Spicy Mexican Rice
Spicy Mexican rice is a flavorful side dish with tender grains infused with tomato, green pepper, and savory seasonings, perfect for adding zest to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a skillet with vegetable cooking spray.
- Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and heat over medium.
- Add rice and chopped onions; sauté about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add chopped tomato, chopped green pepper, garlic powder, beef flavor bouillon cube, and water; bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat; simmer for 25 minutes, or until rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. If you don't have a beef bouillon cube, vegetable or chicken bouillon can be substituted. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bouillon. This dish can also be enhanced with spices like cumin or chili powder for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy Mexican rice as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or tacos. It pairs beautifully with Mexicali Vegetable-Beef Soup or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for an added burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until heated through. This rice also freezes well; just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Mexican Rice contains roughly 389 calories, with 11g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 note that it will require a longer cooking time and more water. Typically, brown rice needs about 40-50 minutes to cook, so adjust your simmering time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish in a rice cooker?
Absolutely! Simply combine all ingredients in the rice cooker, following the manufacturer's instructions for water-to-rice ratios. Cook until the rice is tender, and enjoy a hands-off cooking experience.
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).