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This Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice is the perfect side dish for any Mexican meal. The rice has the rich flavor and slightly dry texture just like the rice served in most Mexican restaurants. It is a family favorite and must-have any time we are making Mexican food.
5 Star Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This is EXACTLY the rice I have been spending YEARS trying to figure out. Everything was absolutely perfect. Flavor, texture, color, all completely spot on! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! You really just upped my taco game!” – Elizabeth
“I am a Puerto Rican woman married to a hard core Mexican man. I’ve tried just about every recipe available for this rice and it never quite worked. I made this today and IT’S PERFECT!! This is the way my MIL makes it. It is as authentic as it can get! Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is the recipe I will make my family from now on.” – Patty
The Secret to Mexican Restaurant-Style Rice
If you’ve ever had that perfectly fluffy, slightly dry, and flavorful Mexican Rice at a restaurant and wondered how to make it at home, I’ve got you covered! This recipe comes straight from a dear family friend from Mexico. She’s one of those incredible cooks who just knows how much of everything to add without measuring. After a bit of trial and error, I finally nailed down the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The secret to getting that perfect texture at home? Toasting the rice in oil before cooking it. Trust me, it makes all the difference! Now, anytime we make our Birria Tacos, Homemade Enchiladas, or Carne Asada Burritos, this authentic Mexican rice is a must-have on the side. It’s become a family favorite, and I can’t wait for you to try it too!
🩷 Emily
Key Ingredients
- Long Grain White Rice – The best rice choice for achieving that dry flavored rice.
- Vegetable Oil – Helps toast the rice to a golden brown for better flavor and texture. This is the most important part of getting Mexican Rice perfect. Avoid using olive oil, it can taste bitter when cooked at this high of temperature.
- Chicken Broth – You can also use beef broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Chicken bullion with the same amount of water can also be used.
- Tomato Sauce – Gives the rice that delicious tomato flavor. Tomato bouillon (caldo de tomate) can also be used. See the recipe notes for adaptation.
- Fresh Cilantro – Adds a pop of color and freshness. Stir in at the end so it doesn’t wilt.
(full recipe with ingredient amounts in recipe card below)
How to Make Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice
- Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and stir frequently until it turns a light golden color. This step is essential for dry, fluffy, restaurant quality rice.
- Once the rice is toasted, stir in the garlic, salt, and cumin. Heat briefly until the garlic becomes fragrant. This allows the spice to bloom in the oil and evenly coat the rice.
- Carefully add the tomato sauce and chicken broth to the pan. Bring the mixture to a full boil. The liquid should fully cover the rice at this point.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid or stirring while it cooks. This will release steam and affect the texture.
- Remove the pan from the heat, but keep it covered. Allow the rice to rest 5-10 minutes. The resting time allows the rice to finish cooking evenly.
- Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving to add fresh flavor and color.
Common Mistakes and Quick Solutions
If your rice turns out mushy, sticky, or clumpy, don’t get discouraged! A lot of these common mistakes have simple solutions and can be solved in just a matter of minutes. Here are a few of the most common mistakes when making Mexican rice:
| 1. SKIPPING THE TOASTING STEP: I can’t emphasize this enough. Not toasting the rice before cooking results in sticky, unevenly cooked rice. Toasting the rice in a little bit of oil before cooking seals the starch in the rice. If skipped, rice will be sticky and clumpy. | ||
| Solution: Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the rice and stir constantly until the it’s a light, golden brown. This step coats the rice grains in oil keeping them separate and avoiding clumping. The hot oil also gives the rice a nuttier, richer texture and flavor. | ||
| 2. USING THE WRONG SAUCEPAN: Thin pans heat unevenly and cause the rice to burn on the bottom before it finishes cooking. | ||
| Solution: Use a sturdy, heavy-bottom saucepan to heat the rice evenly and to keep the rice absorbing the liquid at the right pace. | ||
| 3. LIFTING THE LID WHILE COOKING: Lifting the lid releases the steam built up in the pan which is essential for cooking the rice evenly. | ||
| Solution: Resist the urge to check on the rice until the cooking time is up. Peeking too early interferes with the steaming process and can result in dry, undercooked rice. | ||
| 4. WET, CLUMPY RICE: Rice sticks together in large clumps and is soggy. | ||
| Solution: Uncover the rice and let it rest a few minutes before fluffing. When fluffing, use a fork. Don’t stir the rice with a spoon. | ||
| 5. CRUNCHY RICE: Uncooked or unevenly cooked rice. | ||
| Solution: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of broth and add it to the rice. Cover the pan and steam for 5 more minutes. | ||
| 6. NOT LETTING THE RICE REST: Skipping the resting step can result in uneven texture. | ||
| Solution: Once the rice is done cooking, remove it from heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the steam to redistribute through the rice, giving it a fluffier texture. After few minutes you can fluff the rice with a fork and get it ready to serve. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Rinsing rice removes excess starch and can help prevent clumping. For restaurant-style Mexican rice, rinsing is optional because toasting the rice seals in the starches and gives the rice a fluffy texture and nutty flavor with or without rinsing.
Yes, adding vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your Mexican rice. Add these vegetables when you add the liquid to the rice so they can cook along with the rice.
According to Mahatma rice, there are two distinct differences.
1. Seasonings: Spanish rice is seasoned with saffron which gives it a bright yellow color, as well as a sweeter flavor. Mexican rice is seasoned with cumin and tomato based ingredients giving it a more reddish orange color, and a spicier flavor.
2. Texture: The texture of Spanish rice is more moist and clumps together. Mexican rice is more dry and fluffy.
Yes, Mexican rice can be made in an Instant Pot. For the best restaurant-style texture the rice still must be toasted before simmering. We have a great adaptation for Instant Pot Mexican Rice, perfect for when you’re short on time.
Yes! This recipe contains no gluten, I am celiac and this rice is a staple of mine.
Restaurants toast the rice in oil before cooking, use the correct amount of liquid, simmer without stirring, and let the rice rest before fluffing with a fork. Following this recipe exactly will achieve that same restaurant quality rice.
Pair It With a Mexican-Inspired Entree
I hope this Mexican Rice recipe becomes a staple in your home like it has in mine. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and the perfect side dish for all your favorite Mexican meals. Give it a try and let me know in the comments how it turns out! 🇲🇽
Mexican Rice Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 14 ounces chicken broth, (see recipe notes)
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir constantly for 5-7 minutes, until the grains turn light golden and smell nutty. Do not rush this step. Toasting the rice is key to that restaurant-style texture.
- Add the garlic, salt, and cumin and stir for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Carefully pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a full boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Do not lift the lid or stir while the rice cooks.
- Remove from heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes, still covered. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Gently fold in the chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe uses tomato sauce + broth instead of tomato bouillon (caldo de tomate). To substitute with tomato bouillon, use 1 ½ teaspoons bouillon and reduce the salt to ¼ teaspoon and replace tomato sauce with ½ cup broth.
- Long-grain rice works best for that dry, restaurant-style texture. A short or medium grain will be softer with a stickier texture.
- If rice is still a little crunchy, add 2-3 tablespoons of HOT broth over the rice, cover, and steam for 5 more minutes.
- If rice is wet or clumpy, uncover and let it rest a few extra minutes before fluffing.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I love Mexican food and rice! Thanks for this – I love it!!
Just wanted to tell you that I have gone 47 years without being able to master the Spanish rice……and in one day, you fixed that! The best part is it was so SIMPLE! I made this rice for a graduation party, and cooked it in a double batch (multiple times). Turned out PERFECTLY. Thank you so much!
Melaney- that is awesome!!! We are so honored to be the ones who helped you create the perfect Spanish rice! Thanks for taking the time to come back and comment 🙂
I’ve been cooking this for a couple of years now, and I just can’t say how thankful I am for this fabulous recipe!
I go light on the cumin and omit the cilantro due to personal taste/allergies.
I’ve used tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomato’s blended smooth- anything as long as my ounces of liquid are the same. It’s always turned out great.
I save time by measuring out the liquid for two batches at the same time. One batch I go ahead and cook, the other batch I freeze in silicone ice cube trays, then pop in a baggie for next time.
Sooooo glad I found this recipe! It’s fab!
Thank you so much for this nice comment! I love all your suggestions! Thanks for sharing how you make this recipe unique to you. I am sure our readers with similar allergies will appreciate some of the adjustments you made!
Has anyone tried this in the instant pot?
Not yet, but definitely want to try it! Love that idea!
Can I double this as it’s written or will the rice not turn out?
You can double it as written – it will work great. Thanks for asking!
I almost never comment on online recipes, but this rice was perfect! I’ve tried many other Mexican rice recipes and none come even close to this one. Taste and texture is exactly like what you’d order in a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant. The only change I made was replacing tomato sauce with El Pato in the yellow can.
Hi Greg– THANK YOU!!! That is so nice of you. Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂 Glad you liked the rice!
This is my go-to Mexican rice recipe. Always a hit with my family and guests alike. It’s easy to make with ingredients on hand.
I made this tonight and it it really, really good! As you said, it turns out dry and I like it that way too. I only used 2 T oil and it was enough. I rinsed my rice and dried it on paper towels before browning it. Omitted the salt completely and used Del Fuerte brand tomato sauce that is “seasoned with spices”. This is soooo much better than anything from a box or bag:) I’ll be adding it to our regular menu. Thank you for sharing this with us!!
So glad this was a success for you! We agree, way better than a box or bag 😉
This recipe is now a regular for us; goes great with all of our mexican style favorites 🙂
It comes out perfectly. Thanks so much!
So glad you like it! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice comment 😀
For some reason this turned out wet and mush just like all the other Spanish rice recipes I’ve tried. I did double the amount of chicken broth and tomato sauce, but that’s because I doubled the amount of rice (I used 2 cups of rice). I simmered it the recommended amount of time ( a little over 20 minutes). I can’t figure out why it keeps ending up like this.
I’m not sure, mine has never turned out that way. Did you cook the rice in the oil until it was nice and golden? Watch the video that is on the post so you can see if yours was looking similar. You have to do this over the stove. People have tried doing it in a rice cooker but it doesn’t work right. And make sure you aren’t mixing up cups and cans with the broth and tomato sauce.
Are you cooking at a high or low altitude? That could be why your rice is ending up mushy. You can look up how to change cooking time for the altitude you are at.
I love your recipe so much I wrote about it on my blog! This recipe is the best!!!
http://www.unlearningdifferent.com/new-blog-1/2017/5/19/the-best-recipe-for-mexican-style-rice
I’ve tried soooooo many rice recipes. They just don’t give me the results that I want. My husband loves this prepackaged rice and that’s what I have been buying because. I would much rather make my food than buy prepackaged and this recipe is it!!!!! I’m so happy I found this. It’s very close to the packaged stuff my husband likes and it doesn’t have all the extra added junk. So thank you for this recipe. It’s saved and I’ve made it about 4 times now since finding this recipe.
Hi Carie– Thank you for taking the time to write such a nice comment! So glad you found a recipe that your husband will eat AND that is homemade!
1/2 c of tomato sauce. Is that 1/2 can or 1/2 cup?
It is 1/2 cup. Thank you for asking! We’ll make it more clear on the recipe.
I have been a Pinterest addict for YEARS and this will my first comment ever. Made this rice exactly as instructed and it was phenomenal! My family absolutely loved it.
Hi Lisa! We are honored to be your first comment ever 😀 Thank you for taking the time to let us know how much your family liked it. We hope you keep returning for more recipes in the future 🙂
I have been searching for a good Mexican rice recipe and this is the one! This recipe is DELISH!!
Thanks Veronica! I’m glad you like it!
Hi Diane– I apologize that your comment wasn’t published. We usually post everything to our comments unless there is profanity in the comment. I looked through our deleted comment archives and have not found your name as someone who has commented before. The only comment that pulls up, past or present, is this comment here. I know that to publish a comment you may have to go through two steps to submit. We are always open to positive feedback, even negative feedback, and we will post it all in our comment section if it does not have profanity or slander toward another reader.
I’m making this for a group of about 40-50 people and would love to make it earlier in the day or even the day before. They will be served banquet style in aluminum warming pans over the sterno burners. Do you think I can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it until that night? If so, any suggestions on how to re-heat it before we put it in the pans so it doesn’t get dried out or too hard? Do you think 4 or 5 recipes will be enough for 40-50 people? We are doing a taco bar.
You will probably want to make 10 c. of rice if you are feeding that many (10x) the recipe. If you keep it covered, it would re-hear easily in the oven. I can’t recommend an amount of time because we haven’t ever done it that way before. I would say just until it is heated through. Hope this helps!
Wow, the texture of this rice is amazing! Ate a bowl as soon as it was done topped with freshly shredded cheese and minced raw yellow onion, it was to die for. Best Mexican rice recipe ever.
Thank you, Alexia!
Can this be cooked in the rice cooker?
Can this be made without tomatoes since my husband is allergic to tomatoes?
I would have to say no on both. You won’t get the right consistency with the rice cooker and if you leave out the tomato sauce it wouldn’t really be Mexican rice. However we have a really yummy yellow rice and lemon basil rice that you might like!
This recipe is amazing! I’ve always been frustrated with other Mexican rice recipes because they’ve always resulted in a weird rice-tomato-mushy mixture. This is absolutely perfect and is just as good if not better than the Mexican style rice served at my favorite Mexican restaurant. Thank you for this!
We are so glad you like it! Thank you for your comment!