top of page

Easy Mexican Rice (Fluffy & Flavorful!)

  • Writer: Loida Tamayo
    Loida Tamayo
  • Mar 2
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 10

Picture of homemade Mexican rice.

Mexican rice is a staple side dish for all your favorite Mexican and Tex-Mex meals—tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, or even just beans on the side. But here’s the thing: not all Mexican rice is created equal. Too often, it turns out mushy, bland, or lacking that signature restaurant-style flavor.

 

Not anymore! With this simple method, you’ll get fluffy, flavorful Mexican rice every single time—no blending required! Let’s get cooking.





Why This Rice Recipe Works

 

✔️ Toasted rice for perfect texture – No more mushy rice!


✔️ Tomato sauce for convenience – A quick shortcut to authentic flavor


✔️ Knorr chicken bouillon for that signature taste – The secret ingredient!


✔️ One-pan, no-fuss cooking – Easy cleanup, big flavor



Ingredients You’ll Need


You'll only need a few pantry staples to make perfect Mexican rice:

 

✅ 1 tablespoon of oil (vegetable or olive oil)

✅ 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked & unwashed)

✅ 2 cups chicken broth

✅ ½ cup water

✅ ⅛ cup tomato sauce (or blend fresh tomatoes for a more traditional version)

✅ 1 tablespoon Knorr chicken bouillon (or substitute with regular bouillon)

✅ ½ teaspoon salt

✅ ¼ teaspoon black pepper



Bottle of olive oil with a cork stopper, surrounded by wooden spoons and bowls containing coarse salt, on a dark wooden table.


Step-by-Step Instructions for Tex-Mex at Home Easy Mexican Rice

 

Step 1: Toast the Rice

 

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot (but not smoking), add the uncooked, unwashed rice and stir frequently.

 

Toasting the rice is key—it keeps it from getting mushy and helps it absorb all the flavors later. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the rice turns a golden brown color.

 

Step 2: Add the Liquid

 

Once the rice is toasted, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and ½ cup of water. Give it a quick stir to combine.

 

Step 3: Flavor It Up

 

Next, add ⅛ cup of tomato sauce—this gives the rice its beautiful color and rich taste. If you prefer a more traditional approach, blend 1-2 fresh Roma tomatoes, 1 onion, and a garlic clove instead.

 

Now, let’s season it!


Add:

✔️ 1 tablespoon Knorr chicken bouillon

✔️ ½ teaspoon salt

✔️ ¼ teaspoon black pepper

 

Mix everything well and bring it to a light simmer.

 

Rice simmering in a pan with bubbling broth. The grains are a light brown, and the liquid is a golden color. Cooking in progress.

Step 4: Let It Cook

 

Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low (about setting 2 on most stoves). Cover the pot and let it cook for 15 minutes. No stirring! Just let the rice absorb all that delicious flavor.


 

Step 5: Steam & Fluff

 

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat but leave the lid on. Let the rice sit for another 5 minutes—this helps it finish steaming and ensures a fluffy texture.

 

Finally, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.



Cooked rice being stirred in a pan with a wooden spoon. The rice is fluffy and lightly golden, filling the frame with a warm, appetizing look.


Serving Suggestions

 

This Mexican rice is the perfect side dish for:

🌮 Tacos – Carne asada, chicken, or even shrimp tacos

🌯 Burritos – Great as a filling or on the side

🍗 Fajitas – The perfect Tex-Mex pairing

🥑 Mexican Bowls – With avocado, salsa, protein, and your favorite toppings



Tips for Perfect Mexican Rice

 

✅ Don’t skip toasting the rice – This prevents it from getting sticky or mushy.


✅ Use long-grain white rice – Short-grain rice can turn out too soft.


✅ Let it sit before fluffing – This extra 5 minutes makes a big difference!



Final Thoughts

 

And there you have it—fluffy, flavorful, and foolproof Mexican rice! 🍚 This easy recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen for all your Tex-Mex favorites.

 

💬 What’s your favorite dish to serve with Mexican rice? Let me know in the comments!

 

 

If you love easy Tex-Mex recipes, be sure to subscribe to my channel for more delicious meal ideas. ¡Buen provecho! 🔥

 

T




Comments


bottom of page