Mexican Rice, Mexico’s Ultimate Side Dish

Rice is the cornerstone of the diet of billions of people worldwide. It’s often thought of as a traditional food source in Asia and Africa.

However, rice also has a rich history with unique dishes in central America, especially in countries like Mexico. 

Mexican rice is a side dish, also known as Spanish rice, consisting of white rice, tomatoes, and garlic. Mexican rice is only called Spanish rice in the United States of America, and in other countries, it’s commonly referred to as Mexican rice or red rice. 

Keep reading for an in-depth view of what Mexican rice is.

I’ll explore the history of this popular Mexican side dish, where it comes from, and even give you an easy recipe so you can make it at home yourself.

By the end of this piece, you’ll know all you need to know about Mexican rice. 

What Is Mexican Rice?

Mexican rice is a rice-based dish that includes chili, chicken stock, tomatoes, garlic, and oil. Mexican rice is typically served as a side dish alongside other Mexican food like refried beans or tamales. Mexican rice has a distinct red color and mild spiciness. 

While Mexican rice is often sold as Spanish rice in the US, the two dishes are slightly different.

Spanish rice is brown and uses saffron over chili powder.

However, the two are interchangeable in some places. 

Mexican rice is sometimes eaten as a dish on its own; however, in restaurants and in most cases, Mexican rice is served as a side dish to another Mexican main course. 

What Is the History of Mexican Rice? 

The history of Mexican rice begins in Iran. The dish left Iran over recent centuries and was brought to Mexico by the Spanish in the 1500s when they invaded. The Spanish brought rice with them from Asia to Mexico, where it became and remained popular for hundreds of years. 

A side dish commonly eaten in the middle east, specifically in Iran, called Istanbuli Polo, is remarkably similar to Mexican rice.

This makes sense, given that Mexican rice can trace its roots back to this part of the world. 

Mexican rice does have some history in Mexico. The dish traditionally comes from a specific area of Mexico, called the Veracruz Region.

In recent years, Mexican rice has grown in popularity and is now a known dish around the globe. 

How To Make Easy Mexican Rice

Now that you know what Mexican rice is and where it comes from, you’ll be eager to make it.

Before you can get started on your Mexican rice, you should gather all of the ingredients you’ll need for the meal.

Here are the components required to make Mexican rice at home: 

• Oil
• White rice 
• Tomato sauce 
• Caldo de Tomate or chicken stock 
• Garlic 
• Tomatoes 
• Chili powder 

You can use any type of cooking oil for this recipe.

However, I typically use vegetable oil as it’s cheap and works well.

Once you’ve gathered the ingredients, you can get started on the recipe. 

Follow these simple steps to make an easy Mexican rice dish: 

1. Brown the rice in oil on a medium to high heat.
2. Once the rice has browned, add the rest of the ingredients.
3. Bring to the boil and cover with a lid.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let sit for 20 minutes.
5. Remove from heat after 20 minutes or after all liquid is gone. 
6. Lightly stir with a fork and let it rest.
7. Once the rice has fluffed up, serve.

For best results, make this recipe in a nonstick pan as rice can quickly burn.

You’ll also need a fork or wooden spoon to stir the rice at the end before allowing it to fluff up. 

This recipe is straightforward and straightforward. Just make sure to control and adjust the temperature to prevent it from burning.

Also, ensure that you include enough liquid to allow the rice to fluff up enough.

You can add water to the chicken stock of seasonings to cover the rice. 

Mexican rice is a delicious, healthy, and quick meal that is tasty served alongside beans, Camarones a la Diabla or your favorite Mexican food.

Mexican rice can also be eaten as a small lunch, although this dish is best as a delicious side to another main dish. 

Final Thoughts 

Mexican rice is a popular and tasty side dish made up of long-grain white rice, tomatoes, chili, garlic, and some other ingredients.

This dish first arrived in Mexico in the 1500s. Spanish invaders brought it from the middle east to Mexico, where it thrived. 

Mexican rice is easy to make at home yourself.

All you need to do is brown rice in your preferred cooking oil, add the rest of the ingredients, cover, and simmer on low heat.

Then once you’ve let it rest and the liquid is gone, it’s ready eat. 

Serve it alongside your favorite Mexican seafood or meat dish.

Now, what’s for dessert? How about one of these 23 Must-Try Traditional Mexican Desserts.

Sources 

• The Spruce Eats: History of Spanish (Mexican) Rice 
• LiveStrong: Is Spanish Rice Good for You?

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