The Easiest Mexican Rice Recipe
This simple yet flavorful Mexican rice recipe is passed down from a father’s kitchen, offering an easy approach to a classic dish. Using readily available ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, this recipe creates perfectly seasoned rice that pairs wonderfully with any Mexican meal.


Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain rice (medium grain also works)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Knorr tomato chicken bouillon cube
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups water
- 2-3 tablespoons oil
Optional Substitutions:
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon onion powder (instead of fresh onion)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (instead of fresh garlic)
- 8 oz can tomato sauce + 16 oz chicken broth (instead of bouillon cube and water)
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Base
Add 2-3 tablespoons of oil to a pan over medium heat

Add 1 cup of rice to the pan

Step 2: Toast the Rice
Toast the rice over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally

Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the toasted rice

Sauté until aromatics are softened

Step 4: Add Seasonings
Break up the bouillon cube into the pan, ensuring no large chunks remain

Add ground cumin (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon according to preference)

Toast the seasonings briefly to enhance flavors

Step 5: Add Liquid and Cook
Add 2 cups of water and combine gently (avoid over-mixing)

Bring mixture to a simmer

Cover with lid and reduce heat to low

Let cook for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid

Step 6: Final Steps
Remove from heat once water has evaporated (around 14-15 minutes)

Let rest covered for 5 minutes

Fluff rice with a fork and serve
