Rice is a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine, found in numerous dishes that offer both comfort and flavor. It is often paired with vegetables, beans, and proteins to create balanced meals that are satisfying and nutritious. In this article, we will explore seven popular Mexican food recipes with rice, showcasing the versatility and richness of Mexican cooking. These recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to add a little spice and zest to their meals while incorporating the nutritious benefits of rice.
7 Delicious Mexican Food Recipes with Rice
1. Mexican Rice
Mexican rice, or “Arroz Rojo,” is a beloved dish often served as a side with various main courses. The combination of rice, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices creates a savory, flavorful dish that perfectly complements Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the chopped tomato and cook until it begins to break down, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the chicken broth, peas, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Mexican rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be served as a side or as a base for a variety of main courses. Its combination of spices and vegetables makes it a delicious addition to any meal.
2. Arroz con Pollo (Rice with Chicken)
Arroz con Pollo is a classic Mexican comfort food that features chicken cooked with rice, tomatoes, and various spices. This one-pot dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the chopped tomato and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until it breaks down.
Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast it slightly.
Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth, saffron (if using), frozen peas, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
Arroz con Pollo is a complete meal in itself, combining the flavors of savory chicken with the richness of the rice. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
3. Mexican Stuffed Peppers with Rice
Mexican stuffed peppers are a delicious way to enjoy rice combined with seasoned ground meat, beans, and vegetables. These peppers are filled with a savory mixture and baked until tender, making them a flavorful and healthy meal option.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked Mexican rice (from recipe #1)
- 1/2 lb ground beef or chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground meat with the onions, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the black beans, tomatoes, and cooked rice. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Stuff the bell peppers with the rice and meat mixture, pressing down gently to pack them in.
Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
If desired, sprinkle cheese on top of the peppers and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
These Mexican stuffed peppers offer a delicious combination of rice, protein, and vegetables. They are perfect for a healthy, well-rounded meal that’s both flavorful and filling.
4. Arroz con Mariscos (Rice with Seafood)
Arroz con Mariscos is a seafood lover’s dream, combining rice with shrimp, clams, and other shellfish in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This dish is rich in flavor, making it a perfect option for special occasions or when you’re craving something unique.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, clams, mussels, or any combination)
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 4 cups seafood broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes until they start to break down.
Stir in the rice, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
Add the white wine and seafood broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Add the seafood to the pan, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Arroz con Mariscos is a flavorful and luxurious dish that pairs the delicate taste of seafood with the savory richness of the rice. It’s perfect for a special dinner or for anyone who loves the flavors of the ocean.
5. Mexican Rice and Bean Burritos
Burritos are a classic Mexican dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. These Mexican rice and bean burritos feature seasoned rice and beans wrapped in a warm tortilla, making them a satisfying and quick meal. Add your favorite toppings like cheese, salsa, or avocado for extra flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked Mexican rice (from recipe #1)
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans or black beans
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Salsa or hot sauce, for serving
- Sliced avocado, for serving
Instructions:
Heat the refried beans in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
To assemble, spread a spoonful of beans and a scoop of rice on each tortilla.
Top with shredded cheese, salsa, or any additional toppings of your choice.
Roll up the tortillas, folding in the edges to seal the burrito.
Serve with additional salsa and sliced avocado.
These rice and bean burritos are a simple and satisfying meal that can be customized with various toppings and fillings. They are perfect for lunch or dinner and are both flavorful and filling.
6. Mexican Chicken and Rice Soup
This Mexican chicken and rice soup is a comforting and light option for a cozy meal. The combination of chicken, rice, vegetables, and spices creates a flavorful and nourishing soup that is perfect for cooler days.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked Mexican rice (from recipe #1)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the chicken breasts and cook until fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the cooked rice and shredded chicken. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to combine the flavors.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
This chicken and rice soup is a warm and hearty dish that combines the flavors of chicken and vegetables with the richness of rice. It’s perfect for a cozy meal and is light enough for those looking for something nourishing yet satisfying.
7. Arroz con Leche (Mexican Rice Pudding)
Arroz con Leche is a traditional Mexican dessert made with rice, milk, and sugar. This creamy, comforting treat is flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, making it a beloved dessert that’s both rich and indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, combine the rice and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Add the milk, sugar, and cinnamon stick to the rice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
Remove the cinnamon stick and stir in the vanilla extract.
Serve the rice pudding warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Arroz con Leche is a deliciously sweet dessert that highlights the creamy texture of rice combined with the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. It’s a comforting way to end any meal.
Conclusion
Mexican cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes that incorporate rice, showcasing its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of flavors. From savory rice dishes like Arroz con Pollo and Mexican rice to comforting soups and sweet desserts like Arroz con Leche, rice plays a central role in creating satisfying and flavorful meals. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or entertaining guests, these seven Mexican food recipes with rice are sure to delight and bring the bold and vibrant flavors of Mexico to your table.
Related topics: