What is Mexican rice?

Mexican rice, also known as arroz rojo, is a staple side or main dish in Mexican cuisine. It is characterised by its reddish hue from tomatoes or tomato paste, and a bunch of warm spices like paprika and cumin. It is simmered with a mix of garlic, onions, and spices, offering a savoury, slightly tangy flavour profile.

What to serve with Mexican rice?

Serve your Mexican rice with classic sauces and dips such as salsa and guacamole. You can also add a dollop of sour creme for freshness and top with fresh avocado, more beans, freshly made Pico de Gallo, or fresh herbs like coriander. It can easily be served as a full meal, but if you want to use it as a side, it also pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas.

How to make Mexican rice spicy?

Elevate the heat by adding diced jalapeños, extra cayenne pepper, chilli powder, or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. The extra kick complements the savoury flavours and fits perfectly with the guacamole and sour cream on the side. Do add extra spice gradually to avoid the rice becoming too spicy.

What to do with leftover Mexican rice?

Transform leftover Mexican rice into a new meal by using it as a filling for burritos with cheese and salsa, enchiladas full of cheese, or stuffed peppers mixed with ground meat, chicken strips, or more vegetables. You can also mix it into a rice salad, stirring in fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. Or serve it as a base for a delicious rice bowl topped with grilled chicken, avocado slices, and a drizzle of fresh lime juice.

What is the difference between Mexican rice and Spanish rice?

In terms of traditional and authentic cuisine, Mexican rice and Spanish rice represent two distinct culinary traditions. Mexican rice is a specific dish from Mexico with tomato, onion, garlic, and spices. The ingredients impart a characteristic orange or red colour to the rice. Traditional Spanish rice dishes, such as paella, are different and include a variety of ingredients like seafood, meat, and saffron, which gives it a distinct yellow colour.

Mexican Rice

30 mins cooking time

Strap on your apron and embark on a culinary journey to traditional Mexican cuisine. Our authentic Mexican rice recipe presents a world of spices, vibrant colours, and deep flavours. Served with a myriad of toppings and sides from traditional Pico de Gallo to creamy guacamole, you will want to make this time and time again. Savour the many flavours and cook up this dish for an easy weeknight dinner or to impress guests at the weekend.

Mexican Rice

30 mins cooking time

Ingredients

4 portions

Rice

450 g basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes

2 tbsp Lurpak® Spreadable Unsalted

1 onion, diced

1 tsp garlic, minced

175 g red peppers, diced

1 fresh corn cob, corn cut off

425 g canned black beans

2 tbsp tomato paste

50 g spring onions, chopped

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp cayenne pepper (or more if you like it spicy)

salt and freshly ground pepper

700 ml boiling water (or until it reaches 1 cm above the rice)

20 g fresh coriander, chopped

1 tbsp Lurpak® Spreadable Slightly Salted

Garnish

fresh coriander leaves

spring onions, sliced

Topping

avocados, sliced

Pico de Gallo

To serve

sour cream

guacamole

salsa

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Method

Melt butter and sauté onion and garlic in a pot. Add peppers and cook for 2 minutes.

Add rice and mix well. Add spring onion, corn, and beans. Mix well and add spices.

Season with salt and pepper and add water until it reaches 1 cm above the rice.

Give the rice and vegetable mixture a good stir with a fork after adding the water. This mixes all the ingredients well, ensuring it cooks evenly.

Bring to a boil, cover, and lower the heat to the lowest temperature. Cook for 15 minutes.

Add coriander and butter to the rice. Cover the pot for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork.

Cut the butter into cubes before adding it to the rice. This will make it melt easier and more evenly, assuring you only have to fluff the rice lightly to get the butter incorporated.

Place the rice on a serving platter and garnish with fresh coriander and spring onions.

Add avocado and Pico de Gallo and serve with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

Everything about Mexican Rice

Keep reading if you want to dive further into this delicious recipe. We answer some frequently asked questions about Mexican rice and hope it leaves you ready to cook.

Mexican rice, also known as arroz rojo, is a staple side or main dish in Mexican cuisine. It is characterised by its reddish hue from tomatoes or tomato paste, and a bunch of warm spices like paprika and cumin. It is simmered with a mix of garlic, onions, and spices, offering a savoury, slightly tangy flavour profile.
Serve your Mexican rice with classic sauces and dips such as salsa and guacamole. You can also add a dollop of sour creme for freshness and top with fresh avocado, more beans, freshly made Pico de Gallo, or fresh herbs like coriander. It can easily be served as a full meal, but if you want to use it as a side, it also pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas.
Elevate the heat by adding diced jalapeños, extra cayenne pepper, chilli powder, or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. The extra kick complements the savoury flavours and fits perfectly with the guacamole and sour cream on the side. Do add extra spice gradually to avoid the rice becoming too spicy.
Transform leftover Mexican rice into a new meal by using it as a filling for burritos with cheese and salsa, enchiladas full of cheese, or stuffed peppers mixed with ground meat, chicken strips, or more vegetables. You can also mix it into a rice salad, stirring in fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. Or serve it as a base for a delicious rice bowl topped with grilled chicken, avocado slices, and a drizzle of fresh lime juice.
In terms of traditional and authentic cuisine, Mexican rice and Spanish rice represent two distinct culinary traditions. Mexican rice is a specific dish from Mexico with tomato, onion, garlic, and spices. The ingredients impart a characteristic orange or red colour to the rice. Traditional Spanish rice dishes, such as paella, are different and include a variety of ingredients like seafood, meat, and saffron, which gives it a distinct yellow colour.

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Colourful and flavourful ingredients

Mexican cuisine is all about spices and vibrant colours and this rice dish has just that. Take your dinner from simple to glorious with bright red colours from peppers, tomato paste, Pico de Gallo, and salsa and bursting green colours from spring onion, fresh coriander, and avocado. Using butter to fluff the rice after it is done cooking will ensure it has a glossy finish. A broad selection of seasoning, such as cumin, paprika, and garlic, creates an authentic flavour experience full of interesting notes and aromas. For other delicious rice dishes, try our poke bowl with salmon, lamb quzi from Middle Eastern cuisine, or classic chicken mandi, a delicious rice dish originating from Yemen.

Greatness comes with the right seasoning

In this recipe, cook up garlic, coriander, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to release all those delicious flavours and aromas. Garlic adds a pungent depth, while coriander offers a hint of citrusy notes. Cumin brings a warm, earthy note, complemented by the smoky sweetness of paprika. Cayenne pepper introduces a fiery kick, elevating the dish with a spicy undertone and bringing some spice to the black beans and vegetables. Savour the delightful aroma of the seasoning, as they cook and simmer, imbuing the rice with a rich, complex flavour.

Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa

Elevate your meal with a selection of sides. Whip up a flavourful salsa and creamy guacamole, and serve with cool, tangy sour cream. You can also get all the sides from the store. Whether homemade or bought, the right the sides will take this dish to the next level. Make a sweet, mild, or spicy salsa to give either a mellow balance to the Mexican rice or a spicy zing that will get the heat rising and the flavours kicking. The guacamole adds a soft, creamy mouthfeel and a slightly sweet and mild flavour that is delightfully balanced by the tangy and refreshing sour creme.

Only you, cook, can make it a personal favourite

Mexican rice is the perfect canvas for different vegetables and spices. Try adding fresh or frozen peas or shredded or cubed carrots, adding even more hues to the already colourful plate. When it comes to seasoning and spices, make it even spicier with chilli powder or jalapeño pepper. To balance the spiciness and give it a tangy and refreshing zing, add a splash of fresh lime juice with the cooling sour cream. This can quickly become your go-to meal for using up whatever vegetables you have left in the fridge. If you make sure not to skimp on the spices and toppings from traditional Mexican cuisine, you can use whatever you have at hand and still get an authentic meal. As for the rice, we opted for basmati, but you can use the type of rice you like best, as long as it is long-grain, for example, wild rice, jasmine rice, and long-grain white rice. When cooked, long-grain rice remains separate and fluffy, avoiding the sticky or mushy texture that is often the case with shorter grains.

COOK, BAKE AND SPREAD WITH

Lurpak® Spreadable Unsalted

Toast, baguette, sourdough, crackers - get ready! Lurpak® Spreadable Unsalted is always on hand to turn your simple sandwiches into something glorious. Spread your passion for Good Food with our Lurpak® Unsalted that spreads straight from the fridge. The distinctive, creamy, delicate, and fresh taste of Lurpak®, but spreadable!

Find out more

COOK, BAKE AND SPREAD WITH

Lurpak® Spreadable Slightly Salted

Toast, baguette, sourdough, crackers - get ready! Lurpak® Spreadable Slightly Salted is always on hand to turn your simple sandwiches into something glorious. Spread your passion for Good Food with our Lurpak® Spreadable Slightly Salted that spreads straight from the fridge. The distinctive, creamy, delicate, and fresh taste of Lurpak®, but spreadable!

Find out more