Recipe for Mexican Rice Using Minute Rice Made Easy

If you’re craving the bold flavors of authentic Mexican rice but need a quick and easy solution, this recipe using Minute Rice is your new best friend. Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, and more.

Traditionally, it requires a bit of simmering and attention to detail, but with Minute Rice, you can have a delicious, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned Mexican rice on your table in under 20 minutes.

This recipe combines the convenience of Minute Rice with fresh, zesty ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and spices to create a dish that’s both simple and satisfying. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or just looking to add a tasty twist to your meals, this Mexican rice recipe is a must-try.

Plus, it’s customizable and easy to scale for family dinners or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Minute Rice Mexican rice recipe is perfect for those who love authentic flavors but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s incredibly quick without sacrificing taste, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.

Convenience: Minute Rice cooks in just a few minutes, so you can whip up this dish fast.

Flavorful: The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and traditional Mexican spices creates a vibrant and savory base.

Versatile: It pairs well with a wide variety of Mexican dishes and can be easily adapted with veggies or protein.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Minute Rice (white or brown)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or canned tomato puree)
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn for added texture and color

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for rinsing rice if desired)

Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
2. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add spices and tomato sauce: Mix in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to coat the onions and garlic. Pour in the tomato sauce and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the spices to bloom.
4. Add broth and rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the Minute Rice and optional frozen peas or corn if using.
5. Cook the rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the rice simmer for 5 minutes (or according to Minute Rice package instructions). Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure proper cooking.
6. Fluff and garnish: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 2 minutes. Then, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
7. Serve warm: Transfer the rice to a serving dish or serve directly from the pan alongside your favorite Mexican main dishes.

Tips & Variations

For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a small chipotle pepper in adobo sauce during the tomato sauce step.

• Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, corn, or peas for extra nutrition and color.
• Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or queso fresco on top before serving.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
• Bulk it up: Mix in cooked black beans or grilled chicken to turn this side into a full meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Mexican rice is a perfect companion to a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside:

• Tacos al pastor or chicken tacos for a complete Mexican feast.
• Grilled fajitas with peppers and onions.
• Enchiladas verdes or red sauce enchiladas.
• Black bean and corn salsa for a refreshing side.
• Grilled steak or shrimp with a squeeze of lime.

For more delicious Mexican-inspired sides, check out our recipes for Refried Beans, Pico de Gallo, and Guacamole.

Conclusion

This recipe for Mexican rice using Minute Rice is a game-changer for anyone who loves vibrant, flavorful meals but is short on time. The ease and speed of Minute Rice combined with fresh ingredients and traditional Mexican spices create a side dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a quick weeknight side, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the add-ins and spices to make it your own. With just a handful of pantry staples and under 20 minutes, you can enjoy the rich, comforting taste of Mexican rice anytime.

Give it a try and see how this simple recipe becomes a regular in your meal rotation!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Mexican Rice using Minute Rice”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and easy Mexican rice recipe using Minute Rice for a flavorful side dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a complement to your favorite Mexican meals.”, “prepTime”: “PT5M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT20M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup Minute Rice”, “1 tablespoon vegetable oil”, “1/2 cup diced onion”, “1/2 cup diced green bell pepper”, “1 garlic clove, minced”, “1 cup tomato sauce”, “1 1/2 cups chicken broth”, “1 teaspoon chili powder”, “1/2 teaspoon cumin”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)”, “1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; saut\u00e9 until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then stir in Minute Rice and frozen peas if using.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and remove from heat; let sit for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fluff rice with a fork and stir in cilantro before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “4g”, “fatContent”: “4g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “32g”}}