Simple Mexican Rice to Save Time After Work [Updated]

This Simple Mexican Rice cooks up soft and fluffy, with rich tomato flavor and just the right amount of seasoning. You only need a few simple ingredients and 25 minutes on the stove (hands off, no peeking) for a side that pairs beautifully with tacos, enchiladas or even simple grilled chicken.

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Simple Mexican Rice Recipes to Save Time After Work [Updated]

This Mexican Rice cooks up soft and fluffy, with rich tomato flavor and just the right amount of seasoning. You only need a few simple ingredients and 25 minutes on the stove (hands off, no peeking) for a side that pairs beautifully with tacos, enchiladas or even simple grilled chicken.

  • Author: Diana
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons olive or canola oil
  • ½ onionchopped
  • 4 garlic clovesminced
  • 1 ½ cups uncooked long grain white rice (I usually use brown rice.)
  • 1 cup chunky salsaspice level is up to you
  • 2 cups regular chicken broth
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
  • fresh slices of lime for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large pan (or pot) heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, stirring and cooking until tender but not burnt. Add rice and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in salsa and mix well. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until liquid has been fully absorbed. Do not lift cover. Turn heat off and let rice rest, covered, for 15 minutes.
  2. Uncover, fluff with fork, and add salt/pepper to taste. Serve with cilantro and lime.

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No need to fuss over a pot for perfect rice, especially when most of the work takes care of itself. Just a few simple steps and you can move on with your day (I love any recipe that doesn’t tie me to the stove).

I keep coming back to this Mexican rice because the process is simple, the flavor shines through every day, and the texture hits that sweet spot between fluffy and moist (just measure your liquids right, then let it do its thing without lifting the lid). With a splash of lime, this rice pairs easily with just about anything, and it even holds up for days in the fridge, ready to scoop out whenever the craving hits.