What is the difference between Mexican rice and Spanish rice?

While often used interchangeably, Mexican rice and Spanish rice have distinct differences. Spanish rice typically includes saffron, giving it a yellow color and floral aroma, while a traditional Mexican rice recipe uses tomato-based ingredients, cumin, and garlic for a bold, savory flavor and its signature reddish-orange hue.

What gives Mexican rice its flavor?

The rich flavor in a Mexican rice recipe comes from a combination of ingredients like toasted long-grain rice, garlic, onion, tomato sauce or bouillon, cumin, and chicken broth. Toasting the rice in oil first and simmering it in seasoned broth infuses it with layers of savory depth.

Why does Mexican restaurant rice taste better?

Mexican restaurant rice often tastes better due to key techniques: toasting the rice until golden, using tomato bouillon, and simmering in seasoned broth without stirring. These methods, when applied at home, can elevate your own Mexican rice recipe to restaurant-level quality.

What to put with Mexican rice?

Mexican rice pairs perfectly with tacos, grilled meats, enchiladas, seafood, or beans. You can also mix in veggies like corn or peas, or turn it into a complete meal with chicken, beef, or shrimp. This makes your Mexican rice recipe both versatile and satisfying.

Why is Mexican rice so orange?

The vibrant orange color in a Mexican rice recipe comes from tomato sauce or tomato bouillon mixed with toasted rice. The oil-toasting step before simmering also deepens the color, giving it that restaurant-style glow we all love.

Is Mexican rice healthier than white rice?

Compared to plain white rice, a homemade Mexican rice recipe may have slightly more calories due to oil and broth, but it also offers added fiber, flavor, and nutrition—especially when made with brown rice or added vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach.

Mexican Rice Recipe – The Best Homemade Version Ever (Step-by-Step)

Name: Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; Optional: 1/3 cup frozen peas or chopped cilantro for garnish

Description

This authentic Mexican rice recipe is fluffy, flavorful, and simple to make. Perfect as a side dish or base for burritos, bowls, or tacos—made with tomato, garlic, and seasoned broth for restaurant-style taste at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 cups chicken broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Optional: 1/3 cup frozen peas or chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Rinse rice under cold water until clear.
In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add rice and toast until golden brown (5–7 minutes).
Add onion and garlic. Cook 2 more minutes until fragrant.
Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, and cumin. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Turn off heat. Let rest covered for 10 minutes.
Fluff rice with a fork. Garnish with peas or cilantro if desired.

Notes

For spicier rice, add 1 chopped jalapeño during the sauté step.
For vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
You can double the recipe and freeze half for later use.
Great for meal prep—stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: mexican rice recipe, easy mexican rice, restaurant-style rice, arroz rojo, tomato rice, authentic mexican rice