Easy Mexican Rice with Instant Rice – Quick and Flavorful!
Perfect accompaniment for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and grilled meats is Mexican rice, a great, spicy side dish. Although classic recipes call for extended cooking periods, you may create this delicious meal in just 15 minutes with instant rice!
This recipe saves time without sacrificing flavor and gives the strong, real tastes of Mexican rice. This recipe is easy, fast, and incredibly delicious whether your evening meal is quick or you need a basic side dish for a Mexican feast.
Here’s the recipe card in table format:
Mexican Rice with Instant Rice – Recipe Card
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Course | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | Mexican, Latin |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Instant rice | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Tomato sauce | ½ cup |
| Onion (chopped) | ½ medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Fresh cilantro | For garnish |
| Lime juice | For garnish |
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened (about 2 minutes). |
| 2 | Stir in minced garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. |
| 3 | Add tomato sauce and chicken broth, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. |
| 4 | Stir in instant rice and cover the pan. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid. |
| 5 | Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, and serve! |
Storage & Reheating
| Storage Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. |
| Freezing | Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. |
| Reheating | Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth for moisture. |
Why You Will Love This Recipe
✔ Super Quick – Perfect in just 15 minutes!
✔ One- Pot Recipe – Less dishes, simpler cleaning.
✔ Authentic Flavor – Taste just like classic Mexican rice.
✔ Customizable : Add protein, beans, or vegetables.
✔ Perfect Side Dish – Enhances any meal influenced by Mexico.
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Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe makes a strong, savory Mexican rice using simple pantry items.
Principal Components
Cooking in minutes, Instant Rice is the main star of the dish.
Rich taste and the trademark red hue come from tomato sauce.
Chicken Broth — Drives strong, delicious taste into the rice.
Essential for a fragrant, real base is onion and garlic.
Bring warmth and a moderate spice with Cumin & Chili powder.
Paprika adds color and a subdued smokey depth.
Salt & Pepper improves the taste generally.
Optional Additions
Diced Tomatoes – For additional freshness and texture.
Add colors and nutrients with Frozen Peas & Carrots.
For a heartier meal, corn or black beans.
For a kick in spice, jalapeñ.
At the end, lime juice and cilantro brightens the taste.
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Step-by-Step Guide
In a pan set over medium heat, sauté the Aromatics – Heat 1 tablespoon of oil.
Add chopped onions and heat until soft—about two minutes.
Stir in paprika, chili powder, cumin, and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, 30 seconds
Second Step: Add Liquids and Simmer
Stirring thoroughly, pour in tomato sauce and chicken broth.
Set over medium heat, bring to a gentle simmer.
Phase 3: Prepare the rice
Stir in instant rice such that it is uniformly mixed.
After turning off the heat, let the pan remain for five minutes under a lid.
A – The rice will pick up the liquid and turn fluffy.
Fourth step: fluff and serve
Five minutes later take off the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
Add alternative items include peas, carrots, or corn.
Present with fresh cilantro and lime juice a garnish.
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Universal Advice for Perfect Mexican Rice
✔ Use Chicken Broth Instead of Water – It accentuates taste.
✔ Let the Rice Rest guarantees its light and fluffy nature.
✔ Toast the Spices – Cooking the spices in oil brings their depth to life.
✔ Customize It! – For a whole meal add beans, vegetables, or even shredded chicken.
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Delicious Variations
🌶 Spicy Mexican Rice – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce; 🫘 Mexican Rice & Beans – Stir in black beans or pinto beans; 🧀 Che cheesy Mexican Rice – Mix in shredded cheddar or cotija cheese.
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Storage & Reheat Advice
Store for up to 4 days in an airtight container; Freezing Option Freeze in halves for up to two months.
Reheat 1–2 minutes in a skillet with a splash of broth or in a microwave.
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5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Using brown instant rice, I can definitely create this. Brown instant rice works but can call for additional 2–3 minutes of resting time.
2. What would happen should tomato sauce not be available?
Instead you might use salsa, tomato paste plus water, or crushed tomatoes.
3. Is this vegetarianable?
Yes! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
4. How might I avoid mushy rice?
Do not over-stir after adding the rice; follow the correct liquid-to—rice ratio.
5. With Mexican rice, what would be appropriate accompaniments?
For a complete dinner, provide with tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, steak, or even fried eggs.
Last Notes
Enjoying bold, real flavors in fraction of the time is best done by making Mexican rice with instant rice. It goes great with any Mexican meal and is quick and simple.
