Fiesta in a Pot Quick Zesty Mexican Rice
Recipe Introduction
Ever get bored of plain rice? Honestly, same here! Let's jazz things up. This Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice recipe will bring fiesta vibes straight to your kitchen.
Quick Hook: From Bland to Grand!
Do you dream of restaurant style flavour but want to make it at home? This easy Mexican rice will turn your weeknight dinner into a party.
It's got all the good stuff. Think tomatoes, chili, and a zing of lime!
A Little Bit About This Zesty Rice
Mexican rice, or arroz mexicano, is a staple in Mexican cuisine. This recipe is easy . Prep takes about 10 minutes , cooking around 25 minutes , so 35 minutes total.
It makes 4 servings of deliciousness.
What Makes This Rice So Good?
This recipe is special. It offers a fantastic source of vitamins. Especially when paired with delicious cilantro lime rice . It is perfect as a side dish.
Or as the base for your next taco night.
The Secret to Amazing Rice
Is All In The Ingredients
Here are the key players for our Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice :
- Olive oil: for sautéing our aromatics
- Onion and Garlic: because everything's better with them, right?
- Long grain Rice: the base of our flavourful dish. Make sure it's rinsed!
- Chicken Broth: adds richness. Veggie broth works great too!
- Diced Tomatoes: the secret to that vibrant colour and flavour.
- Chili Powder and Cumin: because spice is life.
- Cilantro and Lime: for that fresh, zesty finish.
- Salt and Pepper: to taste, of course.
Equipment Needed
You won't need any fancy gadgets here. A saucepan with a tight fitting lid is essential. Get your measuring cups and spoons ready. And a knife and cutting board for chopping. Easy peasy!
Top Secret Tip
Did you know rinsing the rice is essential ? This prevents the rice from getting sticky. Don't skip this step!
Let's Sum Things Up
Ready to ditch the boring rice and embrace the flavour? This Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice will become your new favourite.
Get ready for a taste of Mexico, right in your own home.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Fiesta Started!
Right, so you fancy making some Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice ? Sorted. Here's what you'll need. No fancy stuff, promise.
We’re going for easy Mexican rice here, not trying to win MasterChef.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon . Use a decent one. Not extra virgin needed.
- Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped. Yellow or white. Honestly, doesn't matter that much.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Long grain rice: 1 cup ( 200g ), rinsed. Don’t skip rinsing!
- Chicken broth: 2 cups ( 475ml ). Veggie broth works too.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can ( 411g ), undrained.
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon .
- Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon , or to taste.
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup , chopped.
- Lime: Juice of 1 .
Quality indicators for the rice? Just make sure it's not ancient. For tomatoes, a decent brand makes a big difference. Honestly, the flavour is richer.
Seasoning Notes: Zest is Best!
Chili powder and cumin? They are your Mexican flavour base. Cilantro and lime? That's what makes it zesty rice recipe .
Don’t be shy with them. No cilantro? Just leave it out; parsley would do, but you know… it won’t be quite the same.
Also, you can add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy Mexican rice .
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Medium saucepan with a lid. A tight fitting one is key.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Knife and cutting board.
Don’t have a proper measuring cup? Use a mug! I have done it millions of times. As long as you keep the ratio right, you will be golden.
We’re aiming for easy Mexican rice .
Alright, let's get stuck in and make some ruddy delicious rice! Fancy some Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice that blows your socks off? Thought so! We're ditching the dull and diving headfirst into a flavour fiesta.
Honestly, I used to think rice was just...rice, until I had proper Mexican rice! Now, I can't get enough.
This recipe is proper easy, even if you're more used to beans on toast.
Prep Like a Pro for Maximum Flavour
Essential Mise en Place
Right, before we start slinging ingredients, get your ducks in a row! Chop up 1 medium onion nice and fine.
Mince 2 cloves of garlic - nobody wants massive chunks of garlic. Rinse 1 cup (200g) of long grain rice under cold water until it runs clear.
This stops it getting clumpy. And measure out all your spices and other bits. Get the 14.5 ounce (411g) can of diced tomatoes , undrained, ready and waiting.
Sorted? Let’s get cooking.
Time Saving Tricks and Safety First
Listen, if you’re proper rushed, you can chop the onion and garlic the night before and store them in the fridge.
One less thing to worry about. Also, don’t be a numpty! Mind the hot oil when you're sautéing! No one wants a trip to A&E for a rogue splash of oil.
How to Make the Best Mexican Rice Ever
step-by-step to Zesty Rice
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onions until they are soft, about 5 minutes .
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more until it smells awesome.
- Chuck in the rinsed rice and cook, stirring, for 2- 3 minutes . The rice should become slightly translucent.
- Pour in 2 cups (475ml) of chicken broth (or veg broth if you're veggie) and the canned tomatoes (undrained, remember!). Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili powder , 1/2 teaspoon of cumin , 1/4 teaspoon of salt (or to taste), and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper .
- Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat right down to low, pop the lid on tight, and simmer for 20 minutes . Keep the lid on tight no peeking!
- Take it off the heat and leave it to stand, covered, for 5 minutes . Then, fluff it up with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro and the juice of 1 lime . Dinner's served!
Visual Doneness Cues
The rice is done when all the liquid has been absorbed and the grains are tender. If it still seems a bit wet after 20 minutes , cook it for a few more, but keep that lid on!
Pro Tips for Proper Mexican Rice
Expert Tweaks
Want a bit of a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño when you’re sautéing the onions.
For a proper veggie boost, chuck in 1/2 cup of frozen corn or peas in the last 5 minutes .
Common Cock Ups
The biggest mistake is not rinsing the rice. It gets sticky, and nobody wants that. Also, using too much liquid is a disaster. Stick to the measurements!
This easy Mexican rice recipe can be made a day ahead. How good is that? Just cool it completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Reheat it in the microwave or in a pan with a splash of water.
Now, get yourself in the kitchen and make some restaurant style Mexican rice that would make your abuela proud. Honestly, it's easier than you think and tastes absolutely banging! Fancy that with tacos or burritos for an amazing Mexican rice side dish that’s simple to prepare.
This recipe is zesty rice recipe for the books!
Recipe Notes for Kickin' Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice
Alright, so you’re ready to make some Easy Mexican rice . Ace! Before you dive in, let’s go through some little bits and bobs to make sure your Fiesta in a Pot is bangin'.
Honestly, this Mexican rice recipe is pretty simple, but a few tips can make it next level.
Serving Up Your Zesty Rice Recipe
So, you've got your Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice , what's next? Plating is key! Think bright colours. Sprinkle some extra fresh cilantro on top.
A wedge of lime on the side? Oh my gosh, yes.
As for sides, this Authentic Mexican Rice goes with practically anything! Grilled chicken or fish are classic. Or use it as a base for a killer burrito bowl.
A dollop of sour cream or guacamole? Get in my belly.
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Tomato rice recipe keeps well. Once it has cooled completely put the rice in an airtight container. It’ll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days .
Wanna freeze it? Go for it! Portion it out and freeze for up to 2 months . Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Important! Ensure rice reaches a minimum internal temperature of 74° C ( 165° F) before eating to avoid any nasty bugs.
Tweaks and Twists
Fancy a change? This One-pan Mexican rice is super adaptable. Want a Spicy Mexican rice ? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeno when you are sautéing the onions.
Boom!
For a vegetarian version, just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Easy peasy! Seasonal ingredients? Throw in some roasted corn in the summer or butternut squash in the autumn.
Why not?
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, let's keep it real and talk nutrition! Each serving of this Restaurant style Mexican Rice is roughly 250 calories.
You get a good dose of carbs, some protein, and a bit of fat. It's also packed with vitamins and minerals from the tomatoes and spices.
Honestly, it's a pretty balanced side dish! Remember that nutrition estimates will vary based on what you use!
So, there you have it! Now you're armed with everything you need to make the most epic Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice .
Get in the kitchen and get cooking. You've got this! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice ahead of time? I'm a busy bee, you see!
Absolutely! This rice is fantastic for meal prepping. Once cooked, allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Think of it as your own personal "ready meal," a proper lifesaver during the week!
My Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice turned out a bit mushy. What did I do wrong?
Mushy rice usually means there was too much liquid or it was cooked for too long. Ensure you're using the correct rice-to-liquid ratio (1 cup rice to 2 cups broth) and that your lid is tightly sealed. Also, resist the temptation to peek while it's simmering!
Lifting the lid releases steam and can throw off the cooking time. Next time, consider reducing the simmering time by a few minutes or lowering the heat just a tad.
I'm veggie (or vegan!), can I still enjoy this Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice?
Definitely! Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it completely vegetarian or vegan. This simple swap doesn’t compromise the flavor at all, and the rice is just as delicious.
You could even add in some extra veggies like bell peppers or corn to boost the nutritional value and flavour even further!
What's the best way to store leftover Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice?
To keep your Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice tasting its best, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
You can also freeze the rice for longer storage (up to 2 months); just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I add more veggies to this Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice?
Absolutely, this recipe is super versatile! Feel free to stir in half a cup of frozen corn, peas, or chopped bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a veggie boost. You could also add cooked black beans for extra protein and texture. Get creative and make it your own!
Is there a way to make this Quick & Zesty Mexican Rice spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, there are several ways to kick up the spice level! You could add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the saucepan when sautéing the onions and garlic.
Alternatively, stir in a dash of your favourite hot sauce after cooking, or serve it with a dollop of spicy salsa on top. Go on, be a daredevil!
Fiesta In A Pot Quick Zesty Mexican Rice
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
