Mexican-Style Rice

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups jasmine or long-grain white rice
  • 4 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon (or other MSG seasoning)
  • 6 strips of bacon, chopped into pieces (or 1-2 tablespoons oil)
  • Optional: diced onions, garlic
  • Optional: freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice

Instructions:

  1. In a large 10" cast iron pan, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until it is crispy. If you're using oil instead, heat it up until it shimmers.

  2. Add the rice to the pan and sauté it with the bacon (or oil) over medium heat until it turns light golden brown, with some grains being a little darker. This process gives the rice a nutty flavor and is one of the secrets to achieving perfectly fluffy Mexican rice.

  3. If you're using onions and/or garlic, add them to the pan and sauté them with the rice until they're softened.

  4. In a separate pot, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the tomato sauce, paprika, salt, and chicken bouillon to the pot and stir to combine. Taste the liquid mixture to make sure it's properly seasoned to your liking. Remember, the rice will absorb the liquid so it's okay if it's slightly over seasoned to taste.

  5. Bring the pan to a low boil, stirring occasionally to make sure the rice doesn't stick to the bottom.

  6. Once the pan is at a low boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover the pan with a lid that fits correctly or aluminum foil. Let the rice simmer for at least 25 minutes.

  7. If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice over the rice before serving.

Note: It's important to use a 10" cast iron pan with a lid that fits correctly for this recipe. Cast iron pans are ideal for this recipe as they distribute heat evenly and retain heat well, ensuring that the rice cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. If you have a smaller cast iron pan, you should halve this recipe. Achieving perfectly fluffy and tender Mexican rice can take some practice, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't turn out perfectly the first time. If the rice is firm, al dente, or glossy, it may be a sign that something went wrong during the cooking process. Try adjusting the heat, stirring the rice more frequently, or adding a little more liquid next time. With a little practice, you'll be able to create delicious homemade Mexican rice that you and your loved ones will enjoy.