Mexican Rice

By: Manjula Jain

Serving : 4 people
Total Time :17 minutes

Rate this recipe:

5 from 2 votes

Mexican Rice

When I first came to the United States, one of the first cuisines I was introduced to was Mexican. I really enjoyed it then just as much as I enjoy it now. My first experience with Mexican cuisine was a little mom and pop restaurant that really made an extra effort and catered to our vegetarian preference. I decided to try out a recipe for a Mexican rice which is typically served as a side dish with Mexican meals. I especially enjoy this rice with refried beans. Enjoy!

Mexican Rice

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long grain rice you can use any long grain rice
  • 3 Tbsp oil
  • 1 14 oz can tomatoes chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels I am using frozen corn
  • 1 cup green bell pepper cut in small pieces
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds ground, jeera
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp jalapeno pepper finely chopped
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped hara dhania
  • 2 Tbsp lime juice I prefer lime juice but lemon juice will work

Instructions

  • Wash the rice and drain the water and pat dry.
  • In a frying pan heat the oil over medium high heat, when oil is moderately hot add the rice and stir fry for about 4-5 minutes till rice is lightly toasted.
  • Add vegetables, corn bell pepper and jalapeno pepper sauté, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes.
  • Add cumin powder, salt and tomato sauté, stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes. Until most of the moisture from tomatoes has evaporated.
  • Add water stir and bring it to boil, lower the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until all the water has evaporated. Uncover the pan let it sit for about 2-3 minutes without stirring.
  • Add cilantro and lime juice and fluff the rice gently. Rice is ready to serve.

Mexican Rice

When I first came to the United States, one of the first cuisines I was introduced to was Mexican. I really enjoyed it then just as much as I enjoy it now. My first experience with Mexican cuisine was a little mom and pop restaurant that really made an extra effort and catered to our vegetarian preference. I decided to try out a recipe for a Mexican rice which is typically served as a side dish with Mexican meals. I especially enjoy this rice with refried beans. Enjoy!

  • 1 cup long grain rice (you can use any long grain rice)
  • 3 Tbsp oil
  • 1 14 oz can tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (I am using frozen corn)
  • 1 cup green bell pepper (cut in small pieces)
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds (ground, jeera)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp jalapeno pepper (finely chopped)
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped (hara dhania)
  • 2 Tbsp lime juice (I prefer lime juice but lemon juice will work)
  1. Wash the rice and drain the water and pat dry.
  2. In a frying pan heat the oil over medium high heat, when oil is moderately hot add the rice and stir fry for about [timer minutes=5]4-5 minutes[/timer] till rice is lightly toasted.

  3. Add vegetables, corn bell pepper and jalapeno pepper sauté, stirring frequently for about [timer minutes=2]2 minutes[/timer].

  4. Add cumin powder, salt and tomato sauté, stirring frequently for about [timer minutes=4]3-4 minutes[/timer]. Until most of the moisture from tomatoes has evaporated.

  5. Add water stir and bring it to boil, lower the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it cook for about [timer minutes=10]10 minutes[/timer], or until all the water has evaporated. Uncover the pan let it sit for about [timer minutes=3]2-3 minutes[/timer] without stirring.

  6. Add cilantro and lime juice and fluff the rice gently. Rice is ready to serve.
Main Course
Mexican

Delicious Vegetarian Mexican Rice Recipe: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish 

Mexican rice is a delectable dish that combines the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with the aromatic spices of Indian cooking. This fusion is a gluten free, kid friendly, quick & easy, vegan choice of culinary influences resulting in a unique and savory recipe of veg Mexican rice that caters to vegetarian preferences. Commonly known as vegetarian Mexican rice recipe or Mexican rice vegetarian, this dish is a delightful medley of fluffy rice grains, assorted vegetables, and a tantalizing blend of Mexican spices.  When preparing this recipe for vegetarian Mexican rice, cooks infuse the dish with a harmonious combination of flavors, creating a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or as a flavorful accompaniment to other Mexican-inspired delicacies, this vegetable Mexican rice recipe is sure to tantalize taste buds and delight diners with its rich and aromatic profile.

Preparing the Rice: Washing and Toasting 

To initiate the process of crafting this recipe of veg Mexican rice, carefully wash the rice, ensuring thorough rinsing to remove any impurities. Drain the water completely and then gently pat the rice dry to eliminate excess moisture. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches a moderate temperature. Once the oil is adequately heated, introduce the rice to the pan and stir-fry it for approximately 4-5 minutes until it achieves a light toasty texture.

Adding Vegetables: Sautéing with Flavor

For this enticing vegetarian Mexican rice recipe, introduce an array of vibrant vegetables into the pan. Incorporate sweet corn, crisp bell peppers, and spicy jalapeno peppers to infuse the dish with an explosion of flavors. Saute the medley of vegetables, ensuring frequent stirring, for about 2 minutes until they soften and release their aromatic essence.

Seasoning and Cooking: Infusing Mexican Flavors 

Elevate the essence of this Mexican rice vegetarian delight by introducing a blend of quintessential Mexican spices and ingredients. Sprinkle cumin powder, salt, and diced tomatoes into the pan, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors. Allow the ingredients to sauté together, ensuring regular stirring, for approximately 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes release their moisture, contributing to a rich and flavorful base.

Simmering and Steaming: Cooking the Rice 

Transition into the next phase of cooking by incorporating water into the pan, ensuring thorough mixing to integrate all the ingredients seamlessly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan, allowing the rice to simmer and absorb the flavorful essence of the ingredients for approximately 10 minutes or until all the water has evaporated. Once cooked, leave the pan uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to rest and further develop its texture without disturbing its delicate balance.

Final Touches: Adding Freshness

Conclude the culinary journey by adding the finishing touches to this tantalizing recipe for vegetarian Mexican rice. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the rice, infusing it with a burst of refreshing aroma and vibrant color. Squeeze a hint of lime juice, enhancing the dish with a subtle tangy zest. Gently fluff the rice to distribute the flavors evenly, ensuring each bite is a delightful fusion of Mexican-inspired taste and wholesome goodness. Your masterpiece of vegetable Mexican rice is now prepared to be savored and enjoyed, brimming with vibrancy and culinary excellence. Bon appétit! If you loved our vegetarian mexican rice recipe then you must also check out other variants of Rice: Vegetable Biryani, Masala Khichdi, Chhole Biryani, Quinoa Vegetable Pilaf and Lemon Rice.

Comments

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    Usha
    April 6, 2020 at 8:41 am

    Hi Manjula ji, thanks for sharing this recipe. My sons loves mexican rice!
    But i don’t have canned tomatoes, can I use regular tomatoes instead?
    If yes, how much quantity should I use? and can i use it as is or it needs different prep method? Thanks

      Manjula Jain
      April 7, 2020 at 9:46 am

      Usha, yes you can use tomatoes how many it depends on size of tomatoes I think 3-4 will work

    Sonali Sarkar
    September 20, 2019 at 8:55 am

    5 stars
    hi.
    Awesome receipe.can i use brown rice instead of long grain rice.

      Manjula Jain
      September 21, 2019 at 9:29 pm

      Yes, you have to cook much longer

    Ruchi
    May 27, 2018 at 10:20 am

    5 stars
    Good recipe I always try ur best ideas thanks for sharing

    Amrita
    June 24, 2017 at 7:33 am

    Hello ma’am ,can i use seasonal tomato instead of can tomato in mexican rice

    Ranjana
    October 20, 2016 at 4:44 pm

    Manual ji your recipes remains always superior. ..love to cook with your recipes. Love you too

      Manjula Jain
      October 22, 2016 at 9:47 pm

      Ranjana, Thank you, always good to hear that

    Rajyashree.p
    September 28, 2016 at 7:23 am

    Your method of any given recipe presentation is fantabulous.Thank you Ma’am for we employed wife’s are greatly benefitted with your easy tips &Techniques. Thankyou Manjula ji sooooo much.

      Manjula Jain
      October 1, 2016 at 12:11 am

      Rajyashree.p, thank you

    Bina
    September 14, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    Hi Aunty,
    As always your recipes are delicious and yummy. I always get compliments because of you. Thank you for showing and teaching how simple it is to cook any type of cuisine. Can you share your recipe of refried beans. It will be helpful as my don’t enjoy can refried beans. Thank you.

      Manjula Jain
      September 20, 2016 at 10:16 pm

      Bina first thank you, I will be doing soon

    Ritu
    August 30, 2016 at 6:25 pm

    Hi aunty…. your recipes are always so easy to cook and they come out so tasty and it was the same with the Mexican rice too…. simply yummy….my family loved it. Can you please post some Indian Chinese recipes too as my daughter loves to eat Chinese food.

      Manjula Jain
      August 30, 2016 at 11:30 pm

      Ritu, Thank you, I will try

    Paul
    August 26, 2016 at 1:47 pm

    An excellent and delicious recipe that was really straightforward to cook. Thank you so much.

    Dr.Alka Singh
    August 6, 2016 at 7:28 am

    It’s awesome recipe..easy to cook for newly cook like me..thanks for you tastey and easy recipe

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