Instant Mexican Rice

Transform your mealtime with this quick and flavorful Instant Mexican Rice recipe, a one-pot wonder that’s ready in just 20 minutes! Featuring tender, golden-brown long-grain white rice simmered in a rich mixture of tomato sauce and broth, this dish is infused with aromatic sautéed onions, garlic, and a vibrant blend of cumin and paprika. Perfect as a side dish for your favorite Mexican-inspired meals or as a satisfying stand-alone dish, this easy recipe is customizable for both vegan and non-vegan preferences. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this Instant Mexican Rice is the perfect balance of speed, simplicity, and bold flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegan version)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 2 lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat with the oil. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes golden and aromatic.

Step 5

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and tomato sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 12-15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time.

Step 8

After 12-15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Keep the lid on and let the rice sit for 5 minutes to finish cooking.

Step 9

Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1089.4 grams (1089.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	692

Total Fat 34.50g	44%
Saturated Fat 5.30g	27%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3223mg	140%
Total Carbohydrate 82.00g	30%
Dietary Fiber 6.30g	23%
Total Sugars 10.90g
Protein 12.80g	26%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 118mg	9%
Iron 6mg	32%
Potassium 456mg	10%

*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: 45.0%

Protein: 7.4%

Carbs: 47.6%