Restaurant Style Mexican Rice Recipe

I absolutely love how this Restaurant Style Mexican Rice Recipe turns out—every bite is full of vibrant flavors and that perfect fluffy texture you usually get only at your favorite Mexican restaurant. It’s the type of dish that feels both comforting and special, making it a fantastic side or even a base for a main meal.

When I first tried mastering this recipe, I used to struggle getting that authentic taste and texture. But once I nailed down the method, it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. Whether you’re making tacos, enchiladas, or just craving something savory and colorful, this recipe is worth trying because it really delivers that restaurant-quality rice you’ll find everyone asking for seconds on.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Restaurant Style Mexican Rice Recipe come together to create a rich, hearty base with a lovely depth of taste. Using things like Yukon Gold potatoes and fresh carrot adds a subtle sweetness and texture that really sets it apart.

• Vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base for toasting the rice and sautéing the veggies without overpowering the flavors.
• Long grain white rice: The go-to choice for fluffy, separate grains without clumping.
• Diced onion: Adds savory sweetness and aroma when cooked with the rice.
• Carrot: Gives a subtle natural sweetness and a bit of color.
• Yukon Gold potato: This ingredient might surprise you, but it adds a nice texture and heartiness that I love.
• Minced garlic: A little punch of flavor that ties everything together.
• Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix: Essential for that authentic Mexican flavor; you can use store-bought if you prefer.
• Salt: Enhances all the ingredients and balances the tomato sauce and broth.
• Tomato sauce: Gives that classic reddish color and tangy base—key to restaurant-style rice.
• Low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth: Adds depth and moisture while cooking the rice.
• Cilantro (optional): Fresh garnish bringing brightness and color to the finished dish.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe pretty classic, but feel free to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Mexican rice is surprisingly flexible once you get the base technique down!

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll still get that rich flavor without meat products.
• Add Heat: Feeling spicy? Add chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne when sautéing the veggies for a fiery kick.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or peas during the cooking process to bulk it up with color and nutrition.
• Use Brown Rice: If you prefer a healthier option, use brown rice but increase the simmer time and liquid slightly to get it tender.

How to Make Restaurant Style Mexican Rice Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Rice to Golden Perfection

Heat your vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a wide skillet or sauté pan. Add the long grain white rice and stir occasionally for about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch closely as the grains turn a light golden brown—that toasting step is what gives the rice its signature nutty flavor and prevents it from being mushy. This little bit of patience here makes all the difference.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics and Veggies

Now reduce the heat to medium and add your diced onions, Yukon Gold potatoes, carrots, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the homemade taco seasoning mix and half a teaspoon of salt. Stir everything frequently for about 2 minutes, letting the veggies soften slightly while the seasoning blends in. This part builds the flavor layers we all love in restaurant-style rice.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Broth

Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring it into the rice and veggies, and let it cook for a minute or two so that the rice absorbs some of that rich color and flavor. Then, slowly add the chicken broth while stirring to combine everything evenly. This slow incorporation is key so your rice doesn’t clump together and cooks evenly.

Step 4: Simmer and Let It Rest

Turn the heat back up to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Right then, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer undisturbed for 25 minutes. Resist the urge to peek too soon because this quiet simmer cooks the rice perfectly. After the time’s up, take it off the heat but keep it covered for another 5 minutes to steam and finish cooking gently. Fluff it with a fork before serving—this step ensures every grain separates beautifully.

How to Serve Restaurant Style Mexican Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh cilantro over the top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and that fresh, bright punch that contrasts nicely with the rich rice. You can also add a squeeze of lime or a few diced green onions if you want to jazz it up even more.

Side Dishes

This rice is a dream side for dishes like carne asada, grilled chicken, shrimp tacos, or even vegetarian fajitas. It also pairs beautifully with refried beans and a fresh salad to round out a full Mexican-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner, I like to mold the rice using a small bowl or ramekin, then invert it on the plate for a neat little dome. Top with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream for dinner party wow-factor. It also works well as a layered ingredient in burrito bowls or stuffed peppers for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The potatoes and carrots hold up nicely, and the rice maintains its flavor well. Just be sure it cools down before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this rice successfully by letting it cool completely, then packing it into freezer bags or containers. It keeps well for about 2 months. When you thaw it, some texture might soften a bit, but reheating it with a splash of broth restores moisture nicely.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm the rice in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon or two of water or broth. Cover while heating to steam it back up evenly and avoid drying out. Fluff before serving to restore that fluffy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Restaurant Style Mexican Rice Recipe has become one of my go-to sides whenever I want to impress with minimal fuss. It’s incredibly forgiving but delivers that authentic flavor and texture that I didn’t expect I could pull off at home so easily. If you try it, I know you’ll love how it elevates your Mexican meals, and you might find yourself making it more often than you planned—just like I do!

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