Perfect Mexican Rice in Rice Cooker – Easy & Flavorful Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of Mexican rice wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? Picture this: fluffy grains of rice soaking up rich tomato flavors, sprinkled with vibrant green cilantro, and maybe a hint of lime to brighten it all up. You can almost hear the mariachi music playing in the background as you inhale deeply. It’s like a fiesta for your senses, promising a delicious experience that will make any taco night feel like a celebration.

I remember the first time I made Mexican rice in a rice cooker. My family gathered around the table, and their eyes lit up as they took that first bite. It turned out to be a hit! We laughed, we shared stories, and I realized that good food has this incredible power to bring people together. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or an extravagant gathering, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

I still chuckle when I think about my cousin trying to sneak seconds while pretending he was just “checking” if it was good enough. Spoiler alert: it was more than good enough!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Long-Grain White Rice: Choose high-quality rice for fluffy texture; rinsing helps remove excess starch.

• Tomato Sauce: Use fresh or canned—both work wonders for rich flavor.

• Vegetable Broth: For added depth; homemade is best but store-bought works too.

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro elevates flavor; feel free to adjust based on your preference.

• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the dish superbly.

• Onion and Garlic: Sauté them for aromatic goodness; they serve as flavor foundations.

• Cumin and Chili Powder: Essential spices that bring warmth and depth; adjust for personal heat tolerance.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare your rice cooker: Start by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch for fluffier results.

Sauté aromatics: In your rice cooker, set it to sauté mode (if available). Add 1 tablespoon of oil, then toss in chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3 minutes.

Mix it all: Stir in the rinsed rice along with 1 cup of tomato sauce and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper according to taste; mix well.

Add herbs: Sprinkle in chopped cilantro and pour in 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice for zestiness; give everything one last stir to combine those flavors beautifully.

Cook it: Close the lid of your rice cooker and set it to cook mode for approximately 15-20 minutes or until you see steam escaping from the vent; keep an eye on it!

Fluff and serve: Once cooked, let it sit covered for another 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork; serve warm garnished with additional cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

And there you have it—Mexican rice cooked effortlessly in your rice cooker! Each grain perfectly tender while absorbing all those delightful flavors makes every bite an adventure worth savoring.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in oil until fragrant. Add rice, tomatoes, and spices before cooking in the rice cooker for the best flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in vegetables like peas or corn for added texture. Experiment with different spices like cumin or chili powder to discover new flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture.

I once made this Mexican rice for a family gathering, and everyone went back for seconds! The compliments kept pouring in, making me feel like a culinary superstar.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook thoroughly.

What can I serve with Mexican rice?

Mexican rice pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or even as a filling side dish.

How do I make my rice fluffier?

Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and avoid clumping during cooking.

Print

Mexican Rice

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Mexican rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that transforms any meal into a fiesta. With its fluffy grains soaked in rich tomato goodness, accented by fresh cilantro and zesty lime, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds. Perfect for taco nights or as an accompaniment to grilled meats, it’s easy to prepare in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. You’ll love how simple and adaptable it is—ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. In your rice cooker, set it to sauté mode (if available). Add oil, then sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
3. Stir in the rinsed rice, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; mix well.
4. Add chopped cilantro and lime juice, stirring to combine all flavors.
5. Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to cook for about 15-20 minutes or until steam escapes from the vent.
6. Let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork; serve warm garnished with more cilantro or lime wedges.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Rice Cooker
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like peas or corn for extra texture. You can also adjust spices based on your heat preference or experiment with different herbs.