Grandma Raquel's Mexican Rice

Perfectly seasoned, fluffy rice to complement your carne asada.

A vibrant bowl of authentic Mexican rice with fresh cilantro garnish beside a sizzling plate of carne asada.
A vibrant bowl of authentic Mexican rice with fresh cilantro garnish beside a sizzling plate of carne asada.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white rice

  • 4 roma tomatoes

  • 1/2 white onion

  • 1 garlic clove

  • 2 heaping spoonfulls Knorr de Tomate seasoning

  • 3 1/2 cups water

  • 4 tbsp cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse and wash the rice until water runs mostly clear.

  2. In a pan, heat 4 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add the garlic clove and toast for about 30 seconds.

  3. Add the washed rice and toast, stirring often, until the rice turns light golden.

  4. While rice is toasting, add to a blender: roma tomatoes, 1/2 onion, Knorr de Tomate seasoning, and 4 cups water. Blend until smooth.

  5. Pour the blended mixture into the toasted rice. Stir to combine.

  6. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for 10–15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

  7. Fluff with a fork and serve.

FAQs

What rice is best?

Basmati rice works best for fluffy Mexican rice.

Can I use broth instead?

Yes, chicken or vegetable broth adds extra flavor instead of water.

How do I get the perfect color?

Toast the rice in oil until golden before adding tomato sauce and broth for that classic reddish hue.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely, add chopped jalapeños, some canned sweet corn for a little razzle dazzle or a dash of cayenne pepper.

How long to cook rice?

Simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Check every 5 minutes if more time is needed.

Can I prepare Mexican rice ahead?

Yes, it reheats well and flavors deepen after a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Reviews

What people say about the rice

This Mexican rice recipe brought back memories of family dinners—flavorful and perfectly textured every time.

Marble C.
A warm bowl of fluffy, orange-hued Mexican rice garnished with fresh cilantro.
A warm bowl of fluffy, orange-hued Mexican rice garnished with fresh cilantro.

Sacramento, CA

Pairing this rice with carne asada made our dinner unforgettable—authentic flavors that truly shine.

A sizzling plate of carne asada next to a vibrant serving of Mexican rice on a rustic wooden table.
A sizzling plate of carne asada next to a vibrant serving of Mexican rice on a rustic wooden table.
Mariko D.

San Francisco, CA

★★★★★
★★★★★