Mexican brown rice is a flavorful and wholesome side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of Mexican-inspired meals. It's a healthy twist on traditional rice dishes, combining the nutty taste of brown rice with the zesty flavors of tomatoes, jalapeño, and lime. This recipe is perfect for adding a vibrant touch to your dinner table.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staple items in your kitchen, such as jalapeño pepper and fresh cilantro. Both can typically be found in the produce section of your supermarket. Make sure to select ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Additionally, vegetable broth is a key component for cooking the rice, so be sure to pick up a good quality one.
Ingredients For Mexican Brown Rice Recipe
Tomatoes: Fresh and ripe, these provide a robust base for the dish's sauce.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Essential for a rich and aromatic flavor.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing and adds a smooth richness to the rice.
Long-grain brown rice: The main ingredient, providing a nutty and wholesome base.
Jalapeño pepper: Adds a subtle heat and distinctive flavor.
Vegetable broth: A savory liquid that helps cook the rice and infuse it with flavor.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the rice a vibrant color.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note at the end.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, for an extra kick of spice.
Lime: Provides a tangy finish to the dish.
One reader, Kaine Fort says:
This Mexican brown rice recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and authentic, and the rice turns out perfectly tender. The hint of spice from the jalapeño and red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick. It's a must-try for any Mexican cuisine lover!
Key Techniques for Making Mexican Brown Rice Recipe
How to blend ingredients: Combine the tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. How to measure liquid: Use a liquid measuring cup to measure out 2 cups of the tomato mixture. How to warm oil: Heat the olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers. How to cook rice: Add the rice and jalapeño to the warmed oil and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes. How to bring to a boil: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture of vegetable broth, tomato mixture, tomato paste, and salt to a boil. How to bake rice: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the oven, baking until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking. How to season: Stir in the cilantro and season to taste with additional salt if necessary. Add red pepper flakes for spicier rice. How to serve with lime: Serve the rice with lime wedges on the side.
How To Make Mexican Brown Rice
If you want a flavorful and filling side dish, this Mexican rice recipe is for you. Using brown rice will make the dish starchier and retains more flavor.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2mediumripe tomatoes
- 1smallyellow onion,
- 1tbspgarlic cloves
- ¼cupextra-virgin olive oil
- 2cupslong-grain brown rice
- 1mediumjalapeño pepperseeded and finely chopped (scale back or omit if sensitive to spice)
- 2½cupsvegetable broth
- 1tbsptomato paste
- 1tspsalt
- ½cupfresh cilantrofinely chopped
- 1tspred pepper flakesoptional, for extra heat
- 1limesliced into wedges, for serving
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a food processor or blender, combine the tomatoes, onion and garlic, and blend until smooth. In a liquid measuring cup, measure out 2 cups of the tomato mixture and discard the rest.
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Warm the olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the rice and jalapeño and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes.
-
Add the vegetable broth, tomato mixture, tomato paste, and salt. Stir to combine, then increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
-
Cover the pot with the lid and carefully transfer it to the oven. Bake until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking.
-
Stir in the cilantro and season to taste with additional salt, if necessary. If you’d like spicier rice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes and stir again. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250.31kcal
- Fat: 8.21g
- Saturated Fat: 1.22g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.42g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.23g
- Carbohydrates: 40.60g
- Fiber: 2.80g
- Sugar: 2.01g
- Protein: 4.28g
- Sodium: 323.20mg
- Calcium: 30.41mg
- Potassium: 273.61mg
- Iron: 1.21mg
- Vitamin A: 31.59µg
- Vitamin C: 10.85mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Mexican Brown Rice Recipe
To enhance the flavor of the brown rice, toast it in the olive oil until it turns a light golden brown before adding the vegetable broth. This step will give the rice a nutty, rich flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Mexican Brown Rice
Pre-blend ingredients: Blend the tomatoes, onion, and garlic in advance and store them in the fridge to save time on cooking day.
Use quick-cook rice: Substitute long-grain brown rice with quick-cook brown rice to reduce cooking time.
Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the jalapeno pepper and cilantro ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.
Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Instant pot method: Use an Instant Pot to cook the rice and vegetable broth mixture faster.
Substitute Ingredients For Mexican Brown Rice Recipe
medium ripe tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can provide a similar texture and flavor, especially when fresh tomatoes are not in season.
small yellow onion - Substitute with red onion: Red onions can add a slightly different but still complementary flavor to the dish.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove to maintain the garlic flavor.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
long-grain brown rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa cooks faster and provides a similar texture and nutritional profile.
medium jalapeno pepper - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers are slightly hotter but can be used in similar quantities for a comparable flavor.
vegetable broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add a richer flavor, though it is not vegetarian.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can provide a similar sweetness and tomato flavor, though it is less concentrated.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar salty flavor along with a bit of umami.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor without the distinct taste of cilantro.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a similar heat level; use sparingly as it is more potent.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can provide a similar acidic brightness to the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Mexican Brown Rice
Use a ring mold: Place a ring mold on the center of the plate and fill it with the brown rice mixture. Press down gently to compact the rice and then carefully lift the mold to create a neat, cylindrical shape.
Garnish with fresh cilantro: Finely chop fresh cilantro and sprinkle it delicately over the top of the rice mound. This adds a burst of color and freshness.
Add lime wedges: Place a couple of lime wedges artfully around the rice. This not only adds a pop of color but also allows diners to squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish for added zest.
Drizzle with olive oil: Lightly drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil around the plate to add a touch of richness and shine to the presentation.
Include a jalapeño slice: Thinly slice a jalapeño pepper and place a single slice on top of the rice mound. This adds a visual cue to the dish's spiciness and a pop of green color.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes: Lightly sprinkle red pepper flakes around the plate for a hint of heat and a touch of visual interest.
Serve with a side salad: Pair the rice with a small side salad of mixed greens, dressed lightly with a citrus vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty rice.
Use a contrasting plate: Serve the dish on a dark-colored plate to make the vibrant colors of the tomato mixture, cilantro, and lime stand out more vividly.
Essential Tools for Making Mexican Brown Rice Recipe
Food processor: To blend the tomatoes, onion, and garlic into a smooth mixture.
Liquid measuring cup: To measure out 2 cups of the tomato mixture accurately.
Medium dutch oven: To cook the rice and other ingredients, and to transfer to the oven for baking.
Stirring spoon: To stir the rice and jalapeño while cooking, and to combine all ingredients.
Oven: To bake the rice mixture until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Knife: To chop the jalapeño and cilantro.
Cutting board: To provide a surface for chopping the jalapeño and cilantro.
Measuring spoons: To measure out the olive oil, tomato paste, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Lid: To cover the dutch oven while baking the rice in the oven.
Serving spoon: To serve the finished Mexican brown rice.
Lime squeezer: To extract juice from the lime wedges for serving.
Storing and Freezing Mexican Brown Rice
- Allow the Mexican brown rice to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled rice to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- To freeze the rice:
- Portion the cooled rice into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze the rice for up to 3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
- When ready to use the frozen Mexican brown rice:
- Thaw the rice overnight in the refrigerator.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen rice directly in the microwave. Place the frozen rice in a microwave-safe container, add a splash of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- To reheat the refrigerated rice, microwave it in a covered container with a splash of water for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the reheated rice appears dry, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to help restore its moisture and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Mexican Brown Rice
Stovetop method: place the leftover mexican brown rice in a pot or saucepan with a splash of vegetable broth or water. cover the pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and the liquid is absorbed. this method helps to restore moisture to the rice and prevent it from drying out.
Microwave method: transfer the leftover rice to a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of vegetable broth or water. cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the rice is heated through and the liquid is absorbed.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°f (175°c). place the leftover rice in an oven-safe dish and add a splash of vegetable broth or water. cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and the liquid is absorbed. this method is ideal for reheating larger quantities of rice.
Steamer method: place the leftover rice in a steamer basket lined with a damp paper towel or cheesecloth. set the basket over a pot of simmering water, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the basket. cover the steamer and let the rice steam for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. this method helps to retain the rice's moisture and texture.
Stir-fry method: heat a small amount of olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. add the leftover rice and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy. you can also add additional vegetables, proteins, or seasonings to create a new dish using the leftover rice as a base.
Interesting Fact About Mexican Brown Rice
A random fact about this Mexican brown rice recipe is that baking the rice in the oven ensures even cooking and prevents it from becoming mushy, which can often happen when cooking on the stovetop.
Is Making Mexican Brown Rice at Home Cost-Effective?
This Mexican brown rice recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like brown rice, tomatoes, and vegetable broth are affordable and readily available. The use of extra-virgin olive oil and fresh cilantro adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $10-$12 USD.
Is Mexican Brown Rice Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Mexican brown rice recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional white rice dishes. By using brown rice, the recipe provides more fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to its refined counterpart. The inclusion of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onion, garlic, and jalapeño adds a variety of nutrients and antioxidants to the dish. The use of vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth makes it suitable for vegetarians and vegans. However, the recipe does contain a significant amount of olive oil, which is high in calories and fat. While olive oil is a healthier fat option, it should still be consumed in moderation.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the recipe to lower the overall calorie and fat content
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the recipe
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as cumin or smoked paprika, to add flavor without relying on salt
- Serve the rice with a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or tofu, to create a well-balanced meal
Editor's Opinion on This Mexican Brown Rice Recipe
This Mexican brown rice recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of fresh tomatoes, onion, and garlic creates a robust base, while the jalapeño adds a subtle heat. Baking the rice ensures it absorbs all the rich vegetable broth and tomato mixture, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. The fresh cilantro and lime wedges add a refreshing finish. The use of brown rice not only makes it healthier but also adds a nutty depth. Overall, it's a well-balanced, vibrant dish that can complement a variety of meals.
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Why trust this Mexican Brown Rice Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of tomatoes, onion, and garlic with the wholesome goodness of long-grain brown rice. The addition of jalapeno pepper and red pepper flakes gives it a delightful kick, while cilantro and lime add a fresh finish. Baking the rice in the oven ensures it absorbs all the savory vegetable broth and tomato paste, resulting in a perfectly tender and flavorful dish. Trust this recipe for its balanced blend of spices and textures, making it a standout choice for any meal.
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