Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice Recipe
Introduction
Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice is a flavorful and simple side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican meals. Toasting the rice before simmering it with tomato and chicken bouillon gives it a rich, savory depth that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Knorr Chicken Bouillon Powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic.
- Step 3: Cook the garlic in the melted butter for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly with the butter and garlic.
- Step 5: Cook the rice, stirring occasionally, until it becomes toasty and lightly golden, about 10 minutes.
- Step 6: While the rice is toasting, whisk together the water, tomato paste, and chicken bouillon powder in a bowl until well combined.
- Step 7: Pour the water mixture into the skillet with the toasted rice and stir well to combine.
- Step 8: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
- Step 9: Simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Step 10: Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sauté chopped onions with the garlic before adding the rice.
- Use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
- Add a pinch of cumin or chili powder to the water mixture for a spicier twist.
- Use homemade chicken broth in place of water for a richer taste.
Storage
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust simmering time accordingly and check for doneness before serving.
Is it necessary to toast the rice before cooking?
Toasting the rice adds a nutty flavor and helps keep the grains separate, enhancing the final texture and taste of the dish.
Print
Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice is a flavorful and aromatic side dish made with toasted long grain white rice, garlic, tomato paste, and chicken bouillon, simmered to perfection for a tender and fluffy texture. This classic recipe is perfect for pairing with your favorite Mexican meals or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Knorr Chicken Bouillon Powder
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the 2 cups of long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy, separate grains after cooking.
- Melt the butter and cook garlic: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Toast the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet. Stir continuously and cook the rice for about 10 minutes until it becomes toasty and lightly golden. This step adds a nutty flavor and helps prevent mushy rice.
- Prepare the liquid mixture: While the rice is toasting, whisk together 4 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of Knorr Chicken Bouillon Powder in a bowl until fully combined.
- Add the liquid and boil: Pour the water mixture into the toasted rice in the skillet. Bring it to a boil, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, uncover, and use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Serve warm alongside your favorite Mexican dishes or enjoy on its own.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice is essential to remove starch and prevent clumping.
- Toast the rice carefully to avoid burning; it should turn a light golden color.
- Use a tight-fitting lid to ensure steam stays inside, which helps cook the rice evenly.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon.
- Letting the rice sit covered off the heat for 5 minutes after cooking improves texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Mexican rice, homemade rice, garlic rice, tomato paste rice, stovetop rice recipe, side dish, savory rice

