Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice is a flavorful, simple dish that brings vibrant flavors to your table!
With ingredients like long-grain white rice, tomato sauce, and cumin, this dish is both authentic and easy to prepare.
You’ll love how quickly it comes together!
The trick to perfect Mexican rice is sautéing the rice until it’s lightly browned.
This step adds a nutty flavor and helps the rice stay fluffy.
How to Make Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 1/2 cups Long-Grain White Rice
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 White Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Garlic Clove (minced)
- 2 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 can Tomatoes (14.5 oz., diced)
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
Step 2:
Add the long-grain white rice to the saucepan and sauté, stirring frequently, until the rice turns light brown. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step 3:
Stir in the cumin, finely chopped white onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is softened, approximately 5 minutes.
Step 4:
Pour in the chicken broth and the diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Add salt to taste.
Step 5:
Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Step 6:
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat but keep it covered for an additional 10 minutes.
Step 7:
Fluff the rice with a large fork and stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh cilantro and lime juice can significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.
Toast the Rice
Make sure to toast the rice until it’s a light brown. This step adds an essential nuttiness to the rice.
Avoid Overcooking
Keep an eye on your simmering rice. Overcooking can cause the rice to become mushy.
Adjust the Heat
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture when sautéing the onion and garlic.
Let It Rest
After removing from the heat, the resting period allows the rice to fully absorb the flavors and moisture. Don’t skip it!
What to Serve with Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice
Classic Pairing: Chicken Enchiladas
You can’t go wrong with chicken enchiladas next to Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice!
The flavors complement each other wonderfully, and it’s a perfect combination for a classic Mexican meal.
Serve the enchiladas with some sour cream, guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Traditional Side: Mexican Black Beans
Mexican black beans are a traditional side dish that pairs beautifully with Mexican rice.
They add a rich and hearty flavor to your meal, and they’re incredibly easy to prepare.
Simply simmer the black beans with onions, garlic, and some spices for a delicious accompaniment.
Unique Option: Cilantro Lime Salmon
For a more unique pairing, try serving Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice with cilantro lime salmon.
The bright flavors of the cilantro and lime add a refreshing contrast to the savory rice.
This combination is excellent for a lighter, yet satisfying, meal that still feels special.
Unique Option: Adobo Rubbed Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Adobo rubbed grilled pork tenderloin is another unique but delicious option to serve with Mexican rice.
The smoky and spicy flavors from the adobo rub enhance the dish perfectly.
Grill the tenderloin to your desired doneness and slice it thinly before serving with the rice.
Unique Option: Tofu Fajitas
For a vegetarian option, consider pairing the rice with tofu fajitas.
Toss tofu with bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning and sauté until everything is cooked through.
This dish adds a wonderful mix of flavors and textures that make for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem!
You can swap out long-grain white rice for brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time.
For a bit of a twist, try adding some chopped bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
If you’re avoiding oil, consider using a non-stick pan and a bit of vegetable broth to toast the rice.
Spice It Up
To add a kick, feel free to include a chopped jalapeño or a dash of red pepper flakes.
If cumin isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with smoked paprika or chili powder for a different flavor profile.
For a milder option, use half the cumin or omit it entirely.
Protein Boost
Want to make it a complete meal?
Add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even black beans.
This not only makes the dish heartier but also more nutritious.
Herb Substitutions
Don’t have fresh cilantro? Dried cilantro or fresh parsley can be used instead.
Both will add a fresh touch to your Mexican rice.
Extra Veggies
You can never go wrong with adding more veggies like corn, peas, or diced tomatoes.
These additions won’t alter the basic recipe but will enhance the overall taste!
How to Store Leftover Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice
Cooling the Rice
When you have finished enjoying your delicious Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice, it’s essential to cool the leftovers quickly to maintain freshness.
Spread the rice in a thin layer on a baking sheet to speed up the cooling process.
Once it’s at room temperature, transfer the rice to storage containers.
Using Airtight Containers
I recommend using airtight containers to store the leftover rice in the refrigerator.
You can use either glass or BPA-free plastic containers.
Make sure the seals are tight to prevent any air from getting in and drying out the rice.
Freezing for Longevity
If you want to store the rice for longer periods, freezing is a great option.
Transfer the cooled rice into freezer bags and lay them flat to save space in the freezer.
Label the bags with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Rice
You don’t want to end up with mushy rice.
Make sure to simmer the rice for the recommended time, which is generally around 20 minutes.
After that, keep it covered and let it stand for about 10 minutes.
This allows the rice to finish cooking in the steam, ensuring it’s fluffy and not overcooked.
Not Rinsing the Rice
Rinsing the rice until the water runs clear is essential to remove excess starch.
Skipping this step can make your rice clumpy and sticky.
Use a fine-mesh strainer and cold water to rinse the rice thoroughly.
This small step makes a big difference in the final texture of your Mexican rice.
Using Too Much Oil
Adding too much oil can make your rice greasy and heavy.
Stick to the recommended amount, usually around 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
This amount is enough to coat the rice and help it brown lightly.
Too much oil won’t let the rice achieve that perfect, light texture you’re aiming for!
Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 1/2 cups Long-Grain White Rice
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 White Onion finely chopped
- 1 Garlic Clove minced
- 2 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 can Tomatoes 14.5 oz., diced
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups Fresh Cilantro chopped
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the long-grain white rice to the saucepan and sauté, stirring frequently, until the rice turns light brown. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin, finely chopped white onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and the diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Add salt to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat but keep it covered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a large fork and stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice.