Easy Rotel Mexican Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Rotel Mexican Rice is a flavorful and vibrant side dish perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, it adds a tasty twist to classic rice using zesty Rotel tomatoes.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups long grain rice
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes (undrained)
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is golden brown.
3. Step 3: Stir in the undrained Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
5. Step 5: Cover the skillet and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté some diced onions and bell peppers along with the rice before adding the liquid.
• Use vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian.
• Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper if you like more heat.

Storage

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Rotel?

You can substitute fresh diced tomatoes with a little added chili for spice, but you may need to adjust seasoning and liquid amounts to maintain flavor and texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free when using plain rice and broth without added gluten ingredients.

Easy Rotel Mexican Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 685 reviews

This Easy Rotel Mexican Rice recipe is a flavorful, simple side dish that combines long grain rice with zesty Rotel tomatoes and fragrant spices. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop, it offers a vibrant and savory taste to complement any Mexican-inspired meal.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

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Rice Mixture

• 1.5 cups long grain rice
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes (undrained)
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat to warm it up and prepare for cooking the rice.
2. Toast the Rice: Add the long grain rice to the skillet and cook it while stirring frequently. Continue until the rice turns a golden brown, which enhances its flavor and texture.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the entire can of undrained Rotel tomatoes, low sodium chicken broth, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Mix these ingredients evenly with the toasted rice.
4. Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam.
5. Cook Until Tender: Let the rice simmer covered for 18 to 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

• Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in the dish.
• For extra spice, you can add a pinch of chili powder or chopped jalapeños.
• Make sure to keep the heat low and the skillet covered during simmering to cook the rice evenly.
• Fluff the rice with a fork to avoid mushiness after cooking.
• Substitute vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.

Keywords: Rotel rice, Mexican rice, easy rice recipe, side dish, stovetop rice, Rotel tomatoes, quick Mexican side