Fluffy, bright, and full of flavor—no chicken broth needed.

Craving Mexican rice but out of chicken broth? No problem. You can still make soft, tasty rice with simple pantry swaps. It’s easy, fast, and super yummy.

The Short Answer

To make Mexican rice without chicken broth, toast rinsed long-grain rice in oil, then cook it in vegetable broth or salted water with tomato (sauce or puree), onion, garlic, and a pinch of cumin. Simmer until fluffy. That’s it.

Why This Works

Toasting the rice gives it a nutty taste. Tomato adds color and tang. Onion, garlic, and spices bring big flavor. Vegetable broth or salted water replaces chicken broth just fine.

Ingredients (Base Recipe, 4 Servings)

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons oil (canola, vegetable, or olive)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or 1/2 cup blended canned tomatoes
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 small garlic clove, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or 1 1/2 cups water + 1/2 teaspoon salt (taste and adjust)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional but tasty)
• Salt, to taste
• Optional mix-ins: 1/4 cup peas, 1/4 cup diced carrots, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, squeeze of lime

Step-by-Step (Foolproof)

1. Rinse the rice. Rinse under cool water until it runs mostly clear. Drain well.
2. Toast. Heat oil in a skillet (with lid) over medium. Add rice. Stir until lightly golden, 3–5 minutes.
3. Flavor base. Add onion and cook 1–2 minutes. Add garlic and cumin; stir 30 seconds.
4. Tomato + liquid. Stir in tomato sauce. Add vegetable broth (or salted water). Taste the liquid; it should be pleasantly salty.
5. Simmer. Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 15–18 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.
6. Rest. Turn off heat. Keep covered 5–10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
7. Finish. Fold in peas, carrots, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime, if you like.

No Chicken Broth? Best Easy Swaps

• Vegetable broth: Clean, light, and tasty.
• Salted water: Add extra onion, garlic, and tomato for flavor.
• Tomato water: Blend 1/2 cup tomato with water; season with salt.

Pro Tips for Fluffy Rice

• Rinse rice to remove extra starch.
• Toast until lightly golden for deeper flavor.
• Keep the lid on while simmering—no peeking!
• Let it rest covered so steam finishes the job.

Flavor Boosters (Pick 1–2)

• 1 bay leaf while simmering (remove before serving)
• 1 tablespoon minced bell pepper with the onion
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder
• Fresh lime zest at the end

Make It Your Way

• Mild: Skip chili powders; add peas and carrots.
• Spicy: Add minced jalapeño with the onion.
• Veggie-packed: Fold in corn kernels and diced zucchini.
• Cilantro-lime: Stir in cilantro and lime juice at the end.

Troubleshooting

• Rice is hard: Add 2–3 tablespoons hot water, cover, cook 2–3 more minutes, rest.
• Rice is mushy: Use less liquid next time (try 1 3/4 cups per 1 cup rice). Don’t stir while cooking.
• Too pale: Add a bit more tomato or a pinch of paprika.

Storage & Reheat

• Fridge: 3–4 days in a sealed container.
• Freeze: Up to 2 months, flat in a bag.
• Reheat: Splash of water, cover, warm on low heat or microwave.

Quick Variations (1-Pan, 20 Minutes)

• Green Rice: Blend spinach, cilantro, and a little water; use as part of the liquid.
• Corn & Lime: Fold in 1/2 cup corn and finish with lime juice.
• Tomato-Garlic: Add extra minced garlic and a bit more tomato sauce.

Simple Add-On Meal Ideas

• Black beans + avocado slices
• Grilled veggies + salsa
• Fried egg on top + pico de gallo

FAQ

Can I use brown rice? Yes, but add more liquid (about 2 1/4 cups) and cook longer (35–40 minutes).

Is it vegan? Yes, if you use vegetable broth or water.

Can I skip tomato? Yes. Use broth or salted water and add a pinch of turmeric or paprika for color.

5-Step Super-Fast Recap

1. Rinse and drain 1 cup rice.
2. Toast in 2 tbsp oil.
3. Add onion, garlic, cumin.
4. Stir in 1/2 cup tomato and 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or salted water).
5. Simmer covered 15–18 min, rest 5–10, fluff, enjoy.

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