This easy Mexican Inspired Rice turns your basic white rice into a flavorful and vibrant side dish.
This is a very simple rice recipe that’s packed with so much flavor and of course requires little to no effort.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPANISH RICE AND MEXICAN RICE?
Many people consider Spanish and Mexican rice to be the same thing, but they’re actually not. Both dishes are made with similar ingredients. But what differentiates them are the spices that are used. For instance, have you ever noticed how Spanish rice is yellow while Mexican rice has a light redi-sh/ orange color?
Most Spanish rice recipes usually use saffron, which gives it its lightly sweet flavor and bold yellow coloring. And Mexican rice uses cumin or in my case for this recipe tomato bouillon for an earthy and spicy aroma.
DO I HAVE TO RINSE MY RICE?
No, you don’t have to. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. It’s only your preference. Rinsing the rice removes any debris and the surface starch that causes the rice to clump together. Rinsing the rice also helps with fluffier rice.
What should I serve with my rice?
This Mexican Inspired Rice easily pairs with a few of my favorite dishes below. You can also serve it in a burrito bowl with your favorite protein, some black beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo!
- Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
- Sofrito Chicken
- Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Carne Asada with Corn Salsa
- Baked Chicken Burritos
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings
Questions about this Mexican Inspired Rice? Did you make this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! Tag me #chefelizabethreese on Instagram, I’d love to see your creations!
Mexican Inspired Rice
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Long Grain White Rice
- 2½ Cups Water
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato Boullion with Chicken Flavor
- 3 Cloves Minced Garlic
- ½ Green Bell Pepper, cut into large pieces
- ¼ Yellow Onion, cut into large pieces
- ½ Tablespoon Chopped Cilantro
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper, as needed
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the rice.
- In a large saute pan over medium heat, add water and bring to a low boil.
- Add the rice, butter, tomato bouillon, minced garlic, green bell pepper, yellow onion and cilantro. Stir until combined.
- Turn the heat down to low once everything is combined, cover and cook for about 15- 20ish minutes until rice is fork tender. Seson to taste with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
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