Nif's Basic Quick Mexican Rice

Transform your homemade meals with 'Nif's Basic Quick Mexican Rice,' a simple yet flavorful side dish that comes together in just 25 minutes! This easy Mexican rice recipe pairs fluffy long-grain white rice with a savory blend of tomato sauce, chicken broth, and aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder. Lightly toasted rice adds a subtle nutty flavor, while optional mix-ins like sweet peas and fresh cilantro provide a pop of color and freshness. Perfect alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled chicken, this one-pot dish is a go-to for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Bursting with classic Mexican-inspired flavors, it's a crowd-pleaser that proves simple ingredients can deliver big taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the uncooked rice to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly golden.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, and stir to combine.

Step 5

Add the ground cumin, chili powder, and salt, mixing well.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 7

After 15 minutes, check the rice. If the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice is tender, it’s done. If not, let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, adding a small splash of water if needed.

Step 8

If using frozen peas, add them to the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking and stir gently to combine.

Step 9

Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite Mexican meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(926.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	669.2

Total Fat 31.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2373.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 80.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.9g	0%
Total Sugars 10.2g
Protein 16.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 98.0mg	0%
Iron 5.3mg	0%
Potassium 585.4mg	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: 41.7%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 48.2%