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Authentic Mexican Rice

Authentic Mexican rice with vibrant red tomato sauce and visible vegetable pieces, cooked until fluffy and fragrant. Toasted long-grain rice is simmered in chicken broth and finished with a short covered rest for perfect texture.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rest 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cup long-grain white rice
  • 0.5 white onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic minced
  • 2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 0.5 cup carrots diced
  • 0.5 cup frozen peas
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • 1 salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 large saucepan

Method
 

Toast the rice
  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the long-grain white rice and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes, until translucent and lightly toasted.
  2. Add the diced white onion and minced garlic, then cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes, just to warm through.
Simmer with broth and vegetables
  1. Stir in the chicken broth, diced carrots, frozen peas, bay leaf, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste until evenly combined.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Rest, fluff, and serve
  1. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Fluff the rice with a fork and remove the bay leaf.
  3. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

For the best vibrant red color and even texture, keep the rice moving while toasting so it turns translucent without browning. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of water. This freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm gently. For a lighter option, use low-sodium chicken broth and taste the salt before adding more.