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Fluffy Mexican rice with separate tomato-coated long-grain rice and cilantro.

Easy Mexican Rice with Fluffy, Separate Grains

Stovetop long-grain white rice toasted in oil, then simmered with tomato sauce, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, cumin, and oregano until tender and fluffy.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 235

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil canola or avocado
  • ½ cup white onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup plain tomato sauce unseasoned
  • 2¾ cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ½ teaspoon fine table salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped (optional)
  • 1 lime for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • 3 to 4-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan with tight lid
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Fork (for fluffing)

Method
 

  1. Rinse the rice under cool water for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring gently, until the water looks much less cloudy. Drain in a fine-mesh sieve for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Heat the oil in a heavy 3 to 4-quart saucepan over medium heat for 30 to 45 seconds. Add the drained rice and toast for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the grains look dry, opaque in places, and pale golden with a nutty smell.
  3. Stir in the onion for 2 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce, salt, cumin, oregano, and pepper. Stir for 30 seconds until the tomato coats the rice, then pour in the broth and stir once, scraping up any toasted bits. Bring to a steady simmer over medium-high heat, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Reduce to the lowest heat that holds a gentle simmer, cover tightly, and cook for 18 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring.
  6. Remove from heat and rest, still covered, for 10 minutes. Uncover, let steam escape for 30 seconds, then fluff from the edges inward with a fork. Add cilantro and a squeeze of lime if using.

Notes

  • Storage: Refrigerate in a shallow airtight container for 3 to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with 1 tablespoon water per cup until it reaches 165°F.
  • Make-ahead: Cook up to 1 day ahead. Keep cilantro and lime separate until serving.
  • Liquid rule: Count the tomato sauce as part of the total cooking liquid — do not add extra broth to compensate, or the rice will turn mushy.