How to Make Mexican Rice: Traditional & Quick Tex-Mex Versions (Mexican Rice Recipe)
- Loida Tamayo
- Jun 27
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 6
Hola amigos!
At every family gathering growing up, there was a pot of Mexican rice and fresh frijoles simmering on the stove. Warm, comforting, and full of flavor. I watched my tías and abuelitas carefully chop tomatoes, onions, and garlic, blending everything by hand to get that perfect balance. It was made with care.
When I moved to the Washington, DC area, I found myself craving those flavors—the taste of home. But life moves fast now, and between work, kids, and weeknight chaos, I don’t always have time to make rice from scratch. Sound familiar?
That’s why I’m sharing two ways to make Mexican rice:
A quick Tex-Mex shortcut using my Tex-Mex at Home Rice Seasoning 🙌
Let’s start with the traditional version.
🍅 Traditional Mexican Rice Recipe
(From Scratch with Fresh Veggies)
This recipe is made with whole tomatoes, garlic, and onion, which are boiled and blended into a homemade base that gives the rice incredible depth of flavor.
It takes a little more time, but the result? Totally worth it.
Now, let’s get to the recipe!
🛒 Ingredients
1 cup of long-grain white rice (uncooked and unwashed)
2 ripe Roma tomatoes
½ white onion
2 garlic cloves
1¼ cups of chicken broth (or water for a vegan version)
1 tbsp of neutral oil (like vegetable oil)
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp dried parsley
Step 1: Boil the Fresh Veggies for the Rice Base
Start by boiling water in a small pot—just enough to fully cover your vegetables. Once the water is boiling, add the fresh tomatoes, ½ onion, and 2 garlic cloves.
Let them cook over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and the skins begin to peel. This step is key to creating a smooth, flavorful sauce—the perfect base for authentic Mexican rice. Unlike salsa, which benefits from texture, this sauce should be silky and blended.
Bring a small pot of water to a boil—just enough to cover the veggies. Once boiling, add the tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Boil over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and the skins begin to peel. We want a silky, smooth sauce here (not chunky like salsa).
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
Transfer the cooked veggies to a blender and blend until smooth. You should have about 1 cup of sauce. Set it aside—this will be the flavorful base for our rice.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the dry, unwashed rice and toast it for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. If it starts to brown too quickly, just lower the heat.
Once most of your rice is golden brown, add the blended tomato sauce. Expect a nice sizzle—that’s a good sign!
Stir to coat the rice evenly and let it cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.
Step 4: Add the Liquid & Let it Simmer
Add your chicken broth (or water, for a vegan recipe), salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir gently to combine all of your ingredients. Bring the rice mix to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes. AND… Resist the urge to peek!
Step 5: Rest & Fluff
After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice rest, still covered, for 10 minutes. Then, fluff it with a fork or spatula and enjoy that tasty, fluffy rice that smells and tastes like home.
🌶️ Rice with Tex-Mex at Home Bold Rice Seasoning Cooking Instructions
Ingredients
1 cup of long-grain white rice
2¼ cups chicken broth (or water, for a vegan recipe)
1 tbsp neutral oil (like vegetable oil)
1 package of Tex-Mex at Home Bold Rice Seasoning (or Simply/Coastal Rice)
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Heat the oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add the dry rice and toast it for 4–5 minutes until most of the rice is golden brown.
Step 2: Add Seasoning & Simmer
Add broth (or water, for a vegan recipe), and sprinkle in 1 packet of Tex-Mex at Home Bold Rice seasoning. Stir well, then bring to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat. Let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Rest & Fluff
Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes. Then fluff your rice, and it's ready to serve!
Why Choose Tex-Mex at Home Seasonings?
Each of our handcrafted rice blends brings something special to the table:
🌿 Simply Rice has a smooth, light flavor that's perfect for everyday meals and kid-friendly plates. It's the go-to when you want comfort without the extra kick.
🔥 Bold Rice delivers a deeper, richer Tex-Mex flavor when you're craving that extra punch of boldness (don’t worry—it’s not spicy).
🌊 Coastal Rice is our Spanish-inspired blend, ideal for seafood lovers and summer dishes with bright, fresh notes.
All blends are:
✅ Vegan-friendly
✅ Made with real ingredients
✅ Free from MSG or fillers
📅 Save This Recipe
Don’t forget to save this recipe and tag us when you make it!
Thanks for being here, and I hope this rice recipe brings a little Tex-Mex joy to your kitchen. 🍾️🌶️💕
❓ FAQ: How to Make the Best Mexican Rice at Home
What is the best type of rice for authentic Mexican rice?
The best for Mexican rice is long-grain white rice. It stays fluffy and absorbs the sauce well. Avoid instant or short-grain rice, which can get sticky.
Should I rinse the rice before cooking Mexican rice?
No—do not rinse the rice for this recipe. The natural starch helps the sauce cling to each grain and gives the rice that signature texture. Plus, toasting unwashed rice builds a golden, nutty flavor and helps it soak up all the tomato goodness.
How do I make vegan or vegetarian Mexican rice?
Just swap the chicken broth for water or veggie broth! Both the traditional and Tex-Mex at Home versions work great for plant-based meals.
Can I make Mexican rice with canned tomatoes?
Yes! If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, use canned Roma tomatoes. It won’t be exactly the same, but it still tastes great.
Is Tex-Mex at Home Bold Rice Seasoning spicy?
Nope! Our Bold Rice seasoning has bold flavor without heat. It’s made for the whole family—just rich, deep Tex-Mex goodness.
How much Tex-Mex rice seasoning do I use per cup of rice?
One packet of Tex-Mex at Home Rice Seasoning seasons 1 dry cup of rice, which makes about 4 generous servings.
Can I make Mexican rice in a rice cooker or Instant Pot?
I haven't tried it, so please let me know if you do. Here is what I would do. Use the same ingredient ratios and follow your machine’s white rice settings.
How do I store leftover Mexican rice?
Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Where can I buy Tex-Mex at Home Rice Seasoning?
You can buy it right here on our website! All blends are made with real ingredients, no fillers, and big Tex-Mex flavor.
Can I double the Mexican rice recipe?
Yes! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger pot or pan. The cooking time stays the same.
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