Mexican Rice in a Rice Cooker

Name: Easy 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 low-sodium vegetable broth; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ cup bell peppers, diced (red and green); Juice of 1 lime; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil

Recipe By:

Lily Hartwell

Posted:

July 22, 2025

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you open your cupboard and the tantalizing scent of spices wafts through the air as you prepare to cook up some amazing mexican rice in your rice cooker. It’s like a fiesta in your kitchen! Picture fluffy grains of rice mingling with vibrant peppers and zesty lime juice—your taste buds are already dancing just thinking about it. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also brings back fond memories of family gatherings where everyone would gather around the table and dig into bowls of deliciousness.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you might have a cupboard full of half-used spices that seem to multiply every time you blink. But fear not! Making this delightful mexican rice is simpler than finding a matching sock in the laundry pile. Perfect for Taco Tuesdays or any day that ends with “y,” this dish promises to impress without breaking a sweat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe makes preparing flavorful mexican rice in a rice cooker nearly effortless.
The bright colors and aromatic spices make it visually appealing on your dinner table.
It pairs wonderfully with various dishes or can stand alone as a satisfying meal.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate different flavor profiles based on what you have at hand.

Sharing this recipe with friends led to squeals of delight over how simple it was—and how quickly it disappeared!

Essential Ingredients

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

Long Grain White Rice: Opt for high-quality long grain white rice for fluffy texture that doesn’t clump together.
Vegetable Broth: Choose low-sodium vegetable broth for added flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness; chop finely for an aromatic finish.
Bell Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers like red and green for visual appeal and sweetness.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances flavors beautifully; avoid bottled versions if possible.
Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder gives depth; feel free to use fresh garlic if you prefer!
Cumin: This spice adds warmth; adjust according to your taste preference.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; add according to your palate’s desire.
Olive Oil: Just a drizzle keeps everything moist while cooking.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Rinse the Rice: In a fine mesh strainer, rinse about 1 cup of long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch for fluffier results.

Sauté Vegetables (Optional): If you want extra flavor, heat some olive oil in your rice cooker on sauté mode and add diced bell peppers until they soften slightly—about 3-4 minutes will do.

Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in rinsed rice along with 2 cups of vegetable broth, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well so all ingredients combine harmoniously.

Cook the Rice: Close the lid and set your device to cook mode. Allow it to simmer away while those delightful aromas fill your kitchen—this usually takes around 20 minutes.

Let it Rest!: Once cooking is complete, let the rice sit for about 5-10 minutes without lifting the lid—this allows steam to finish cooking the grains perfectly.

Toss and Serve!: Open the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork before adding fresh cilantro on top. Serve warm alongside tacos or as part of any meal!

With these simple steps done right from your handy-dandy kitchen gadget, you’ll be savoring every bite of that fluffy goodness before you know it! So don’t just stand there salivating—get ready to enjoy some spectacular mexican rice straight from your trusty rice cooker!

You Must Know

This recipe for Mexican rice in a rice cooker is not just simple; it’s a game-changer.
The aromas of spices fill your kitchen, making it feel like a fiesta.
Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping and pairs beautifully with countless dishes.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking. This removes excess starch for fluffier grains. Sautéing onions and garlic in the cooker adds a layer of flavor that elevates the dish to another level.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or corn for texture and color. A sprinkle of cheese or fresh cilantro can also give your Mexican rice an extra zing.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave until warm, ensuring it stays moist and fluffy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always rinse your rice well to avoid clumping, ensuring each grain remains separate.
Sautéing aromatics first boosts flavor significantly, transforming plain rice into something special.
Don’t skip tasting!
Adjust spices to fit your family’s palate for a truly personalized dish.

I remember the first time I made this Mexican rice in my tiny college kitchen. Friends were amazed at how such simple ingredients could create something so delicious—definitely a proud chef moment!

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but increase the cooking time and water ratio for optimal results.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking.

What can I serve with Mexican rice?

Mexican rice pairs well with grilled chicken, tacos, or enchiladas for a complete meal.

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