Vegan Mexican rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements any Mexican-inspired meal. This simple recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and pantry staples to create a fluffy, savory rice dish that will leave you wanting more.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Mexican Rice Recipe
This recipe is a winner for many reasons:
- Simple ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients on hand!
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and add your favorite veggies for a personalized touch.
- Flavorful: This rice is anything but bland, with a perfect blend of spices and a slightly smoky flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped white onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Vegan mexican rice ingredients
How to Make Vegan Mexican Rice
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pro Tip from Chef Gabriela Garcia: “Don’t rush the sauteing process! Allowing the onions to soften and the garlic to become fragrant creates a deeper flavor base for your rice.”
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Toast the rice: Add the rice to the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted and coated in the oil. Toasting the rice helps to enhance its natural nutty flavor and ensures fluffy, separate grains.
Toasting the rice for vegan mexican rice -
Add the liquids and spices: Pour in the vegetable broth and tomato sauce. Stir in the cumin powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is cooked through.
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Fluff and serve: Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
“For a vibrant pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice over your rice just before serving,” suggests Chef Gabriela Garcia.
Toasting the rice for vegan mexican rice
A plate of vegan mexican rice
Tips for the Best Vegan Mexican Rice:
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Rinse the rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking helps to remove excess starch, which can make the rice sticky.
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Don’t lift the lid: Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice is simmering! This will release steam and could result in undercooked rice.
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Use good quality broth: The flavor of your broth will directly impact the flavor of your rice. Opt for a flavorful vegetable broth for best results.
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Adjust the spice level: Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder.
FAQs About Vegan Mexican Rice:
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice.
What can I serve with vegan Mexican rice?
This flavorful rice is an excellent side dish for vegan stuffed poblano peppers, vegan three bean chili, or your favorite vegan Mexican food recipes. It also makes a great addition to burrito bowls and salads.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Can I freeze vegan Mexican rice?
Absolutely. Allow the rice to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
You can easily boost the veggie content by adding a cup of your favorite chopped vegetables, such as corn, bell peppers, or diced carrots, to the pan along with the broth.
This vegan Mexican rice recipe is a delicious and versatile side dish perfect for any night of the week. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
