Step 1: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Step 2: Add finely chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 4: Add tomato sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Pour in the rice and stir to coat it with the tomato sauce mixture.
Step 6: Add chicken or vegetable broth to the pan and bring it to a boil.
Step 7: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 8: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 9: Fluff the rice with a fork and add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 10: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot as a side dish or as a base for your favorite Mexican dishes. Enjoy your homemade Mexican Rice!

Substitutions for Mexican Rice (Arroz Mexicano):

1. Rice: Substitute with any long-grain white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.

2. Tomato Sauce: Replace with an equal amount of tomato puree or crushed tomatoes. Adjust the seasoning accordingly since tomato puree or crushed tomatoes may have a different flavor profile.

3. Chicken Broth: Substitute with vegetable broth or water. If using water, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

4. Onion: If you don't have an onion, use 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder or 1/4 cup of finely chopped shallots as a substitute.

5. Garlic: Replace each clove of garlic with 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic from a jar.

6. Cumin: If you don't have cumin, try using an equal amount of ground coriander or chili powder for a different flavor profile.

7. Salt: Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preferences. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more if needed.

8. Oil: Any neutral cooking oil, like vegetable or canola oil, can be used instead of the specified oil in the recipe. Use the same quantity.

Note: The substitutions provided are meant to help you create a similar dish when you don't have access to the original ingredients. The flavors and overall outcome may vary slightly, but the substitutions should still result in a delicious Mexican rice.

- Enchiladas
- Tacos
- Fajitas
- Burritos
- Quesadillas
- Chiles Rellenos
- Carne Asada
- Carnitas
- Pollo Asado
- Guacamole
- Salsa verde or roja
- Refried beans
- Mexican street corn (Elote)
- Pico de gallo
- Ceviche
- Churros
- Horchata
- Margaritas
- Mexican beer

1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or chopped scallions for a pop of color.
- Serve the rice in a hollowed-out bell pepper or tomato for an eye-catching presentation.
- Top with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed tortilla chips for added texture.

2. Improve the texture/flavor profile:
- Sauté the rice in a bit of oil before cooking to achieve a slightly crispy texture.
- Add a handful of golden raisins or chopped dried apricots to the rice for a hint of sweetness.
- Incorporate diced roasted poblano peppers or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy kick.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute regular white rice with fragrant Basmati or Jasmine rice for a more aromatic experience.
- Use homemade chicken or vegetable stock instead of water to infuse the rice with rich flavors.
- Stir in a generous amount of saffron threads or truffle oil for a touch of luxury and depth of flavor.

1. Replace white rice with brown rice or quinoa to increase fiber and nutrient content.
2. Use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of regular broth to reduce sodium intake.
3. Reduce the amount of oil used for sautéing by using non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
4. Add more vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and peas to increase the nutritional value and fiber content.
5. Use lean protein sources like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of fatty meats like chorizo or ground beef.
6. Opt for homemade tomato sauce instead of canned sauce to avoid added sugars and preservatives.
7. Season with herbs and spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano instead of using excessive salt for flavor.
8. Serve with a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo instead of sour cream or cheese for a lighter option.
9. Consider adding black beans or kidney beans for added protein and fiber.
10. For gluten-free diets, ensure all ingredients, including spices and broth, are certified gluten-free.

- Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for sautéing the rice by using a non-stick pan or cooking spray.
- Add more vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and peas to increase the nutritional value.
- Use low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth instead of regular broth to reduce sodium content.
- Limit the amount of salt added by using herbs and spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder for flavor.
- Opt for lean protein sources like grilled chicken or shrimp instead of fatty meats like chorizo or ground beef.
- Avoid using processed ingredients like canned tomato sauce and instead use fresh tomatoes or homemade salsa.
- Serve with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole instead of sour cream or cheese for a healthier topping.
- Consider adding a handful of fresh cilantro or lime juice at the end for a burst of freshness and added nutrients.

1. Use pre-cooked rice: Save time by using pre-cooked rice instead of cooking it from scratch. Look for options like instant rice or leftover cooked rice.

2. Opt for canned tomatoes: Instead of using fresh tomatoes, use canned diced tomatoes to save time on chopping and cooking them down.

3. Utilize frozen vegetables: Use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh ones to save time on chopping and prepping. They are also usually more cost-effective.

4. Use chicken or vegetable broth: Instead of making homemade broth, use store-bought chicken or vegetable broth to save time and effort.

5. Incorporate tomato paste: To enhance the flavor and save time on simmering, add a small amount of tomato paste to your rice mixture.

6. Spice it up with a pre-made seasoning mix: Use a pre-made Mexican seasoning mix to add flavor quickly, instead of measuring and combining individual spices.

7. Add canned beans: To make the dish heartier and more cost-effective, add canned beans like black beans or pinto beans.

8. Use a rice cooker: Invest in a rice cooker to save time and ensure perfectly cooked rice every time, without the need for constant monitoring.

9. Opt for frozen pre-cooked rice packets: Look for frozen pre-cooked rice packets available in stores, which can be quickly heated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

10. Cook in bulk and freeze: Prepare a larger batch of Mexican rice and freeze individual portions for future use, saving both time and money.

 Related

• Arroz con Pollo
• Birria
• Breakfast Burritos
• Burritos
• Carne Asada
• Carnitas
• Chalupas
• Chiles Rellenos
• Chili Rellenos Casserole
• Chorizo and Eggs
• Cochinita Pibil
• Enchiladas
• Fajitas
• Menudo
• Mexican Lasagna
• Nacho Casserole
• Nopales Tacos
• Picadillo
• Quesadillas