Mexican rice (Arroz Mexicano)

Arroz Mexicano (Mexican rice) is a staple side dish that's ready in under 30 minutes. Fluffy, incredibly tasty, and the perfect compliment to your Mexican dishes.

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Arroz Mexicano (or Mexican Rice) served in a decorative blue plate and topped with a cilantro leaf.

Arroz Mexicano Rojo (or Mexican rice) is one of the tastiest and most popular side dishes.

There are many variations and can even vary from family to family. This is the way my mom’s family makes it. We are from the State of Durango, Mexico.

You might also hear it referred to as “Spanish Rice” or “Red Rice.” Others call it simply “Arroz Mexicano.”

Super yummy and goes great with just about any Mexican recipe. It is usually served with frijoles de la olla or frijoles refritos.

🍚 Ingredients

Let’s talk about swap out options.

We are making tomato sauce from scratch. OR, use ½ can of tomato sauce (or 4 oz tomato sauce) and an additional ½ cup more of water.
Only use whole cumin. You can’t use ground cumin, or it will change the color of the rice.
Instead of water, use vegetable stock or chicken broth.

Long grain white rice in a blue bowl surrounded by other ingredients.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

Which rice is best for Spanish rice?

Long grain white rice is best. It’s not as sticky and turns out fluffy.

Can you make Spanish rice with brown rice instead?

Yes. You can use brown rice instead, but you will need to add ⅓ c more water. Also let it simmer a few extra minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed.

What is the difference between Mexican rice and Spanish rice?

They are basically the same thing. Mexican restaurants use either term. However, rice in Spain gets its color and flavor from saffron, while Mexican rice gets its color from the tomato and cumin.

Which toppings ingredients can you add to the rice?

Just about anything you like. Cilantro. Green Onions. Queso fresco. I had a cousin who used to add banana slices to his rice. To each their own. If you like it spicy, cook with a jalapeno chile.

👩🏼‍🍳 Instructions

A collage showing how to make homemade tomato sauce.

Add the tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken bouillon, and 1 cup water in a blender.
Blend until smooth.

Homemade tomato sauce gives the rice an orange-y color and mild tomato flavor. Not deep red.

To Get REALLY Red Rice: Simply add 1 tablespoon tomato bouillon to give it a redder look and more intense tomato flavor. This is optional and up to you. Or add a spoonful of tomato paste but thin it out with the water before adding.
To Use Chicken Broth: Omit the water and bouillon, and add 1 cup chicken broth (or chicken stock). Do not add salt. Some chicken broths can be very salty. Once the rice is ready, taste for salt. Add salt then if it needs it.

A collage showing how to toast rice in a stock pot.

Heat oil over medium-high heat.
Add rice.
Toast well, stirring constantly.
Add onion 1 minute before rice is ready.

Toasting rice or pasta is very common in Mexican cuisine. It’s also done when making Arroz Blanco, or Mexican White Rice.

⚠️ Be Careful!

Don’t go anywhere. Stir and stir some more. The rice burns easily. Double check the heat level to be at medium. Look for a golden brown color in the rice. Then, proceed to the next step.

A collage showing how to cook Mexican rice.

Lower heat to medium.
Add garlic, cumin, bouillon, tomato sauce, and water.
Stir to combine.

Another great addition is to veggies like diced carrots, peas, or corn.

For fresh veggies: Add them at this point in the cooking.
For frozen veggies: Add them at the very end when the rice is resting.

Cover the pot.
Cook for 12 minutes on medium.

After 12 minutes, turn OFF the stove. Rest is best! Let it rest COVERED for 5 minutes.

Make it a complete meal by adding shrimp as in Arroz con Camarones.

Mexican rice cooking in a stock pot with tomato sauce on top.

🤔 Is It Ready?

Take the lid off. You’ll see that the tomato sauce will have come to the top and the rice should be fully cooked.
Rice not ready? If it’s ALMOST ready but not quite, add a splash of water. Then cover again for an EXTRA 5 minutes.
Don’t add more than 2 tbsps water, or the rice will be mushy.

Using a cooking spoon or fork, gently stir the rice to mix with the tomato sauce that came up to the top.

Serve immediately. Store in an airtight container.

🔥 How to Reheat

Place the rice in a microwavable plate and cover with a wet paper towel.
Microwave for 1 ½ to 2 minutes on high, depending on the amount being reheating.