Flavorful Mexican Rice in a Rice Cooker
This delightful Mexican rice recipe brings the authentic flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant right into your kitchen. With its vibrant colors and rich taste, this dish is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Using your rice cooker, you can whip up a perfect batch of fluffy rice infused with a blend of spices, tomato, and savory chicken broth without the need for constant stirring or monitoring. Ideal as a side dish for tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, this recipe also has the potential to be adapted for stovetop cooking if you prefer. Enjoy the hassle-free cooking experience and impress your family and friends with this delicious, homemade Mexican rice!
N/A
Servings
53
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
long grain rice
1 (rinsed and drained)
low sodium chicken broth
2 1/4 (cups)
tomato paste
0.5 (6 ounce) can (none)
butter
2 (tablespoons)
onion
1/2 (diced small)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
diced green chilies
0.5 (4 ounce) can (none)
pepper
1 (dash)
red pepper flakes
1 (dash)
cilantro or parsley
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
2
Add the rinsed rice, low sodium chicken broth, tomato paste, butter, diced onion, minced garlic, diced green chilies, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the rice cooker.
3
Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4
Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to the cook function according to the manufacturer's instructions.
5
Once the rice cooker indicates that cooking is complete, let the rice sit uncovered for about 3 minutes to allow it to thicken.
6
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, mixing it well, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
8g
Carbs
1g
Protein
0.3g
Fiber
67mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this rice recipe?
The recipe is called Flavorful Mexican Rice in a Rice Cooker.
What is the best appliance to use for this recipe?
This recipe is specifically designed to be prepared in a rice cooker for ease and consistent results.
Why must the rice be rinsed before cooking?
Rinsing the rice under cold water until it runs clear removes excess starch and helps prevent the grains from becoming too sticky.
What type of rice should I use for this dish?
Long grain rice is recommended for this Mexican rice recipe to achieve a fluffy texture.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of chicken broth.
Is it recommended to use low sodium broth?
Yes, using low sodium chicken broth is recommended to help control the overall saltiness of the dish.
How much tomato paste is needed for this recipe?
You should use half of a 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
What does adding butter do for the Mexican rice?
Butter adds a rich, savory flavor and helps the rice grains stay separate and fluffy after cooking.
How much onion is used and how should it be prepared?
The recipe uses 1/2 of an onion, which should be diced into small pieces.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe requires one minced garlic clove for optimal flavor.
Are green chilies used in this recipe?
Yes, half of a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies is added to the mixture.
What provides the spice level in this rice?
The spice comes from the combination of diced green chilies and red pepper flakes.
When do I stir the ingredients in the rice cooker?
Stir gently to combine all ingredients after adding them to the cooker, but before you start the cooking cycle.
Do I need to monitor the rice while it is cooking?
No, the rice cooker handles the cooking process automatically without the need for constant stirring or monitoring.
How long should the rice sit after the cooker indicates it is finished?
Let the rice sit uncovered for approximately 3 minutes once the cooking cycle ends.
Why should the rice sit uncovered for three minutes?
Sitting for three minutes allows the rice to thicken and finish its steaming process for the best consistency.
How should I fluff the rice before serving?
Gently fluff the rice using a fork to mix it well and maintain its light texture.
What can I use as a garnish for the finished dish?
Garnish the rice with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving to add a fresh finish.
What main dishes pair well with this Mexican rice?
It is an ideal side dish for tacos, enchiladas, or various grilled meats.
Can this recipe be adapted for the stovetop?
Yes, the recipe description notes that it has the potential to be adapted for stovetop cooking if preferred.
What is the calorie content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 53 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this rice?
There are 2 grams of fat in each serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this dish provide any protein?
Yes, this side dish provides 1 gram of protein per serving.
What is the fiber content in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 0.3 grams of fiber.
How much sodium is in this rice dish?
The sodium content is 67mg per serving.
How many total ingredients are listed for this recipe?
There are 10 specific ingredients required for this flavorful Mexican rice.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
It is tagged as vegetarian, but you should substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it strictly vegetarian.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners to follow?
Yes, it is described as a hassle-free, easy recipe that simplifies authentic flavors.
Does this rice recipe provide authentic restaurant-style flavors?
The recipe is designed to bring the vibrant colors and authentic tastes of a Mexican restaurant to your kitchen.