Quick Mexican Rice Recipe (Only 10 Minutes)

Last Updated on November 23, 2021 by Anne-Marie

You won't believe that this quick Mexican rice recipe takes only 10 minutes. An authentic Mexican rice recipe for burritos or tacos that uses instant rice.

Mexican rice in a ceramic bowl with a wooden spoon on a cloth napkin with sprigs of cilantro.

Why this recipe works

Do you want to make an quick Mexican rice just like restaurants serve?

All you need to make this easy 10-minute Mexican rice recipe is Minute Rice (or instant rice) and some fresh cilantro.

The rest of the ingredients are probably in your pantry or spice rack!

A bowl of quick Mexican rice with cilantro and wooden serving spoon.

How to make easy 10-minute Mexican rice

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add garlic powder, cumin, salt, and cilantro to the pot. (Cilantro is optional.)

Stirring constantly, cook until spices become aromatic (meaning you can smell them). This takes 1 minute.

3. Add tomato sauce and broth. Then turn up the heat to medium-high and bring it to boil.

4. Add instant rice. Bring everything back to a rolling boil.

5. Cover the pot and turn off the heat.

6. Let the pot stand for 5 minutes or until the tomato and chicken broth is absorbed by the rice.

Pro tip: If the rice seems too wet, place the pot back on the stove. Then cook it over medium heat, stirring constantly until perfect.

What is authentic Mexican rice?

What you may call authentic Mexican rice is also called Spanish rice or arroz rojo (literally red rice).

Even though it’s sometimes called Spanish rice, it’s not Spanish in origin.

Some restaurants like to put peas and onions in their Mexican rice. You can certainly add peas and onions to this dish, if you wish.

Can you make this vegetarian?

Make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by using a vegetable broth instead of chicken stock or broth.

Is this gluten free?

This rice dish is also a naturally gluten-free vegetable or chicken stock or broth you’re using is gluten free. Just check the label.

Can you use long grain white rice?

If you don’t have instant rice, you can try to make this with long grain white rice.

Adjust cooking times per the instructions on the package.

Use the same amount of spices and tomato sauce when you make it. Then adjust the amount of broth.

Let us know in the comments how it turns out.

Overhead view a bowl of Mexican rice with sprigs of cilantro.

More ways to use easy Mexican rice

Serve this as a side dish with with carne asada, Ahi Tuna Tacos, or Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe Without BBQS Sauce for tacos.

Make any dish better by adding Mexican rice:

● in burritos with refried beans, pulled chicken, or strips of carne asada, add it right in the burrito.

● in bowls with taco meat (seasoned with homemade taco seasoning), rotisserie chicken, or pulled pork use it instead of long grain rice.

● in a soup with chicken and vegetables like shredded lettuce and cabbage, add it right in the bowl.

● in a one pot Mexican-flavored stir fry with leftover rotisserie chicken and frozen pepper strips, use instead of white rice.

● in a Mexican rice casserole recipe.

● serve as a side with Chicken and Shrimp Fajitas.

● with crockpot tacos for Taco Night! I love putting Mexican rice right in the tacos, not just on the side.

Perfect for potlucks:

I also like doubling or tripling this recipe to bring to potlucks.

I cook up a big batch then place the homemade Mexican rice in my crock-pot to keep warm.

Don't forget to use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup!

More cooking tips

Can you use brown rice?

You can use instant brown rice when you make this recipe, too.

The cooking times may change (consult the directions on the box). Also, the taste and color will be different, but still delicious.

Cilantro? No bueno!

If you’re serving this quick and easy Mexican rice recipe for guests, you may want to ask if everyone likes cilantro. So many people don’t!

It’s OK if you leave cilantro out this recipe if you or your guests don’t like it. Add 1/2 teaspoon onion powder instead if you want extra flavor.

Turn up the heat

Love spicy food? Don’t forget to serve your favorite Mexican hot sauce with the rice. My son loves adding hot sauce to his!

Some of my readers have added salsa to this dish when they made this, too.

More Mexican recipes you'll adore:

If you love making Mexican food at home, try these dishes:

Quick Horchata is made with rice milk

Pumpkin Smoothie for Dia de los Muertos – Day of Dead

Layered Mexican Christmas Eve Salad can be made in a trifle bowl during the holidays

Easy Breakfast Chilaquiles are made in a skillet for easy cleanup

Chopped & Layered Taco Salad is one of my kids’ favorite recipes

What Mexican recipes do you love preparing at home?

Yield: 8 SERVINGS

Quick Mexican Rice Recipe

Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

You won't believe that this quick Mexican rice recipe takes only 10 minutes. An authentic Mexican rice recipe for burritos or tacos that uses instant rice.

Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups uncooked instant white rice

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic powder, cumin, salt, and cilantro. Stir constantly, cook until spices become aromatic – about 1 minute.
  2. Add tomato sauce and broth. Turn up the heat to medium-high and bring to boil.
  3. Add instant rice. Bring back to boil. Cover Mexican rice and turn off the heat. Let stand 5 minutes or until tomato and chicken broth is absorbed. If the rice seems wet, place it back on the stove and cook Mexican rice over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1/2 cup

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 167Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 518mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 10g

Nutritional information is automatically calculated per the ingredients list. Serving size may not be accurate. Please double-check with your preferred nutritional app for the most accurate information.

Originally published December 16, 2014. Updated with new pictures and information.

99 thoughts on “Quick Mexican Rice Recipe (Only 10 Minutes)

  1. Monique Richey

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    My mother taught me to make her Mexican rice just like this recipe. There was only 1 variation. When you add the tomato sauce, she would also take 1 small can of whole tomatoes and drain the juice and cut the tomatoes up in very small pieces. Gives it a little more texture but taste exactly the same. This is my favorite recipe of all!

    Reply
    1. Jacalyn

      Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
      This recipe turned out perfectly!~ I didn’t have cumin so I used paprika. Also used vegetable broth. We loved it in our burritos and look forward to having it for lunch tomorrow with some veggies.

      Reply
  2. Lisa Muench

    This recipe was quick and easy!! And oh so delicious!! I had some over-ripe tomatoes so I crushed them with my Ninja- no waste! Measured out just like your recipe & my rice was perfect!! Thank you soooo much! I will be making this again & looking at your other recipes!!

    Reply
  3. Cherilyn Klomp

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    Wow! This quick Mexican rice recipe was delicious, easy and so quick to make. It was a hit with my family and I’ll definitely make it again!

    Reply
  4. Natalie Cooper

    I am half Mexican. I learned how to make Mexican rice the old way…with x-long grain white rice. Browning the rice then adding the spices and tomato sauce and water. Boiling first then simmer until rice is done. Whew! It took forever to make. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your instant rice recipe! My family loves it, too

    Reply
    1. Monique

      Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
      My 3 year old granddaughter’s Absolute Favorite Spanish Rice! Thank You for Sharing. I Appreciate You.

      Reply
  5. J.C. Vaughan

    Followed recipe exactly and it came out super wet. Tried stirring constantly over medium heat and it turned into a ball of sticky mess. Flavor was good, though.

    Reply
    1. Anne-Marie Nichols Post author

      Sorry, it didn’t come out. All I can think is that you didn’t add enough rice, added too much broth or tomato sauce, or didn’t bring the instant rice up to boil initially. Stirring it constantly while heating it probably didn’t help.

      Reply
  6. Bethany

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    I searched and found this recipe last year when I wanted to make Mexican rice but had run out of regular white rice.
    It is a hit! I follow the recipe exactly except for the cooking time for the rice at the end. After I bring to a boil and put the lid on, I cook for 5 more minutes on a simmer. I stir and replace the lid and simmer 5 more minutes. That makes the rice a little softer and for us it’s perfect! Thank you so much!

    Reply
  7. Joanna Conley

    I’m surprised this recipe has such great reviews. I actually measured everything, but I had to add extra water (a few times, 1/4c at a time) and cook it longer because my rice was still crunchy. It was inconvenient because everything else for my meal was already done. The flavors were pretty good, a little bland. When the rice was sufficiently soft enough, I tasted i and added Adobe seasoning, extra cilantro and chili powder, then I served it w lime and sour cream.

    Reply
    1. Anne-Marie Nichols Post author

      Since you had to add so much extra water, I’m guessing you used regular rice and not instant rice. This is probably why you didn’t have good results and the Quick Mexican Rice Recipe turned out bland. (Washed out with all that extra water!) I just made it this weekend and it was super flavorful.

      Reply
  8. Virginia chacon

    Please do not stir the rice around when it’s cooked it turns out to sticky leave it alone once it’s cooked.

    Reply
    1. Anne-Marie Nichols Post author

      If the Easy Mexican Rice is too wet after cooking, you can place it back on the stove and cook it over medium heat, stirring constantly. If you don’t stir it, the bottom of the rice will burn.

      Reply
  9. M

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    Thank you for this recipe! I have tried many Mexican rice recipes that never seem to come out the way I expected! This recipe did NOT disappoint anyone! I sautéed a diced onion and added a can of diced green chiles in with the spices in the first step. Followed the rest of the recipe as written , it was so delicious! Thank you again!

    Reply
    1. Robin

      Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
      This is DEEEELICIOUS! Texture, flavor, ALL of it. Followed recipe exactly, except used 3 tsp reduced sodium taco seasoning mix instead of spooning out cumin, etc. Will be making this again & again! Couldn’t be more easy!

      Reply
  10. Susan

    I just made this tonight for my Celiac son and my son….it was a huge hit!! Been trying different mexican/spanish rice recipes, and I don’t have to look anymore! Thank you sooo much for sharing this recipe….it’ll be my go to now when I make a mexican dinner!

    Reply
  11. colette

    Sorry to be an idiot but when you say ‘tomato sauce’ does that mean tomato ketchup or the kind of fresh tomato sauce you might have with pasta? I’m in the UK so we might use the term differently! Thanks so much 🙂

    Reply
      1. Anne-Marie Nichols Post author

        You can add cooked beans to the Quice Mexican Rice after it’s done. (Preheat the beans in the microwave so they’re already warm.) I wouldn’t use tomato soup instead of tomato sauce. It won’t taste the same.

        Reply
  12. Natalie

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    This recipe worked great! My only substitute was I immersion blended 1 cup of Costco’s salsa in place of tomato sauce and skipped all the spices. It was perfect, my picky 3 year old grandson, had 3 servings. Thanks for the great recipe!

    Reply
  13. Jill

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    Terrific rice! I left out the cilantro and used vegetable broth and no one noticed. My go to Mexican rice from now on! YAY!

    Reply
  14. Steve-O

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    Was looking for a quick and easy Mexican rice recipe. Found this one and made it last night. Turned out great! This will be my go-to from now on.

    Reply
  15. Ashley

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    Wow!!!!! Ok I have tried literally every recipe and was never fully happy with the results. This one is perfect! It’s so tasty. I don’t like changing recipes but I am a vegetarian so I subbed veggie broth. I’m so happy eating this right now 🙂 thank you so so so much! My hunt for perfect, easy mexican rice is finally over. I was just about losing hope lol

    Reply
  16. Joy M. Mosley

    Instructions on rice box calls for equal amounts of broth and rice. Tomato sauce is extra cup of liquid. What do you suggest.

    Reply
  17. MARION ANDERSON

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    Just made this tonight. Didn’t have a box, so I needed an easy quick Mexican Rice. It turned out perfect. taste was good, not gourmet like, but good enough in a pinch. Next time I’ll try it with Salsa instead of tomato sauce.

    Reply
  18. Christine @ myblissfulmess

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    This side dish is crazy easy, and so delicious! Perfect side dish to go with your favorite Mexican main dish. I served it along side Salsa Fresca Chicken, a recipe I got from easyfamilyrecipes.com. This was the perfect side dish for it! My family and I loved this rice. Thank you so much!

    Reply
  19. Sheree Harris

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    I quintupled the recipe and used instant brown rice instead. When I first added the rice, I could tell it was going to be too wet so I added a little more in. I did have to turn it back on after the 5 minutes of letting it sit. It’s still quite moist (little saucy) but I figured I’d let it absorb overnight. I will be reheating tomorrow before serving. I’m hoping it will be perfect by tomorrow and not turn mushy. Thank you for such a simple recipe and one where brown rice could be substituted.

    Reply
    1. Sheree Harris

      Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
      Just a follow up. The rice turned out perfectly. I had cooked it in an electric roaster so that may be why I had a variation in cooking. Have cooked since via stovetop and with white instant rice and it has also been perfect. We feed the homeless, and this recipe is simple and a favorite with them.

      Reply
  20. Shauna Guymon

    Very good - 4 starsVery good - 4 starsVery good - 4 starsVery good - 4 starsVery good - 4 stars
    I sauted the rice, some diced onion in the oil (I used butter) for about 5 minutes. Then added the spices and cooked another minute or two. Then I poured the liquid in, brought it to a boil, turned it down and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

    Reply
  21. Crystal @ MommyisaWino.com

    I needed a good Mexican Rice recipe as a side for a few dishes I’m making this month. I cannot wait to try it.

    Reply
  22. Joan Clark

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    Just made this as side for tacos and it’s very good! Lessen salt by half..used parsley as one of those weirdos who thinks cilantro tastes like dish soap!! Added corn, peppers and fresh squeesed lime juice cuz had one on hand!! However fast and very good!! Thanks for recipe!!!!

    Reply
  23. Darlene

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    This was very good. I used 1 cup of regular rice and toasted it in the oil first. I also added about 2 Tbl spoons of enchilada sauce, since made enchiladas as well My husband loved it.

    Reply
  24. Becky

    Very good - 4 starsVery good - 4 starsVery good - 4 starsVery good - 4 starsVery good - 4 stars
    Good and fast! However, I used 1/2 of the salt and it was still a little salty for my taste. I’ll eliminate it next time and it will be perfect! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  25. Karen

    I went woth 10minute brown rice, I substituted chives for cilantro (used about a tablspoon) and instead of chicken broth I did 1/2 of the amount of water the rice boc called for and did the other 1/2 with tomato sauce. It was excellent with a bit of cracked seasalt.

    Reply
  26. Derek Visser

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    Thank you very much! I didn’t have tomato sauce so I used Pace salsa and it turned out fantastic. I don’t normally think about rice being fantastic, but this recipe is. Thanks!

    Reply
  27. Jenn

    Can you use uncooked rice instead of instant rice? I’m assuming the cook time would go up by a lot, but is that a problem?

    Reply
  28. Julia

    Very good - 4 starsVery good - 4 starsVery good - 4 starsVery good - 4 starsVery good - 4 stars
    Good recipe, except the amount of salt was too much for my family’so taste. I will use less next time. It may be due to the fact that I used bullion cubes for the broth.

    Reply
  29. Sunny in California

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    This is really good and tasty! I love restaurant red rice and have tried so many recipes over the years but never seem to get the right taste. The flavor & consistency are close enough that this is the recipe I intend to use from now on. I have a glass top stove so turning off the burner and leaving the pot on doesn’t work for me. I did have to add about 5 more minutes to the time and I added a 1/2 cup frozen yellow corn for color since I didn’t have cilantro on hand (but I definately will next time!)

    Reply
  30. Kim Tracy Prince

    Excellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 starsExcellent - 5 stars
    I made this last night – thank you for the recipe! My kids eat barely anything but they love Mexican rice so I decided to try making it myself. It was a big hit!

    Reply

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