Easy Authentic Mexican Rice
Updated: Mar 6
Zesty, buttery, fluffy Mexican rice made with whole food ingredients that is better than take out! This recipe literally took me years to perfect and I am so excited to share with you how I make it. This easy side dish pairs perfectly with all your favorite dishes from tacos de la calle to chicken enchiladas! You will love this easy recipe so much you find reasons to make it and share it with others. My father-in-law, who is in his 70's and has eaten his fair share of rice from all over the world (he is a retired 3-star Admiral and has traveled...a lot), told me that this is "the best rice dish I've ever had." Yep, I'm done...I'm hanging up my apron and I can stop cooking now...what a compliment!
One of the things I love the most about this rice is the "crispy bits." Growing up eating a lot of rice, my favorite Korean dish is bibimbap served in a hot stone bowl, all because I am in love with the crispy and crunchy rice that cooks in the bowl before eating. I decided to carry this little method to my Mexican rice recipe by crisping the rice at the end and getting these gorgeous and tantalizing crunchy bits. Of course you don't have to do this step, but you are seriously missing out if you don't!
Why Long Grain Rice is So Good For You!
White rice gets a bad rap for not being as healthy as brown or black rice and for being a high glycemic food that causes blood sugar spikes. However, depending on the type of grain you are eating, the nutritional values as well as glycemic index are affected. Long grain rice, like the one used in this recipe is high in a starch called amylose that slows down the digestion and absorption of the glucose in the rice, supporting a more stable blood sugar [1].
Along with being a good source of carbohydrates, rice also contains protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and when cooked, water! All varieties of rice, including white rice, contain soluble fiber that helps to support blood sugars and gut health.
Vitamins and Minerals:
Vitamin B1 (thiamin): A water soluble vitamin that is essential in glucose metabolism and supports health heart and nervous system function.
Vitamin B3 (niacin): Essential in healthy metabolism, supports healthy cholesterol and blood pressure [2].
Manganese: Essential mineral in supporting blood sugar regulation, glucose metabolism, and supporting healthy brain and nerve function [2].
Magnesium: The fourth most abundant mineral in the body, it support healthy nerve functions, healthy blood pressure, and detoxification.
Selenium: Supports thyroid health [3] and supports your immune system.
So grab some long grain rice and let's get cooking!
Easy Authentic Mexican Rice Ingredients
Serves 6-8
1.5 cups Organic Long Grain White Rice*
1/4 cup Grass-fed Butter or Ghee
1 cup No Sugar Added Salsa, I prefer my roasted tomatillo salsa, but use your favorite!
1 cup Filtered Water
1 3/4 cups Unsalted Chicken Bone Broth
1-2 tsp Fine Sea Salt, to taste
* You can substitute brown rice, but cooking times will vary
How to Make Easy Authentic Mexican Rice Ingredients
1. In a large skillet with a lid (I prefer ceramic coated to prevent sticking at the end), melt butter and add the rice.
2. Heat over medium heat to brown the rice. Do this for 3-7 minutes stirring frequently until most of the rice has toasted.
3. Add the salt, salsa, water, and broth, stirring well to combine.
4. Cover with the lid and cook for approximately 18-22 minutes until the rice is done.
5. Two options now:
Turn off the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Remove the lid, fluff the rice and serve
OR
This is my preferred way to finish the rice: Remove the lid and turn burner up to medium-high to high (high enough to brown the bottom), allowing the rice to crisp on the bottom.
Stir the rice every 60 to 90 seconds to keep it from burning, but allowing time for some of the rice to crisp. Do this for about 5-7 minutes.
You'll get these delicious crispy, crunchy bites of rice that add so much texture and wow to the dish!
6. Serve and enjoy!
FAQs
Q: Why isn't my rice fully cooked?
A: Sounds like it didn't have enough liquid to cook long enough. Check your measurements and keep the lid on while the rice is cooking and don't check it too often letting the steam out.
Q: Why is my rice soggy?
A: You may have added too much liquid and the rice overcooked. Check the package instructions, different varieties of rice have varying water to rice ratios, adjust accordingly.
Q: Why is my rice unevenly cooked?
A: Rice needs time to rest, almost like a good steak when you've removed it from the grill. Leave the lid on and allow it to sit for at least 5-10 minutes before serving.
If you like this recipe, check these out!
Mexican Spinach Dip: This gluten free dip is loaded with veggies, rich and creamy cheeses, and is so good with fresh veggies or your choice of chips!
Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salsa: Smoky grilled corn, creamy black beans, and fresh veggies make this salsa a wonderful topping for grilled salmon or as a dip for your next event!
Perfect Cauliflower Rice: Looking for a grain free option? This recipe is hard to beat with tender cauliflower rice that is not overly soft and can hold its own!
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa: My absolute favorite salsa ever and it makes the best Mexican rice!
I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does. - Amy
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