3 Ingredient Mexican Rice | An Easy Side Dish
3 Ingredient Mexican Rice uses three simple pantry staples to create a delicious side dish perfect for any Mexican dinner night or Taco Tuesday.
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Do you cook tacos every Tuesday? While we don’t have tacos every Tuesday, it’s well-known in our house that Tuesday is Mexican food night. One of our favorite Mexican recipes is always on the menu, and we enjoy it immensely!
This easy Mexican rice recipe is a go-to and a perfect side dish for our Mexican food nights. This fluffy rice, cooked in savory chicken broth with rich tomato bouillon, complements several recipes perfectly and is a family favorite.
Sometimes, the best meals come from the simplest ingredients already stocked in your pantry. When you’re in the mood for a quick, satisfying side dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, this 3-Ingredient Mexican Rice is the answer. With just three basic ingredients—long-grain rice, chicken broth, and tomato bouillon—you can create a fluffy, flavorful rice that pairs perfectly with any Mexican-inspired meal.
Simple and Flavorful 3 Ingredient Mexican Rice
You won’t believe how easy it is to make this fluffy, flavorful Mexican rice with just three ingredients. By cooking the rice in chicken broth and adding tomato bouillon, you get a rich, savory dish that’s perfect every time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato bouillon
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Measure out your rice, chicken broth, and tomato bouillon.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the rice and the tomato bouillon. Make sure the bouillon is fully dissolved and evenly distributed.
- Simmer and Fluff: Once everything is well mixed, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid while it cooks to ensure the rice turns out perfectly fluffy.
- Serve and Enjoy: After the rice has finished cooking, remove the lid and fluff it with a fork. Serve it as a side dish with your favorite Mexican meals, such as tacos, burritos, or grilled cilantro lime chicken.
An Easy Variation on the Recipe:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup of canned tomato sauce
- 1 cup water or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon or 2 small cubes
Tips for Perfect Mexican Rice
- Rinse the Rice: For extra fluffy rice, rinse the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Low and Slow: Make sure to cook the rice on low heat to prevent it from burning and to ensure even cooking.
- Resting Time: Let the rice sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow any remaining liquid to absorb fully.
Pairing Suggestions
This simple yet delicious Mexican rice pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Cilantro Lime Chicken: The tangy flavors of cilantro and lime complement the savory notes of the rice perfectly.
- Refried beans: with a little cheese melted on top – a classic pairing
- Tacos: Use this rice as a filling or serve it on the side with your favorite taco ingredients.
- Burrito Bowls: Layer it in a bowl with black beans, corn, salsa, and grilled veggies for a quick and healthy meal.
- Chicken Enchiladas or Beef Enchiladas: Enchilada sauce is great on top of this rice.
- Carne Asada: You can often buy this already marinated at the grocery store for a super fast and easy meal.
Topping Suggestions
- A little chopped, fresh cilantro
- Finely diced green onions
- Lime wedges to squeeze on top
- Stir in a few canned green chilies for a little extra spice.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole
- Sprinkle with a little garlic powder for some extra flavor.
This 3-Ingredient Mexican Rice is a staple in my kitchen. It’s simple, quick, and always hits the spot. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight dinner or planning a festive taco night, this rice dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
Printable Recipe Card
3-Ingredient Mexican Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato bouillon
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Stir in the rice and tomato bouillon, ensuring the bouillon is fully dissolved.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.