Easy Vegan Mexican Rice

Spice up your life with this tasty Mexican rice recipe. Made with brown rice and a combination of spices and vegetables, this oil-free rice recipe tastes like an authentic vegan Mexican rice dish.

Although I tried and failed several times, I finally discovered the secret to a fabulous Mexican rice recipe. Everyone in my house loves Mexican food. Unfortunately, restaurant-style Mexican rice is full of oil and chicken broth. So, I made a healthy Mexican rice recipe my family would love. 

With a little help from few simple ingredients, brown rice can be transformed into a tasty Mexican rice recipe you will make time and time again. 

The Secret to Perfectly Cooked Mexican Rice

There is, however, a secret, which I recently discovered after several failed attempts to make Mexican rice. Whenever I attempted making Mexican rice in the past, it always turned out mushy and lacked flavor. 

Then, I discovered some simple tricks to make my rice exactly how I love it; sassy and firm. 

• The key to this recipe is to sauté the rice in a pan until toasted and golden brown.
• Since I don't cook with oil, I first use a non-stick pan and cook the garlic, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro.
• The sweat from the vegetables and a little vegetable broth makes the perfect oil substitute.

What is Vegan Mexican Rice?

Spanish rice, also known as Mexican rice, red rice, or Arroz Rojo, is a Mexican side made from white rice, garlic, onions, and tomatoes. 

Although traditionally made with chicken broth, my Mexican rice recipe is made with healthy vegan ingredients.

Vegan Mexican Rice Ingredients

• White Onion: White onion has a strong flavor; however, when cooked, it sweetens.
• Jalapeños: The jalapeño is a medium-sized chili pepper. Removing the seeds and veins from the peppers makes them more mild in flavor.
• Garlic:I prefer using fresh garlic cloves whenever possible.
• Long-Grain Brown Rice: True to its name, long-grain brown rice is slim and lengthy, nearly four to five times longer than it is wide. This type of rice includes American long-grain white and brown rice, Basmati rice, and Jasmine rice, and it produces distinct firm grains that stay fluffy and separate after cooking.
• Tomato Sauce: I used low-sodium, organic tomato sauce.
• Rotel Roasted Tomatoes: Rotel Roasted Tomatoes is a brand of canned tomatoes and green chilies that come in various varieties with different spiciness. The original is based on a Texas family recipe that uses vine-ripened tomatoes, green chilies, and a secret spice blend. 
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro has a lemon, peppery, and pungent taste, and some people say it even tastes like soap due to the natural aldehyde chemicals in the leaves. Dried cilantro has a more subtle flavor, and we recommend using it as a food topper.
• Vegetable Broth: I use low-sodium vegetable broth.
• Cumin: Cumin adds instant depth to any dish. Use ground Cumin rather than whole Cumin seed in recipes where you want the flavor to disperse evenly throughout.
• Chili Powder: Chili powder is the dried, pulverized fruit of one or more varieties of chili pepper, sometimes with the addition of other spices.
• Salt and Pepper to Taste: Choose how much salt and pepper you prefer.

Vegan Mexican Rice Ingredient Substitutions

• Yellow onion is an excellent substitute for white onion. Red onions also work well in this recipe.
• If you like it spicier, choose serrano peppers instead of jalapeños, or add a few seeds from the jalapeños.
• Choose any rice, but the cooking time may vary based on the type of rice chosen.
• Use regular canned tomatoes instead of Rotel tomatoes for less spicy Mexican rice.

How to Make One-Pot Mexican Rice

• First, use a non-stick pan and cook the garlic, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro.
• The sweat from the vegetables and a little vegetable broth makes the perfect oil substitute.
• This helps the grains keep some of their texture after they are cooked.
• Next, the rice simmers in a puree of tomatoes, onions, and vegetable broth absorbs all flavors.

• Adding additional cilantro after cooking, a few fresh limes, and a light fluff with a fork guarantees the best rice ever, every single time.
• Once the ingredients are added, the rice simmers in the mixture are covered for 35 minutes. 

• As I said, a little squeeze of lime and some extra cilantro brings it all together! 

• This Mexican rice recipe can be served as a side dish with any of your favorite Mexican foods. 
• For instance, I served this delicious rice on the side of my chimichanga recipe. 

Recipe FAQs

Tips

• Wait until the onion, garlic, and jalapeños are cooked down and the onions are caramelized before adding the dry rice.
• The rice should be dry when added to the cooking vegetables in the pan.
• If using fresh tomatoes, add them to teh onion-garlic mixture and cook them down before adding the brown rice.
• Serve as a main dish with Mexican Corn Salad.
• Or, serve as a side dish with your favorite Vegan Tacos

Try this delicious vegan Mexican rice recipe in one pot for Taco Tuesday. Perfect for an easy main or side dish with only one pan to clean.

More Delicious Vegan Mexican Recipes

If you love this easy Mexican rice recipe, give us a 5-star review and comment below. We would love to har from you.

📖 Recipe