Easy Mexican Rice in Rice Cooker – Fluffy & Flavorful

Name: Mexican Rice in a Rice Cooker
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium if preferred); 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp chili powder; Juice of 1 lime; Salt to taste; Oil for sautéing

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

November 1, 2025

Updated:

November 1, 2025

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Imagine a bowl of fluffy, vibrant Mexican rice, each grain glistening like tiny gems under the warm kitchen lights. The aroma wafts through the air, a tantalizing blend of cumin and fresh cilantro that makes your stomach grumble in anticipation. Now picture this: it’s a Tuesday night, and you’ve just returned from a long day at work. The last thing you want to do is slave over the stove. Well, fear not! With this magical recipe for making Mexican rice in a rice cooker, you can sit back and relax while your trusty appliance does all the heavy lifting.

This dish is not just food; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. Whether you’re hosting taco night or simply craving something flavorful to accompany your favorite protein, this Mexican rice will be your new best friend. Close your eyes and imagine digging into a bowl of rice that’s bursting with flavor while your guests rave about how amazing it tastes!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This delightful Mexican rice in rice cooker offers effortless preparation, allowing you to enjoy authentic flavors without any fuss

Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table setting, and its versatility means it pairs well with countless dishes
Plus, you’ll have leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch—if there’s any left!

There was that time I made this dish for my friends during movie night. They were so impressed they nearly staged an intervention to keep me from sharing the recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Long-Grain White Rice: Choose high-quality grains for fluffy texture; avoid anything too starchy.

Vegetable Broth: Using broth instead of water elevates the flavor; go for low-sodium if you prefer.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes for that smoky touch; they really enhance the dish.
Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness; sauté until golden for better flavor.

Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is key; it infuses the rice with aromatic goodness.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro at the end brightens everything up—don’t skip it!
Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices bring warmth and depth; feel free to adjust based on your heat preference.

Lime Juice: A splash at the end adds that zesty finish; trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Rice Cooker: First things first, rinse one cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Sauté Aromatics: Set your rice cooker to ‘Sauté’ mode (or equivalent). Add a drizzle of oil and toss in one chopped onion until translucent and fragrant.

Add Flavorful Ingredients: Stir in minced garlic cloves along with two teaspoons each of cumin and chili powder until aromatic—about 30 seconds should do.

Pour in Liquid Gold: Add two cups of vegetable broth and one can of diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine all those delicious flavors together.

Cook Your Rice: Switch your rice cooker to ‘Cook’ mode and let it work its magic for around 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

Finishing Touches: Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice before serving—a must-have step for maximum flavor!

Enjoying every last bite is easy with this delicious Mexican rice in rice cooker recipe. Not only will it make dinner stress-free, but it also guarantees tons of compliments from family and friends alike!

You Must Know

Making Mexican rice in a rice cooker is a game-changer

It saves time and energy while delivering fluffy, flavorful rice every time
The aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen will make everyone wonder what culinary magic is happening

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by rinsing the rice to remove excess starch. Then, sauté onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes and spices for maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Mexican rice! Add black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra texture and taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Rinsing your rice ensures fluffiness and prevents clumping

Always use fresh ingredients for vibrant flavors that pop
Remember to let the rice rest after cooking for perfect texture and taste alignment

Cooking this dish reminds me of family gatherings where my mom would whip up her famous Mexican rice in a flash, leaving us all begging for seconds.

FAQs

FAQ

How do I achieve perfect fluffy Mexican rice?

Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but adjust cooking times as brown rice takes longer to cook.

What can I serve with Mexican rice?

Serve it alongside tacos, grilled chicken, or as a filling burrito base.

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