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Mexican Fried Rice, or Arroz Frito Mexicano, is a popular side dish in Mexican cuisine and is often served alongside main dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish combines rice with corn, and peppers for a tasty and nutritious meal.
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 main dishes. Whether you’re planning a festive dinner or looking for a quick weeknight option, this Mexican Fried Rice is sure to impress.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Rice
- It’s perfect for leftover rice. Just like Chinese 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.
Mexican Fried Rice Ingredients
- 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.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Rice Alternatives: Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for different textures and nutritional benefits.
- Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Vegetables: Include other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or peas , black beans for added variety.
- Spices: Adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce. For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika.
How To Make Mexican Fried Rice
Step 1: Sauté 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: Add the rice. Slowly add the cooked basmati rice and mix until everything comes together without breaking the rice.
Step 5: Garnish and serve. Finally, add the green onions and serve the Mexican fried rice with your favorite protein on the side.
Cooking Tips To Make the Best Mexican Fried Rice
- Use Long-Grain Rice Long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, is ideal for Mexican rice because it tends to stay separate and fluffy when cooked.
- Rinse: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Onions, garlic, and spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika are essential for authentic Mexican flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cooking the rice on low heat allows it to absorb the flavors of the broth and spices without becoming mushy.
What to Serve with Mexican Fried Rice
Mexican rice is the perfect side dish to serve with these recommended options.
- Chicken Fajita Quesadillas: Quesadillas are easy to make and their cheesy goodness pairs perfectly with the savory fried rice.
- Fajita Stuffed Chicken: The bold flavors and juicy chicken in fajitas complement the fried rice, making for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Guacamole: The creamy and fresh flavors of guacamole balance the spices in the fried rice and add a refreshing texture.
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad: The crisp, fresh salad offers a light and refreshing contrast to the hearty fried rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Store Mexican Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it until heated through.
Yes, Mexican Fried Rice can be frozen. Place the cooled rice in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Good protein additions include cooked chicken, shrimp, ground beef, or tofu. Black beans and pinto beans are also excellent plant-based protein sources that complement the flavors of Mexican Fried Rice.
More Mexican Inspired Dishes
Our Mexican Fried Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its bold spices, fresh ingredients, and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a delicious fusion of Mexican flavors and comforting rice!
If you try this recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a star rating in the comment section below because I love hearing from my readers. Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST for all of my latest social posts and recipes.
Mexican Fried Rice
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
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with oil. Add garlic and onion, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
- Add bell peppers and cook for 2 more minutes. Stir in the enchilada sauce, green chilies, and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the seasonings; cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the corn and cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Slowly add the cooked basmati rice and mix until everything comes together without breaking the rice.
- Finally, add the green onions and serve the Mexican fried rice with your favorite protein on the side.
Notes
- Use Long-Grain Rice Long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, is ideal for Mexican rice because it tends to stay separate and fluffy when cooked.
- Rinse: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Onions, garlic, and spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika are essential for authentic Mexican flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cooking the rice on low heat allows it to absorb the flavors of the broth and spices without becoming mushy.
