Rice Cooker Mexican Rice

I have great news: making restaurant-worthy, authentic Mexican Rice in your rice cooker is as simple as adding the ingredients and switching it on. You’ll have a deeply flavorful version of this cherished side dish ready to serve in about an hour (with just 15 minutes of active time). This easy recipe delivers a perfectly cooked, flavor-loaded, authentic side dish every time.

Pantry staple spices and aromatics, combined with fresh cilantro and jalapeños liven up what could otherwise be a lackluster side dish. Instead of using water as the liquid base, as in many Mexican rice recipes, here I use tomato sauce and chicken broth to provide both moisture and flavor.

“Absolutely loved this recipe. It’ll be my “go to” from now on.”

heather

Rice Cooker Mexican Rice Ingredients

• Rice: I prefer long-grain white rice because it yields fluffy, light grains and resists clumping
• Chicken Broth: you can use low-sodium or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
• Tomato Sauce: since you’re adding other spices and liquids, you don’t need anything fancy
• Butter: unsalted or salted butter works, but you may need to adjust the salt
• White Onion: you can use a few green onions for a milder onion flavor
• Garlic: fresh garlic cloves are best, but jarred minced garlic will do if you don’t have fresh
• Jalapeño: use more or less than the recipe calls for to manage the spice level of the rice
• Ground Cumin: Cumin adds a savoriness and a delicious aroma and is common in many global cuisines
• 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 and a pop of color
• Lime Wedges: for serving, optional
• Kosher Salt: or about half the amount of fine sea salt

What sets this recipe apart.

The beauty of this Mexican Rice (also called Spanish Rice in the U.S.) isn’t just that it’s conveniently made in your rice cooker, but that you don’t need exotic, hard-to-find ingredients or much precious time to make it. But don’t let this dish’s simplicity belie its flavor complexity — Mexico has a rich culinary history, and its food is famous for its rich flavors and unique spices, and this dish does not disappoint! And you have endless options to make it your own by adding or swapping ingredients you prefer or have on hand.

This popular Mexican side dish is bursting with flavor and goes well with countless main dishes (or add a protein to make it a main!). The combination of straightforward, savory ingredients, flexibility and a nearly effortless cooking method makes this a side dish recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

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, Shrimp Tacos or Chorizo Tacos
• Easy Homemade Refried Beans
• Caesar Salad (originated in Mexico!)
• Calabacitas (If you’ve never had this less common Mexican side dish, it’s a must try!)

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.