Restaurant Style Mexican Rice Recipe

Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is that side dish you always wish you could magically recreate at home from your favorite Mexican restaurants. With tender grains, an irresistibly savory flavor, and just the right pop of fresh herbs, this recipe delivers pure comfort in every bite. Get ready to bring authentic color and flavor to your own table — whether you’re pairing with tacos, piling onto burrito bowls, or serving alongside a big Sunday roast chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity rules here, but each of these ingredients has a purpose in this Restaurant Style Mexican Rice. They work together to build layers of flavor, vibrant color, and the perfect, fluffy texture you crave in true restaurant rice.

• Rice (2 cups, long grain): The star of the show, long grain rice keeps each bite fluffy and never mushy.
• Oil (1/4 cup): Essential for sautéing and achieving that iconic, toasted rice flavor — don’t skip this step!
• Tomato Sauce (8 oz): Provides both color and depth of flavor, giving the rice its signature reddish hue and a subtle tang.
• Cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped): For a burst of fresh, herby brightness stirred in at the very end.
• Salt (3 tsp): Crucial for seasoning all those lovely grains just right.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Delivers aromatic depth that’s absolutely essential for classic Mexican rice flavor.
• Chicken Broth (4 cups): Infuses each grain with savory richness and a touch of comforting warmth.
• Cumin (1/2 tsp): Adds a gently smoky, earthy note that rounds out all the flavors.
• Ground Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): For just a little hint of heat and extra flavor complexity.

How to Make Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

Step 1: Toast the Rice for Flavor

Start by heating the oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat. Once the oil shimmers, stir in the long grain rice. The goal is to toast each grain until it reaches a gorgeous golden brown. This step takes about 5 to 7 minutes and makes a stunning difference — toasting deepens the flavor and sets the stage for the fluffy texture that makes Restaurant Style Mexican Rice so irresistible.

Step 2: Build the Savory Base

Next, it’s time to add in all the flavor-builders. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and sprinkle in the salt, garlic, cumin, and black pepper. Make sure to stir everything together so those seasonings and the tomato sauce are fully incorporated — you want each grain of rice to soak up as much flavor as possible. The mixture should look a little soupy at first, but don’t worry, the rice will absorb all that goodness as it simmers.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Turn down the heat to medium low and cover your pan with a lid. Let the rice gently simmer for about 35 to 40 minutes. Try not to peek or stir too much — letting the steam do its magic is the key to that perfect, restaurant-style texture. When the time is up, almost all of the liquid should be absorbed, and the rice should be tender yet fluffy.

Step 4: Fluff, Finish, and Garnish

Grab a fork and gently fluff the rice to separate the grains. Fold in the fresh chopped cilantro, which will add a bright, clean lift at the very end. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some Cotija cheese (or your favorite Mexican cheese) over the top right before serving for a delicious, savory finish — totally irresistible!

How to Serve Restaurant Style Mexican Rice

Garnishes

The right garnishes turn this side into a showstopper! A generous scattering of Cotija cheese offers a salty touch, while fresh cilantro keeps things lively and fragrant. For a splash of color and extra flavor, try sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or a few lime wedges for squeezing over the top — so easy, so good.

Side Dishes

Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is the perfect companion for just about any Mexican-inspired meal. Pile it on next to enchiladas, fajitas, or grilled chicken. It’s fabulous tucked into burrito bowls with black beans, or even as a bed for sizzling shrimp or carnitas. Your taco night will never be the same!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner-party twist, serve the rice in vibrant bowls garnished with lime wheels and extra cilantro. Make mini “rice boats” using halved bell peppers or scoop into tacos for a unique spin. You can also layer it in a glass trifle dish (yes, really!) between your favorite beans, cheese, and salsas for a showy buffet centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your rice to cool to room temperature before popping it into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to stir well before reheating so the flavors stay evenly distributed.

Freezing

Freezing Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is a game-changer for meal prep! Portion cooled rice into freezer bags or containers, pressing out extra air. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to three months — just thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy side dish any time.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water and warm the rice in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. The extra liquid helps revive that just-cooked softness. Alternatively, microwave the rice in short bursts, fluffing with a fork in between for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can! Just be aware that brown rice will need a bit more liquid and a longer cooking time. The result will have a heartier texture and nutty flavor, perfect if you love extra chewiness in your rice dishes.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

No worries! You can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist, or simply use water with a bit more salt and seasoning for flavor. Chicken broth just gives the rice that restaurant-style depth, but homemade is always customizable.

Is it necessary to toast the rice first?

Toasting is what really sets this Restaurant Style Mexican Rice apart from the rest. It adds a special flavor and ensures the grains won’t get mushy. That little extra time at the start pays off in taste and texture!

Can I add vegetables to this rice?

Absolutely! Frozen carrots, peas, or corn can be stirred in with the rice before simmering. Keep the pieces small so everything cooks evenly. Extras like these add color and a sweet pop that’s always welcome.

What’s the best way to double this recipe?

You can easily double or halve the recipe, just be sure to use a large enough pan and adjust the simmering time if needed. Stir well and make sure the rice is evenly layered so it cooks through perfectly.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a truly authentic, flavorful side, Restaurant Style Mexican Rice is your new mealtime hero. It’s my absolute go-to for family dinners and gatherings, and I know you’ll love making it just as much as eating it. Give it a try and watch it disappear from the table!

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