Mexican Rice Recipe Veg: Easy, Flavorful, and Healthy

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful side dish that’s both wholesome and satisfying, look no further than this Mexican rice recipe — vegetarian style! Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a staple in many Mexican households and restaurants.

Traditionally cooked with tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices, this dish is a fantastic way to brighten up any meal with its warm, enticing colors and rich flavors. Our vegetarian version keeps it entirely plant-based while packing in fresh vegetables and bold seasoning to make each bite memorable.

Whether you’re pairing it with tacos, enchiladas, or enjoying it as a standalone meal, this Mexican rice recipe is a must-have for your culinary repertoire. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

Plus, it’s a wonderful introduction to Mexican cuisine for those seeking to explore global flavors with a veggie-forward twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Mexican rice is a delicious balance of tender, fluffy rice and savory vegetables infused with smoky, slightly spicy notes. It’s:

• Easy to make: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile: Use it as a side dish or a main course by adding beans, tofu, or avocado.
• Nutritious: Loaded with fiber-rich rice and fresh vegetables that boost your daily nutrient intake.
• Customizable: Adjust the heat and veggies to your preference for a personal touch.
• Kid-friendly: Mild flavors can be tweaked to suit younger palates while still being tasty for adults.

For more flavorful and healthy vegetable ideas, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium tomato, finely diced or ½ cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• ½ cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for mild heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional, for serving)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Toast the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until the rice turns slightly golden. This step adds a nutty flavor and improves texture.
5. Add tomatoes and spices: Mix in the diced tomato or tomato sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the rice with the spices and tomato.
6. Pour in vegetable broth: Carefully add the vegetable broth to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
7. Simmer the rice: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
8. Add vegetables: After 15 minutes, gently fold in the peas, carrots, and corn. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and liquid absorbed.
9. Fluff and garnish: Remove from heat and let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

“For best results, do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking — this keeps the steam trapped and ensures fluffy rice every time.”

• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Use brown rice: Swap white rice for brown rice for added fiber; increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes and add a bit more broth.
• Vegetable mix: Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost vegetable content.
• Protein boost: Stir in black beans, chickpeas, or crumbled tofu after cooking for a heartier dish.
• Cooking method: This recipe adapts well to a rice cooker or Instant Pot for convenience.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian Mexican rice pairs beautifully with a multitude of dishes. Serve it alongside:

• Grilled or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
• Black bean or lentil tacos for a protein-packed dinner.
• Stuffed bell peppers or zucchini boats for a colorful presentation.
• Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to drizzle over Mexican rice casseroles.
• Accompany with fresh guacamole, salsa, and warm corn tortillas for a full Mexican feast.

Conclusion

This vegetarian Mexican rice recipe is a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico right into your kitchen. Its blend of aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice makes it a versatile addition to any meal, whether as a side or a main.

Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s a favorite for both novice and seasoned cooks alike.

Don’t forget to explore more vegetable-packed recipes like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet finish or our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for effortless meal prep.

Enjoy the rich, comforting taste of this Mexican rice and happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Mexican Rice Recipe Veg”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and colorful vegetarian Mexican rice dish made with fresh vegetables and spices. Perfect as a side or main dish for any meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup long grain white rice”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)”, “1 cup vegetable broth”, “1/2 cup frozen peas”, “1/2 cup diced carrots”, “1/4 cup chopped cilantro”, “1 teaspoon ground cumin”, “1/2 teaspoon chili powder”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add peas and carrots, cover, and cook for another 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fluff rice with a fork and stir in chopped cilantro before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “38 g”}}