This Mexican rice recipe is inspired by Joanna Gaines, the beloved home renovation expert, and lifestyle guru. It’s a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for serving with tacos, burritos, or any other Mexican-inspired dish. This recipe is made with simple ingredients and is sure to become a new family favorite. Try it out, and let us know how it turns out!
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What Is The Difference Between Mexican Style Rice And Spanish Rice?
Mexican-style rice and Spanish rice are both traditional rice dishes but have distinct differences in terms of ingredients, flavors, and preparation methods. Mexican-style rice is made with long-grain white rice, onions, garlic, and spices such as cumin and chili powder; it is typically cooked in chicken broth and often served as a side dish to Mexican-inspired meals.
On the other hand, Spanish rice, also known as “paella rice,” is made with short-grain rice, sautéed onions and garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of Mediterranean spices such as saffron and paprika, it can also include ingredients like chicken, seafood, and vegetables, and it is often served as a main dish.
Why Do You Brown Mexican Rice Before Cooking?
Browning the rice before cooking helps to add depth of flavor and texture to the dish. When the rice is sautéed in oil, it develops a nutty and slightly toasted flavor, and it also helps to seal in the moisture and prevent the rice from becoming soggy.
This step also helps to evenly coat the rice with the oil, spices, and aromatics before adding the liquid, which also helps to cook the rice evenly.
Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice Ingredients
- White long-grain rice: Use long-grain rice for this recipe, as it will stay fluffy and separate after cooking.
- Olive oil: This helps sauté the onion and garlic and also adds a nice flavor to the dish.
- Onion: Dicing the onion small will allow it to cook evenly and also add a nice texture to the rice.
- Garlic: Minced garlic will add a nice flavor to the dish, as it will be cooked with onion.
- Ground cumin: This spice gives a nice smoky and earthy flavor to the dish.
- Chili powder: This spice gives a nice heat and smoky flavor to the dish.
- Chicken broth: This will give the rice a nice chicken flavor and also help it to cook evenly.
- Tomatoes: This will give a nice texture and tomato flavor to the dish.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: This will give a nice freshness to the dish and also balance out the flavors.
How To make Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and salt and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the cilantro. Serve warm.
How Long To Store Leftovers Mexican Rice
Leftover Mexican rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen. When storing the rice in the freezer, it’s best to divide it into smaller portions and place it in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Note: It’s important to note that the freezing process can change the texture of the rice. It may become a bit mushier after thawing, but still safe to eat.
How To Thaw Frozen Mexican Rice
To thaw frozen rice, place it in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours. You can also thaw it quickly by placing the container in a bowl of cold water. Once thawed, reheat the rice as stated above before consuming it.
- Microwave: Place the rice in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Stir the rice occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: Add a little bit of chicken broth or water to the rice and place it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the rice occasionally until heated through. This method can help to keep the rice nice and fluffy.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rice in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
What To Serve With Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs well with many Mexican-inspired side dishes such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, Chile Rellenos, Tamales, soups like Tortilla soup or Pozole, salads, Guacamole and Quesadillas.
The rice can be used as a filling, a topping, or as a side dish. It’s a perfect complement to any Mexican meal, adding a rich and flavorful touch.
Mexican Rice Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Mexican Rice: This version of the recipe is perfect for vegetarians or those looking for a meatless option. To make it, simply omit the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add in some diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for some extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cilantro Lime Mexican Rice: To make this variation, add the juice of 1 lime and an extra 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro to the recipe. This will give the rice a nice tangy and fresh flavor.
- Chipotle Mexican Rice: To make this variation, add 1-2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and an extra teaspoon of chili powder to the recipe. This will give the rice a nice smoky and spicy flavor.
How Do You Make Mexican Rice Less Soggy?
To make Mexican rice less soggy, rinse the rice before cooking, cook it at the right temperature, use the correct ratio of liquid to rice, let it sit for a few minutes, fluff it with a fork, and cook uncovered if needed. These simple steps will help to ensure that your Mexican rice is fluffy and not soggy.
Mexican rice may burn on the bottom when the heat is too high, or the pot is too small. To prevent this, use a pot that is large enough and cook the rice over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid leaving the rice unattended while cooking to prevent burning.
Should Rice Rest Covered Or Uncovered?
Rice should be rest covered for about 5-10 minutes after cooking to ensure it stays warm, moist, and fluffy. Keeping the rice covered prevents it from drying out and losing moisture. It also prevents the rice from absorbing unwanted odors from the air.
Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g
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