Mexican Fried Rice

Name: Mexican Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic (minced); ½ cup yellow onion (chopped); 1 cup bell pepper (diced); 4 tablespoons red enchilada sauce; 2 tablespoons can green chilies (drained); 1 tablespoon tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon red chili powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground pepper; 1 cup corn (thawed); 2 cups basmati rice (cooked); 3 tablespoons green onions (chopped)

Mexican fried rice, or Arroz Frito Mexicano, is a flavorful and colorful rice dish that combines elements of Mexican cuisine with the cooking technique of Chinese fried rice. Fried Mexican rice is a popular side dish in Mexican cuisine and is often served alongside main dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. This easy Mexican rice is loaded with corn and classic Mexican seasonings for a delicious and versatile dish.

This Mexican fried rice recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover rice while making a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican foods. Mexican fried rice has the classic flavors you’d expect, but it’s cooked like Asian fried rice. Tomato sauce, enchilada sauce and warm herbs and spices give this easy Mexican rice a rich flavor, and it only takes about 15 minutes to make.

If you love rice, try my Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice, Lebanese Vermicelli Rice or Spicy Salmon Crispy Rice.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Fried Rice Recipe

It’s perfect for leftover rice. JuLikehinese fried rice, fried Mexican rice is best made with day old rice, so it’s the perfect recipe for using leftovers.
It’s quick and easy. This easy Mexican rice recipe comes together quickly and can be served as a side dish or main course.
It’s customizable. You can customize this recipe at every step. Adjust the seasonings to make it more spicy or mild. Add in more veggies or black beans. Stir in cooked ground meat or leftover fajita meat. The possibilities are endless.

Easy Mexican Rice Ingredients

Ingredients needed for mexican fried rice.

Olive Oil: Use any light, neutral-flavored oil.
Aromatics: Garlic, onion and bell pepper add flavor and aroma.
Sauce: Tomato sauce combines with red enchilada sauce to add rich flavor. You can substitute the green enchilada sauce for a slightly altered flavor.
Green Chilies: Canned green chilies are available in different heat levels. Choose one that matches your preference.
Seasonings: Combine ground cumin, red chili powder, paprika, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Corn: Use thawed frozen corn or well-drained canned corn.
Rice: Add cooked basmati rice. You can also use white or brown rice, but brown rice will change the texture.
Green Onions: Chopped for garnish.

How To Make Mexican Fried Rice

Sauteing the aromatics for mexican rice.

Saute the aromatics. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with oil. Add garlic and onion, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
Prepare the sauce. Add bell peppers and cook for 2 more minutes. Stir in the enchilada sauce, green chilies, and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

Season and cook the corn. Add in the seasonings; cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the corn and cook for 3-5 minutes.
Add the rice. Slowly add the cooked basmati rice and mix until everything comes together without breaking the rice.
Garnish and serve. Finally, add the green onions and serve the Mexican fried rice with your favorite protein on the side.

Tips To Make Fried Mexican Rice

Use day old rice for the best texture.
You don’t have to use a wok, but you should use a large skillet.
Preheat your wok or skillet.
Build this recipe in layers rather than dumping everything in the skillet simultaneously.
Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.
Add protein such as shrimp, chorizo, ground meat or fajita meat.
Add additional veggies such as zucchini, carrots, black beans, avocado and more.

A spoon scoops fried mexican rice from a skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with brown rice?

I used basmati rice, but you can easily make this with white rice or brown rice. Brown rice will have a nuttier texture, and you may need to adjust the cooking time if you are making a fresh batch of rice.

Can I make Mexican Fried Rice in advance?

This recipe is best made just before serving for the best texture and flavor, but it can be made in advance and reheated. If the rice is quite dry, add a small amount of water or broth while reheating.

Is Mexican Rice Spicy?

This rice has a classic Mexican flavor, but the spice level is controlled mainly by your choice of enchilada sauce and green chilies. To increase the spiciness, choose hot green chilies. You can also add cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapenos to kick up the heat.

How do I store and reheat Easy Mexican Rice?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Stir to break up any clumps and add a bit of water or stock if the rice is especially dry. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Can I freeze this Mexican Fried Rice Recipe?

Cool the rice completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to serve with Mexican Rice?

Mexican rice is the perfect side dish to serve with Mexican Chicken Tacos, Chicken Zucchini Enchilada, Mexican Shrimp, Fajita Stuffed Chicken or Best Chicken Fajita Quesadillas.

More Mexican Side Dish Recipes

I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this delicious Mexican Fried Rice recipe. I hope you try it, enjoy it, rate it, and share it with your friends and family!

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