You are so welcome Margaret! Thanks for the awesome feedback.

  15. John says:

    Any recommendations if you do not have any Tomato Boullion or Chicken Stock (or any stock)? I was thinking just using the tomato sauce and water with spices? Won’t be as good but might work

    1. Kristin Maxwell says:

      You can leave out the boullion if you don’t have it. You will need to add a little salt, maybe add a little paprika and cumin too. Just to add extra flavor you’ll miss with the boullion.

  16. Laural Southerland says:

    I was just looking at the ingredients of Knorr Caldo de Tomate. They are horrible. MSG, Sulfides and other not so good for you. What I got about actual not bad for you flavorings, Dehydrated tomato powder (boullion, available), chicken bouillon, tumeric, parsley, onion powder and garlic powder. I have all in organic versions….I think making my own would be healthier.

    1. Kristin Maxwell says:

      You definitely don’t have to use it, that’s your choice.

  17. Andrea says:

    This was ridiculously good. I did use the 4 oz but mine was closer to a tomato paste – it was home-made pizza sauce I already had. I also used 2 tsp chicken base instead of tomato bouillon because that was what I had on hand.

    It was delicious, thank you!!!

  18. Olivia says:

    At what point can you add vegetables like frozen peas and carrots or diced potatoes?

    1. Kristin Maxwell says:

      If they’re frozen, you could add the peas and carrots at the beginning when you add the liquid. Or you could steam them in the microwave and add them at the end when you’re fluffing the rice.

  19. Emily Martinez says:

    This is the BEST Mexican rice recipe I’ve found, and I’ve tried lots!! I doubled it to 2 cups of rice and added 5-10 minutes of cook time and it came out fluffy and delicious just like our favorite restaurant’s! You really do have to leave it alone and not open the lid. I added in frozen peas at the end, and might try carrots to cook with the rice or small potato chunks. You can’t go wrong with this one. Thanks for another great recipe!!

    1. Kristin says:

      You are so welcome Emily! Thanks for the awesome feedback.

  20. Mark says:

    Thank you so much for this simple and delicious recipe. I made it today for a family gathering with my homemade Chile Verde, chips and guacamole. This rice turned out perfect and so full of flavor. Everyone went back for seconds. Having grown up with a grandmother that lived in Mexico I have a taste for great Mexican rice and this nailed it !

    1. Kristin says:

      Thank you Mark! and thanks for the awesome feedback.