Mom'S Mexican Rice
Mom's Mexican Rice is a flavorful, toasted rice dish with tomatoes, onions, and spices, perfect as a side for family dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil on high in a large skillet.
- Add rice and toast it, stirring until golden brown.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper, and continue stirring.
- Add garlic, salt, cumin, black pepper, and oregano, mixing well.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and water.
- Cover the skillet partially and bring to a boil on high heat.
- Cook until all the water is absorbed and rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try using broth instead of water. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can substitute the green pepper with any sweet bell pepper, and if you don't have canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes will work as well—just chop and adjust the cooking time slightly. This rice pairs beautifully with Mom'S Salsa Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mom's Mexican Rice as a side dish with grilled chicken, beef, or fish. It also complements vegetarian meals and can be paired with Quick Chile Salsa for added zest. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside South Of The Border Slaw for a refreshing crunch or as part of a burrito bowl.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out, and heat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the rice for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Mexican Rice contains roughly 457 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 893mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time and more water—typically about 6 cups of water and 40-45 minutes of cooking time. Adjust the seasoning accordingly as well.
How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that your canned tomatoes do not contain any animal products. You can also enhance the flavor by adding extra vegetables or beans for protein.
What can I add to make this rice a complete meal?
To turn this Mexican rice into a complete meal, consider adding black beans, corn, or sautéed veggies like zucchini and mushrooms. You can also top it with avocado or serve it in tortillas for a tasty burrito or taco.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).