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Tasty Rotel Mexican Rice Recipe Easy & Perfect for Parties

Rotel Mexican Rice - featured image

A quick and flavorful Mexican rice recipe infused with the zesty tang of Rotel tomatoes, perfect for parties or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes (original, mild, or hot)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Juice of half a lime

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water using a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice turns golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to coat the rice evenly with the spices.
  5. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and the entire can of Rotel tomatoes (undrained). Stir to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Avoid removing the lid while the rice cooks.
  7. After 18 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. The grains should be tender and fully cooked. If there’s any extra liquid, let the rice cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes to evaporate.
  8. Stir in freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze the juice of half a lime over the rice for a bright, fresh finish.
  9. Serve immediately or keep warm until ready to serve.

Notes

[‘Rinse the rice to remove excess starch for fluffier texture.’, ‘Toast the rice for enhanced flavor.’, ‘Avoid lifting the lid while the rice cooks to ensure even cooking.’, ‘Adjust spice levels to your preference.’, ‘Make a double batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican rice, Rotel rice, easy rice recipe, party side dish, flavorful rice