How to Make Mexican Rice Recipe for all your Tex-Mex meals! (2024)

FAQs

Why does Mexican restaurant rice taste better? ›

Why does Mexican restaurant rice taste better? The method used to make Mexican rice involves lightly frying the uncooked rice in oil which helps it absorb more flavor from the seasoning and cook to a perfect consistency. In addition, a traditional blend of spices and diced vegetables and potatoes create unique flavor.

Why brown rice? Well, it's got more flavour and twice the manganese, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B3, B1 and B6 of white rice. We use a local medium grain rice, rinse it several times to eliminate loose starches so that it is light and fluffy and then cook in a blend of vegetarian seasonings.

One of the main differences between these two rice dishes is that Mexican rice is fluffier and tends not to stick together. Whilst Spanish Rice is known for that rich yellow color, Mexican Rice is best known for its reddish orange hue that it gets from being cooked with cumin.

Often referred to as Spanish rice or “arroz rojo,” this classic dish features long-grain rice simmered in a tomato-infused broth, seasoned with onions, garlic, cumin, and chili powder — lending it that iconic reddish-orange color.

Use Fresh Herbs and Chicken Stock

Next, add chicken stock instead of salted water and let the rice boil on high heat for two minutes. Then, lower the heat and allow the rice to steam. “The rice will smell so fragrant from the thyme and garlic, with the thyme enhancing the flavor to another level,” he says.

Mushy or soggy rice is simply overcooked rice that has absorbed too much water. Water over-absorption causes the rice grains to split open, ruining the texture and creating a starchy, gummy result.

This is Texas Rice. A bed of rice with grilled chicken, steak, and shrimp also bell peppers, oni - Picture of Habaneros Mexican Grill, Thomson - Tripadvisor.

Mexican rice's vibrant color comes from tomato puree, either homemade or store-bought. It should not be confused with tomato paste, another common condiment used to flavor and color food. Tomato puree is made from tomatoes that are lightly cooked, then—as its name suggests—pureed into a smooth and silky liquid.

Did you ever wonder why Mexican rice is a red-orange color? Cumin is the answer. It provides that nutty and spicy taste and is the famous culprit for the red-orange color. Cumin is always an ingredient in this rice.

Why is my Mexican rice crunchy? ›

Maybe you took the lid off of the pot too early, letting the steam escape. Maybe you didn't add enough liquid to begin with. Whatever the case, if your rice is looking dried out, or the texture is still hard or crunchy when all the liquid has been absorbed, add up to ½ cup water and return to a simmer with the lid on.

Use Mahatma® Rice Extra Long Grain White Rice.

Trust me, the kind of rice you use matters. The extra long grain rice contains less starch and cooks to a dryer, fluffier texture. Jasmine rice is a little too starchy, and basmati rice has an aroma that is not authentic to Mexican rice.

How to Make Mexican Brown Rice. First, we'll lightly toast the brown rice in oil for extra flavor and separation. Then, we'll bring the rice to a boil with rich, tomato-y broth (you can use ripe tomatoes or canned). Then, we'll bake it in the oven for perfectly fluffy Mexican rice with amazing flavor.

Horchata (pronounced or-CHAH-tah) is a popular Mexican drink that is often described as a sweet rice milk beverage. Horchata is made out of rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon and is served in many Mexican restaurants.

Mexican rice is much healthier and more nutritious than regular rice. It is rich in fiber, nutrients, and protein. Like other fruits and vegetables high in fiber, Mexican rice is a good source of dietary fiber.

In fact, the use of classic Chinese sauces is exactly what makes takeout fried rice so incredibly moreish. Key amongst these is soy sauce. By adding soy sauce during cooking chefs are adding both salt and umami to the fried rice which, unsurprisingly, greatly improves the dish's overall flavor.

Rice comes into play because it absorbs moisture even faster than salt. You're familiar with the lifesaver of putting your water-damaged phone in a bag of uncooked rice? It's the same concept. By adding just a few grains of rice to your salt shaker, restaurants can guarantee that your salt will pour with ease.

Mexican food is so appealing because it is a mash-up of several cultures. Its unique combination of spices, flavours, and brilliant colours makes for a stunning appearance. Many classic Mexican foods retain their pre-Hispanic roots, making them distinctive.