Mexican Rice Reduced Sodium Recipe

Transform your dinner table with this vibrant and flavorful Mexican Rice Reduced Sodium Recipe—a healthier spin on a beloved classic. Crafted with aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and perfectly toasted long-grain white rice, this dish achieves bold flavor without relying on excess salt. A savory blend of low-sodium chicken broth, unsalted tomato sauce, and warming spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder infuses every grain with rich, authentic taste. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-make side dish comes together with minimal effort and is perfect for pairing with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. For a colorful finishing touch, garnish with peas or diced carrots. Ideal for any family meal, it’s a delicious and heart-conscious way to enjoy classic Mexican rice.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1.75 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.5 cup unsalted tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)
• 0.25 cup frozen peas or diced carrots (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside to drain.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and toast for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the rice develops a light golden color.

Step 5

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and unsalted tomato sauce, stirring to combine.

Step 6

Add the cumin, paprika, and chili powder to the mixture, stirring well to evenly distribute the spices. If desired, add salt to taste at this time.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid.

Step 8

Let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid removing the lid or stirring during this time to ensure even cooking.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 10

Fluff the rice with a fork and, if desired, fold in frozen peas or diced carrots for added color and texture.

Step 11

Serve hot as a side dish or base for your favorite Mexican dishes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(919.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	672.7

Total Fat 30.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2373.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 85.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.4g	0%
Total Sugars 13.7g
Protein 15.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 101.2mg	0%
Iron 6.9mg	0%
Potassium 840.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.7%

Protein: 8.9%

Carbs: 50.4%