Rice Cooker Mexican Rice
Fluffy and flavorful Rice Cooker Mexican Rice made with long-grain rice, tomato sauce, broth, and aromatic spices. A simple and delicious side dish perfect for tacos, fajitas, or grilled meats.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice rinsed and drained
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ small white onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño minced, stems, ribs, and seeds removed; optional
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder adjust for heat preference
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish, optional
- Lime wedges optional, for serving
Instructions
Rinse the Rice:
- Place the long-grain rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch to ensure fluffy, non-clumpy rice.
Prepare the Rice Cooker:
- Add the rinsed and drained rice to the rice cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the tomato sauce and melted butter.
Incorporate the Aromatics:
- Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and jalapeño to the rice cooker. Sprinkle the cumin, chipotle chili powder, and kosher salt evenly over the mixture.
Mix and Cook:
- Gently stir all ingredients to combine, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed. Close the rice cooker lid and set it to the "white rice" or "regular" cooking mode, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Rest the Rice:
- Once the rice cooker completes the cooking cycle, allow the rice to rest with the lid closed for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid and enhances the flavor.
Fluff and Serve:
- Open the rice cooker and use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains. Transfer the rice to a serving dish, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side, if desired.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the chicken or vegetable broth, tomato sauce, and any additional seasonings are certified gluten-free. Most standard brands are safe, but always double-check ingredient labels to avoid cross-contamination.