This simple and flavorful Mexican rice comes together in no time, tastes fantastic, and pairs with countless Mexican dishes.

Seemingly simple, I’ve been on the search for a quick and easy Mexican rice dish to serve with fajitas, tacos, and other zesty Mexican-inspired dishes for a long time.

This is the one.

A small white ramekin filled with Mexican rice.

It comes together in no time which makes me thrilled since I can’t bring myself to spend hours on a side dish. And it tastes fantastic – subtle tomato and garlic flavor with the warm spices of cumin and the fresh bite of cilantro and lime.

Since stumbling upon this recipe, I’ve served it several times to rave reviews. Paired with cornbread and these fajitas or these fantastic chipotle chicken tacos, it makes a completely perfect meal.

Mexican rice – I’m so glad I found you.

I’ll be making you for forever.

A white plate with a scoop of Mexican rice next to a chicken fajita and slice of cornbread.
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Mexican Rice

4.49 stars (133 ratings)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, from about 1 lime
  • ½ cup freshly chopped cilantro
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • Salt to taste

Instructions 

  • In a medium-sized pot, add rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir. Cover the pot, lower the heat to low and simmer for 17-20 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and keep the pot covered for 5 more minutes.
  • While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the onions in the hot oil for 10 minutes, until translucent and starting to brown. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Stir in the tomato paste and cumin and cook for another minute or two. Mix in hot, cooked rice, lime juice and cilantro. Mix until well combined. Season to taste with salt. Serve immediately.
Serving: 1 Serving, Calories: 249kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 171mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g
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Recipe Source: adapted slightly from Homesick Texan