Mexican Rice
AI-generated image
Vegan Gluten-free Mexican

Mexican Rice

A fragrant, tomato-scented Mexican rice with toasted grains, sweet vegetables, and a fluffy finish. It is a dependable side for tacos, grilled meats, beans, or roasted vegetables.

45 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Heat the vegetable oil in a wide, heavy 2-liter saucepan over medium heat. Add the drained rice and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the grains look lightly golden and smell nutty.
2
Add the onion and carrot and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring, until the onion begins to soften. Add the garlic and cumin and cook for 30 seconds, just until aromatic.
3
Pour in the tomato puree and stir for 1 minute, scraping the base of the pan so the rice is evenly coated and the puree loses its raw aroma.
4
Stir in the hot vegetable stock and salt. Bring the mixture to a full boil over medium-high heat, then stir once and reduce the heat to low.
5
Cover tightly and simmer for 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid; the rice is ready when the liquid is absorbed and the grains are tender with a slight spring at the center.
Fluffy tomato-tinted rice after the liquid has been absorbed AI-generated image
6
Remove the pan from the heat and scatter in the peas. Cover again and rest for 5 minutes so the residual steam warms the peas and finishes the grains.
7
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then fold in the lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust the salt, and serve hot.
Fluffy Mexican rice with peas, carrots, cilantro, and lime AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Toasting the rice gives each grain a nutty backbone, while blended tomato, stock, and aromatics create savory depth without making the rice wet. A covered simmer and short rest finish the grains gently and evenly.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool within two hours, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.

How to reheat it

Reheat covered in the microwave or in a saucepan with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water until steaming hot throughout, stirring once.

Nutrition / serving

404kcal
8.62 gprotein
74.53 gcarbs
7.84 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 20 Aug 2026