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    Recipes » Side Dish » Mexican Sides

    Rice Cooker Mexican Rice

    Published: Apr 29, 2022 by Marissa Stevens · 8 Comments

    Gluten Free

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    Mexican Rice made in a rice cooker served in a white serving bowl

    Making restaurant worthy, authentic Mexican Rice in your rice cooker is as simple as adding the ingredients and switching it on. With this easy recipe, you’ll have a deeply flavorful version of the cherished side dish ready to serve in about an hour (with just 15 minutes of active time).

    Rice Cooker Mexican Rice served in a gray ceramic bowl and photographed from above.

    Mexico has a rich culinary history and Mexican food is famous for its rich flavors and unique spices. But in Mexican restaurants, the flavor and texture of Mexican rice (also called Spanish rice in the US) varies widely. Some are on the boring side while others are bursting with flavor. This version is the latter and you have endless options for making it your own. 

    Jump to:
    • Rice Cooker Mexican Rice Ingredients
    • Recipe Options
    • Pro Tip
    • How to Reheat
    • Make it a Meal
    • How to Make Mexican Rice in a Rice Cooker
    • Rice Cooker Mexican Rice
    • 💬 Comments

    Rice Cooker Mexican Rice Ingredients

    Rice Cooker Mexican Rice Ingredients on a white marble board.
    • Rice: long grain white rice
    • Chicken Broth: or vegetable broth
    • Tomato Sauce
    • Butter: unsalted or salted butter
    • White Onion: or a few green onions for milder onion flavor
    • Garlic: fresh garlic cloves
    • Jalapeño: use more or less than the recipe calls for to manage the spice level of the rice
    • Ground Cumin
    • Chipotle Chili Powder: A lightly spicy chili powder made only from dried and smoked jalapeño peppers. Note that this is not standard chili powder which is a blend of spices. 
    • Fresh Cilantro: for garnish, optional
    • Lime: for serving, optional
    • Kosher Salt

    Recipe Options

    • A whole jalapeño adds flavor depth and heat - reduce the amount or omit for milder Mexican rice. Or leave the seeds for extra spicy kick.
    • This recipe yields moist Mexican Rice. For drier rice, reduce chicken broth by ¼ cup and up to ½ cup. Don't be alarmed if there is liquid on the top when the rice cooker finishes, just stir to coat the rice evenly and let stand 5 minutes before serving.
    • Swap in long grain brown rice for added nutrition and fiber. You'll want to increase the broth amount by ~½ cup.
    • For a lightened up version, make my Mexican Cauliflower Rice instead.
    Rice Cooker Mexican Rice served in a gray ceramic bowl with lime wedges.

    Pro Tip

    • Rinse rice well and drain before adding to rice cooker. This removes the excess starch from the surface of the rice that can make it gummy when cooked.

    How to Reheat

    If you end up with leftover Mexican Rice, lucky you! It's even better the next day. Just heat a little oil in a large skillet, add the rice, then cook and stir over medium heat until it's warm all the way through with a few crispy edges. (I sometimes make this a day in advance because I love it this way.)

    Make it a Meal

    • Chicken Enchiladas, Carne Asada Tacos or Shrimp Tacos
    • Easy Homemade Refried Beans
    • Caesar Salad (originated in Mexico!)

    How to Make Mexican Rice in a Rice Cooker

    Combine all of the ingredients (except for cilantro and lime) to rice cooker and stir. Cook according to manufacturer's instructions. Stir and let stand 5 minutes. Transfer to serving bowl and serve with cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

    Mexican Rice ingredients in a Rice Cooker.
    Mexican Rice in a Rice Cooker ready to serve.
    Rice Cooker Mexican Rice served in a gray ceramic bowl and photographed from above.

    Rice Cooker Mexican Rice

    Marissa Stevens
    A deeply flavorful, essential Mexican side dish that is so easy to make at home in your rice cooker!
    5 from 5 votes
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 40 mins
    Resting Time 5 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 8 people
    Calories 179 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ cups long grain rice rinsed well and drained
    • 2 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth or water, (recipe note #1)
    • 8 ounces tomato sauce
    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • ½ small white onion finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 jalapeño minced (stems, ribs, and seeds removed - gloves recommended!), optional (recipe note #2)
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder or more for extra heat
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
    • fresh cilantro for garnish
    • lime wedges for serving, optional

    Instructions
     

    • Add all ingredients except for cilantro and lime wedges to rice cooker; stir well to combine. Cook according to manufacturer's instructions. Stir and let stand 5 minutes. Transfer to serving bowl and garnish with cilantro; serve with lime wedges if desired.

    Notes

    1. This recipe makes moist rice. If you prefer a drier Mexican rice, reduce broth by ¼ cup and up to ½ cup.
    2. Jalapeño adds depth of flavor and some heat, feel free to reduce the amount or omit altogether for milder rice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 179kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 749mgPotassium: 215mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 294IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword gluten free, keto, low carb, paleo, whole30
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

    More Mexican Sides

    • Mexican Corn on the Cob
    • 50+ Recipes to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
    • Mexican Cauliflower Rice
    • Mexican Cornbread

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. CINDY S. says

      January 06, 2023 at 3:57 pm

      5 stars
      This is my first time leaving a comment on a recipe. My husband loves Mexican rice. For years I have tried to make him Mexican rice. After about a year of just getting Mexican rice from restaurants, I decided to try this recipe. My husband told me it was the best Mexican rice I have made and we don't need to grab it from the restaurant anymore. Thank you so much for this recipe. I only put about a cup of water with chicken bouillon and I add an extra teaspoon of garlic. If I am being lazy I don't cut up the onion and just add onion powder. He still loves it!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 07, 2023 at 3:57 pm

        Hi Cindy! I'm so glad you and your husband are enjoying this recipe and that you're adding your own twists!

        Reply
    2. Shanice Rodriguez says

      December 09, 2022 at 9:35 am

      5 stars
      I was completely surprised how great this rice turned out! I've tried so many recipes and they were always too mushy. I prefer when the chicken broth is reduced to just 2 cups. Not too dry and not too mushy then. Also, if you don't want to add Jalapeños or don't have some on hand, I always sub for El pato sauce instead. It's tomato sauce with a spicy kick to it.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        December 09, 2022 at 10:59 am

        So glad you enjoyed this, Shanice! And thanks so much for your cooking notes. (My dad loves that sauce too - adds it to all kinds of things!)

        Reply
    3. Anna says

      October 16, 2022 at 3:48 pm

      5 stars
      easy and delicious.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        October 17, 2022 at 10:33 am

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Anna~

        Reply
    4. Ben | Havocinthekitchen says

      May 06, 2022 at 8:06 am

      5 stars
      Such a hearty and delicious bowl of rice - wonderful blend of spices. And that gorgeous colour, too!

      Reply
    5. David @ Spiced says

      May 02, 2022 at 4:49 am

      5 stars
      I love Mexican rice - it really goes with so many things. Heck, add some chopped grilled chicken, and it's a meal by itself. Great tips on cooking it in a rice cooker!!

      Reply

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