How to Cook Easy Mexican Rice In Rice Cooker
Mexican rice is a fantastic side dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. It’s low-maintenance, and the rice cooker makes it even easier to whip up! Once you experience how effortless and delicious this rice can be, you’ll want to make it regularly. Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ, packing up for a picnic, or simply getting dinner on the table during a busy weeknight, this easy Mexican rice recipe is your go-to.
Equipment
- Rice cooker
- mesh strainer
- mixing spoon
Ingredients
- To whip up this flavorful Mexican rice gather these ingredients:
- - 1 cup long-grain rice like Jasmine
- - 1 cup chicken broth
- - 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with juice, keep it intact
- - ¼ cup chopped onion
- - 2 cloves minced garlic
- - 1 tablespoon olive oil instead of butter for a different flavor
- - 1 teaspoon chili powder
- - ½ teaspoon cumin
- - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- - Optional: ½ cup frozen peas for added color and nutrition
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
- Start by rinsing the rice in a mesh strainer under cool running water. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch, making the rice fluffy rather than sticky. Give it a good shake to let excess water drip out!
Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients
- In the rice cooker pot, add in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, and canned diced tomatoes—juice included. Next, toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion along with the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and kosher salt. Use a mixing spoon to combine everything until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Set and Cook
- Now, set your rice cooker to the appropriate cooking setting, either "cook" or "start," depending on your model. Once you hit that button, you’re free! This is the moment to relax or focus on preparing the rest of your meal.
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
- Upon completion, the rice cooker will switch to "warm," and that’s your cue! Lift the lid, and using a fork, fluff the rice gently. This step adds air and keeps it light. Now it’s ready to be served alongside your main dishes!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion elevate the dish's flavor considerably. Fresh is always best!
- Experiment with Broth: For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth.
- Add Color: Toss in ½ cup of frozen peas or diced bell peppers for extra color and texture.
- Watch Your Salt: If your chicken broth is salty, you can reduce the amount of salt added to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Rest Before Serving: Let it sit for a few minutes after cooking before fluffing; this helps enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!