This Rice Cooker Mexican Rice is not only delicious, but it's also extremely versatile. You can serve it as a side dish with your favorite Mexican entree or use it as a base for burrito bowls or tacos.
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❤️ Why You'll Love It
- Just set your rice cooker and forget it. This Mexican rice requires minimal prep and practically cooks itself, making it a great side dish.
- With the perfect blend of tomatoes, onions, and garlic, each bite is packed with a savory taste that will have you craving more.
- It's a hit with kids and adults alike, and you can adjust the spiciness to suit everyone's taste buds.
We love making Mexican-inspired recipes at home, and this is one of our all-time favorites. Not only does it taste amazing, but it's also incredibly easy to make. Plus, because it's cooked in a rice cooker, there's no need to constantly stir or worry about burning the rice.
📝 Ingredients
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📋 Ingredient Notes
- Long-grain rice - We recommend using long-grain white rice for this recipe, but you can also use jasmine rice or basmati rice, adjust water accordingly.
- Oil - Use a mild flavored oil such as avocado oil or light-tasting olive oil for the best results.
- Garlic cloves - Fresh garlic is best, but you can also use jarred minced garlic if that's what you have on hand.
- Onion - We used a yellow onion. you can also use a white onion or red onion.
- Roma tomatoes - Fresh tomatoes are a must for this recipe. You can also use canned diced tomatoes, but fresh will give the best flavor and texture.
- Chicken bouillon - I used the cubes and broke it up, however you can use the powder if that's what you have on hand.
- Tomato paste - This is what gives the rice its rich color and depth of flavor.
- Serrano pepper - or jalapeño pepper will not make your rice spicy; it gives a desirable smell.
- Salt - Adjust to your personal preference.
- Fresh cilantro - For a beautiful garnish and adds a nice fresh flavor.
🥄 Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Puree onions, tomatoes, garlic, tomato paste, and chicken bouillon until smooth
- Add the rice and oil, then mix well together.
- Pour the contents of the food processor into the rice cooker, add water, and adjust the salt as desired. If you are using a pepper, add it to the water.
- Cover and cook on white rice setting according to manufacturer’s instructions. When cooking finishes, fluff, then let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
💡Amira's Tips
- To enhance the flavor of your rice, consider toasting the rice in the oil until it's slightly golden before adding the other ingredients. This step adds a nutty flavor and helps keep the grains separate and fluffy. Most rice cookers have the saute option.
- If you are using a different type of rice you will need to adjust the water and cooking time depending on the type of rice that you use.
- If you are afraid that adding the Serrano pepper will make your rice spicy, it can be replaced with a bell pepper, which provides a sweet flavor.
🧺 Storage
Storage - Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing - This Mexican rice freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container and placing it in the freezer.
Reheat - Rehat covered in a microwave safe bowl or on stove top with a splash of water.
💬 FAQs
Mexican rice, often also called "Arroz Rojo," is typically made with a base of tomatoes, onions, and garlic to give it a rich, savory flavor. Spanish rice, on the other hand, is commonly a part of the dish known as "paella," which includes a variety of proteins, such as seafood, sausage, or chicken, and it is seasoned with saffron.
The best way to reheat rice is by adding a little bit of water to it before warming it up. You can either use a stovetop or a microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between.
🍽️ Serve With
- This tasty rice can be served with so many different meals like these Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos or this Taco Bake. You can also serve with any of your favorite meals.
- This rice would also be terrific served with Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
👩🍳 Variations
- If you want to add a nutritional boost, mix in some vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn towards the end of the cooking process.
- For a heartier side, stir in cooked black beans or chunks of grilled chicken just before serving to add protein and make it a complete meal in itself.
- Add some chili powder and an extra pinch of garlic powder for a great flavor.
- Turn up the heat by adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy Mexican reice.
⌛ Make Ahead
This rice is great made ahead when you need to meal prep or have a busy week ahead. You can make it 1-2 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just reheat it before serving!
📣 Related Recipes
- Are you looking for another main dish to serve your family that includes flavorful rice? If so, check out this Chicken and Yellow Rice recipe.
- Lebanese Rice is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that pairs perfectly with many main dishes.
- Chicken Shawarma Rice is another tasty and complete meal that you can make for your family when you are craving rice.
- Beef and Potato Tacos combine the best of the two worlds: crispy potatoes and tacos. Warmly spiced ground beef with comforting crispy potatoes is wrapped in warm tortillas. This hearty and flavorful dish is an easy dinner or crowd-pleaser.
- These Potato Cheese Balls are a delicious bite-size snack with a crispy exterior and a gooey, melty cheese center. They are a savory and satisfying kid-friendly snack or side dish.
- Your Mexican dishes just got an upgrade with this easy Mexican rice with corn. A simple flavorful and vibrant fluffy rice side dish with a touch of Mexican spice.
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Thank you.
🥣 Equipment
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- Small food processor
- Rice cooker
Rice Cooker Mexican Rice
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 garlic cloves cut into chunks
- ½ small onion cut into chunks
- 2 Roma tomatoes cut into chunks
- 1 chicken bouillon
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 whole Serrano peppers optional you can also use jalapeño
- 2 cups tap water
- Salt to taste
For garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a small food processor add onions, tomatoes, garlic, tomato paste and crumble chicken bouillon over. Puree until smooth.
- To your rice cooker add rice, oil and stir to combine.
- Pour in the content of the food processor.
- Add the water and stir to combine.
- Taste the water and add salt if desired.
- Place the serrano or jalapeño pepper in the water, if using.
- Cover and cook on white rice setting according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- When cooking finishes , fluff then let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Pepper won’t make your rice spicy it just adds a desirable flavor you do not want to miss. If in doubt add some sliced bell peppers on top.
- When rice finishes cooking you will notice that the rice at the top ids wet as if it is going to be mushy. No worries just fluff the rice and let it stand for 5-10 minutes it will all absorb the water and looks just fine.
- 2 cups of water produced a tender rice if you like yours more firm reduce water by ¼ cup.
- Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.
Nutrition
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