How to make Mexican Brown Rice

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What is Mexican Brown Rice

This Mexican Brown Rice, often referred to as Red Rice, is prepared with brown rice, making it a nutritious and flavorful side dish. It pairs wonderfully with tacos or can be served alongside your favorite protein for a delicious meal!

If you’re a fan of Mexican flavors but looking for a healthier alternative to traditional rice dishes, Mexican Brown Rice is the ideal recipe! It’s loaded with vibrant spices, fresh veggies, and wholesome whole grains, making it a nutritious and tasty side dish or main course. Unlike regular white rice, brown rice provides more fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, helping you feel full and satisfied. Whether served alongside tacos, grilled chicken, or enjoyed by itself, this simple Mexican brown rice recipe is sure to become a new favorite!

Ingredients

This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes about 40 minutes from start to finish.

Core Ingredients

• Brown Rice: 1 cup (long-grain for best texture)
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: 2 ¼ cups
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) or 2 fresh tomatoes, finely chopped
• Bell Peppers: 1 cup, diced (red, green, or yellow)

Seasonings & Spices

• Cumin Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
• Oregano: ½ teaspoon
• Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon (for freshness)
• Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins

• Black Beans: ½ cup (for extra protein)
• Corn Kernels: ½ cup (fresh or frozen)
• Jalapeño: 1 small, minced (for extra heat)

Preparation Steps to Making Mexican Brown Rice

Step 1: Rinse and Cook the Brown Rice

Rinse 1 cup of brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a pot, bring 2 ¼ cups of broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings & Tomato Base

Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 4: Combine with Brown Rice & Simmer

Add the cooked brown rice to the skillet and mix well. Stir in black beans, corn, and jalapeño (if using). Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the rice simmer for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Turn off the heat, squeeze in fresh lime juice, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve warm with your favorite Mexican dishes!

Tips for the Best Mexican Brown Rice

✔ Use Long-Grain Brown Rice – It stays fluffy and separate, unlike short-grain rice, which can be sticky.
✔ Toast the Rice Before Cooking – This enhances the nutty flavor and prevents mushy rice.
✔ Don’t Skip the Lime Juice – A squeeze of citrus at the end brightens the flavors!
✔ Make It Spicy – Add cayenne pepper or extra jalapeño for a fiery kick.
✔ Use a Rice Cooker or Instant Pot – For a hands-free cooking experience, you can cook this dish in a rice cooker or Instant Pot!

This dish is fiber-rich, heart-healthy, and a great source of plant-based protein when paired with beans.

My Thoughts:

Mexican Brown Rice is a nutritious and delicious dish that’s simple to prepare. It complements tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or can even stand alone as a satisfying meal. Bursting with vibrant Mexican flavors and filled with vegetables, it’s ideal for meal prep. Once you try it, you’ll forget about plain rice!

FAQs

1. Can I Use White Rice Instead?

Yes, but reduce the broth to 2 cups and the cooking time to 18-20 minutes.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop.

3. What Other Vegetables Can I Add?

Zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or peas work great in this dish!

4. Can I Make This Dish in a Rice Cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a rice cooker and cook as usual.

5. What Pairs Well with Mexican Brown Rice?

Try it with grilled chicken, fajitas, black bean soup, avocado salad, or roasted vegetables.

Also Try: Veg Fried Rice