The 10 Best Types of Rice for Mexican Bowl

I absolutely love a good Mexican bowl – the vibrant colors, the bold flavors, and, of course, the star ingredient: rice.

But let’s not settle for just any rice. Oh no, my friend. We need the best types of rice to elevate our Mexican bowl game.

So, join me on this flavorful journey as I introduce you to the top 10 varieties that will transform your bowl into a fiesta for your taste buds.

Get ready to indulge in the perfect combination of texture, aroma, and taste.

Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is the perfect choice for a creamy and rich Mexican bowl. Its unique starchy texture and ability to absorb flavors make it an ideal pairing for the bold and vibrant ingredients in Mexican cuisine.

When cooked, Arborio rice becomes creamy and tender, providing a comforting base for any Mexican dish. Whether it’s a hearty burrito bowl or a flavorful enchilada casserole, Arborio rice adds a luxurious touch to every bite.

Its versatility allows it to perfectly complement the spices, herbs, and sauces that are characteristic of Mexican cooking. So, when I want to indulge in a delicious and satisfying Mexican bowl, Arborio rice is always my go-to choice.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice is a popular choice for its long grains and aromatic flavor. I love cooking with Basmati rice because it adds a unique taste and texture to my dishes. The long grains stay separate and fluffy, making it perfect for Mexican bowl recipes.

When I cook Basmati rice, my kitchen is filled with a delightful aroma that adds to the overall dining experience. Its fragrant smell enhances the flavors of the other ingredients in the bowl. Whether I’m making a vegetarian or meat-based Mexican bowl, Basmati rice complements the flavors perfectly. It absorbs the spices and seasonings, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.

The versatility and deliciousness of Basmati rice make it a favorite choice for Mexican bowl enthusiasts like myself.

Brown Rice

When you’re looking for a healthier alternative, brown rice is a nutritious option that adds a nutty flavor to your meals. I love incorporating brown rice into my diet because it’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

It’s also a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide long-lasting energy and help keep me feeling full and satisfied. Brown rice is less processed than white rice, so it retains more of its natural nutrients. Plus, it has a slightly chewy texture that adds a nice bite to any dish.

Whether I’m making a stir-fry, a burrito bowl, or a hearty grain salad, brown rice is always my go-to choice. It’s versatile, delicious, and a perfect addition to any healthy meal.

Jasmine Rice

If you’re in the mood for a fragrant and aromatic rice, jasmine rice is a great option that adds a delicate flavor to your dishes. I love cooking with jasmine rice because it has this beautiful floral scent that fills my kitchen.

When I cook it, the grains become fluffy and tender, creating the perfect texture for any meal. Whether I’m making a stir-fry, curry, or even a simple rice bowl, jasmine rice always enhances the flavors of the dish. It pairs well with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, meats, and sauces.

Plus, it’s easy to cook and doesn’t require much time or effort. Jasmine rice is definitely a staple in my kitchen for its delicious taste and aroma.

Red Rice

Red rice is a nutritious and flavorful option for adding color and taste to your meals. I love incorporating red rice into my dishes because it not only looks vibrant but also adds a delicious nutty flavor. This type of rice is packed with nutrients like fiber, iron, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice.

The rich red color comes from a natural pigment called anthocyanin, which is also found in foods like berries and red cabbage. Red rice can be a great addition to Mexican bowls, adding a pop of color and a unique taste.

Whether I’m making a burrito bowl or a taco salad, red rice always elevates the dish and makes it more visually appealing.

Wild Rice

To enhance your meals with a unique flavor and texture, consider incorporating wild rice into your dishes.

I absolutely love using wild rice in my cooking because it adds a nutty and earthy taste to any recipe. Not only does it taste great, but it also provides a beautiful contrast in texture with its chewy and slightly crunchy grains.

Whether I’m making a salad, stir-fry, or even a soup, wild rice always brings a delightful twist to the dish. It pairs wonderfully with vegetables, meats, and even seafood, making it a versatile ingredient.

Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Black Rice

Now, let’s move on to another type of rice that I absolutely love for Mexican bowls: black rice. This unique variety adds a striking visual appeal to any dish with its deep purple color.

Not only is it visually stunning, but it also has a delightful nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the bold and spicy flavors found in Mexican cuisine.

Black rice is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It contains antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. Plus, it has a lower glycemic index compared to white rice, making it a healthier option for those watching their blood sugar levels.

When cooked, black rice remains firm yet tender, providing a pleasant chewy texture. Its rich flavor and beautiful appearance make it an excellent choice for adding a touch of elegance to your next Mexican bowl creation.

Saffron Rice

Saffron rice, with its vibrant yellow color and distinct floral aroma, is a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance to a variety of dishes.

I absolutely love cooking with saffron rice because it brings a burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color to my meals. Whether I’m making a simple pilaf or a fancy paella, saffron rice always takes the dish to the next level.

The delicate floral notes of saffron enhance the taste of the rice, creating a rich and aromatic experience. Plus, the vibrant yellow hue makes the dish visually appealing. It’s like adding a ray of sunshine to my plate.

Saffron rice truly elevates any meal and adds that extra touch of sophistication.

Spanish Rice

Spanish rice, also known as arroz rojo, is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to complement a variety of main courses. I love making Spanish rice because it adds a burst of color and flavor to any meal.

It starts with sautéing onions and garlic in a little bit of oil until they become fragrant. Then, I add the rice and toast it for a few minutes before adding tomato sauce, chicken broth, and spices like cumin and paprika. I let it simmer until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.

The end result is a delicious and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled chicken. Spanish rice is a staple in Mexican cuisine and a favorite in my household.

Quinoa Rice

I’ve never tried quinoa rice before, but I’ve heard it’s a healthy and nutritious alternative to traditional rice.

So, I decided to give it a try in my Mexican bowl recipe. I cooked the quinoa rice according to the package instructions, and I was surprised by its fluffy texture and nutty flavor. It added a unique twist to my usual rice bowl.

Quinoa rice is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a great choice for a balanced meal. It also has a lower glycemic index compared to white rice, which means it won’t cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.

Overall, I’m impressed with quinoa rice and will definitely be incorporating it into my future recipes.