Authentic & Easy Gluten-Free Mexican Rice: Your Ultimate Flavorful Side Dish

This Mexican rice recipe offers the ultimate side dish for any Mexican or Tex-Mex dinner. Crafted with fresh, blended tomatoes, this incredibly flavorful rice truly surpasses most restaurant versions I’ve ever tasted. Forget tedious dicing—simply measure, blend, and pour. In less than half an hour, you’ll prepare a batch of rice so delicious, it’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, this recipe is completely free of wheat, gluten, dairy, egg, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame, making it safe and delicious for those avoiding the top 9 common allergens!

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Why This Mexican Rice Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

Prepare to be amazed by this Mexican rice. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and simplicity. Here’s why this recipe stands out and quickly earns a spot in your regular meal rotation:

Effortless Preparation: No Dicing Required! One of the biggest time-savers in this recipe is the complete elimination of chopping onions or mincing garlic by hand. We achieve incredible flavor using convenient onion powder and jarred minced garlic, allowing you to get dinner on the table faster without sacrificing taste.
Unrivaled Flavor: Better Than Restaurants! Many restaurant Mexican rice dishes can be surprisingly bland, but not this one. Our recipe creates a deeply savory and rich tomato-infused flavor that often outshines what you find when dining out. The secret lies in fresh tomatoes and a special ingredient we’ll discuss below.
The Perfect Companion: Elevates Any Meal. Whether you’re making tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, or quesadillas, this Mexican rice serves as the ideal accompaniment. Its robust flavor and satisfying texture beautifully round out any Mexican or Tex-Mex feast, making a complete and memorable meal.
Fresh Tomato Goodness: The Key to Authentic Taste. Instead of relying on canned tomato products, this recipe utilizes fresh Roma tomatoes. Blending them into a smooth puree ensures an authentic, vibrant tomato flavor that canned alternatives simply can’t match, providing a natural sweetness and tang.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: Just 9 Essentials. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic spices to make truly amazing Mexican rice. This recipe calls for only nine simple, everyday ingredients like long-grain white rice, water, salt, pepper, and our unique flavor boosters, proving that less can indeed be more when it comes to taste.
Easy Cleanup: Fewer Dishes to Wash. Nobody enjoys a sink full of dishes after cooking. This recipe is designed for minimal cleanup, requiring just one pot for cooking the rice, a blender for the tomato base, and a few measuring cups and spoons. Spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal!

Navigating Dietary Needs: Allergen-Friendly Mexican Rice

One of the most remarkable aspects of this Mexican rice recipe is its natural compatibility with various dietary restrictions, making it a fantastic choice for families with allergies or specific food preferences. It’s naturally free from many common allergens without requiring any special substitutions.

How This Mexican Rice is Naturally Gluten-Free

Good news for gluten-sensitive individuals! This recipe requires absolutely no ingredient swaps to be gluten-free. It is inherently free of gluten-containing grains and additives. However, it’s crucial to always exercise caution and thoroughly read every ingredient label of the specific brands you purchase. While the main components are naturally gluten-free, some manufacturers may include hidden gluten or process items in facilities with cross-contamination risks. For instance, the tomato bouillon I use doesn’t explicitly state “gluten-free” on its label, but its ingredient list contains no apparent gluten-containing items. Always choose brands you trust and are comfortable with, especially if you have severe sensitivities or celiac disease.

Enjoying Dairy-Free Mexican Rice with Ease

Many traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes incorporate cheese or other dairy products, but this flavorful rice requires none. All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally dairy-free, meaning there’s no need for any substitutions or special dairy-free alternatives. As with gluten, a quick check of ingredient labels ensures complete safety for those managing dairy allergies or intolerances.

Is This Mexican Rice Recipe Vegan?

While this Mexican rice is entirely meatless, it is important to note that it is **not vegan**. The presence of “chicken flavor” in the Knorr Caldo de Tomate (tomato bouillon with chicken flavor) indicates it contains chicken fat as an ingredient, making it unsuitable for a strict vegan diet. If you are preparing this for a vegan, you would need to source a plant-based tomato bouillon or adjust the recipe accordingly to omit this specific ingredient and replace it with a vegan vegetable broth and possibly some additional tomato paste for flavor.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Perfect Mexican Rice

The quality and type of your ingredients can significantly impact the final outcome of your Mexican rice. Here’s a closer look at our recommendations for the best results:

The Best Rice for Authentic Mexican Rice

For this recipe, I highly recommend using long-grain enriched white rice. A common and affordable choice like Walmart’s Great Value brand works perfectly. Long-grain white rice cooks up light and fluffy, and its starch content is ideal for achieving that classic, slightly separated grain texture characteristic of traditional Mexican rice. I would advise against using brown rice, as it requires a different liquid ratio and a significantly longer cooking time, which would alter the recipe’s integrity and timing.

What is Caldo de Tomate? The Flavor Secret!

Our secret ingredient for deep, savory tomato flavor is Caldo de Tomate. Specifically, I use the Knorr brand, which is widely available. On the packaging, you’ll see “Caldo de Tomate Con Sabor De Pollo,” which translates to “tomato bouillon with chicken flavor.” For us “gringos,” it’s essentially a tomato bouillon cube (or powder) that infuses the rice with an incredible depth of tomato and a subtle, savory chicken undertone. It’s a game-changer for authentic taste, much like using stock cubes in other cuisines.

Selecting Your Tomatoes for Freshness

For the freshest and most vibrant tomato flavor, this Mexican rice recipe calls for two medium Roma tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are preferred for their firm flesh, lower water content compared to other varieties, and excellent balance of sweetness and acidity, which contributes beautifully to the rice’s overall taste and color when blended.

Essential Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

While this recipe is incredibly simple, having the right tools makes the process even smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Medium Saucepan with Lid: A good quality saucepan with a tight-fitting lid is essential for evenly cooking the rice and trapping the steam needed for perfect fluffiness.
Spatula: For stirring the rice and preventing sticking, a heat-resistant spatula is indispensable.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy in measurements, especially for rice and liquids, ensures consistent results every time.
Blender: This is a key tool for achieving the smooth, restaurant-quality tomato base without any chunky bits. I personally swear by my Blendtec, which has served me faithfully for over 4,000 uses with only one cup replacement. It renders the Roma tomatoes into a velvety homemade tomato puree, creating the signature texture of this rice.
Chef’s Knife: While dicing is minimal, you’ll still need a sharp chef’s knife to halve the Roma tomatoes and for any other prep work.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Mexican Rice

Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite side dish:

Long grain white rice (for that classic fluffy texture)
Olive oil (to toast the rice and add richness)
Minced, jarred garlic (or two fresh cloves) (for aromatic depth, no chopping needed!)
Roma tomatoes (fresh is best for vibrant flavor and color)
Water (the essential liquid for cooking the rice)
Caldo de Tomate (tomato bouillon) (our secret weapon for authentic, deep tomato and savory flavor)
Onion powder (for a subtle onion essence without the tears)
Table salt (to enhance all the flavors)
Pepper, to taste (for a hint of spice and balance)

Perfect Pairings for Your Flavorful Mexican Rice

This versatile Mexican rice is the ideal companion for a wide variety of main dishes. Its rich flavor profile complements both traditional Mexican and popular Tex-Mex cuisine beautifully. Here are some of my top recommendations for a complete and satisfying meal:

Easy Chicken Fajita Marinade: The savory and zesty notes of my chicken fajita marinade create a fantastic contrast with the comforting rice.
Slow Cooker Pork Tacos: Serve a generous scoop of this rice alongside tender slow cooker pork tacos for a hearty and incredibly satisfying meal.
Baked Chicken Taquitos: The crispy texture of baked chicken taquitos finds its perfect match with the soft, flavorful rice.
30 Minute Salsa Sheet Pan Dinner: For a quick and easy weeknight meal, pair this rice with my 30-minute salsa sheet pan dinner—it simplifies your cooking while maximizing flavor.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chipotle Pork Tacos: The smoky and sweet notes of pineapple chipotle pork tacos are wonderfully balanced by the savory rice.

Make Ahead & Freezing Tips for Convenience

This Mexican rice recipe is perfect for meal prep and batch cooking, making your weeknights easier. You can absolutely make it ahead of time! Here’s how to store it and reheat it for best results:

Cooling: After cooking, allow the rice to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming and keeps the rice from becoming soggy.
Storage: Transfer the cooled rice into an airtight container. Make sure to pack it down slightly to remove excess air, which helps prevent freezer burn.
Freezing: Store in the freezer for up to three months. This makes it an excellent option for having a delicious side dish on hand whenever you need it.
Thawing (Optional): For best results, thaw the frozen rice overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of safe broth or water (about 1-2 tablespoons per cup of rice) to rehydrate and prevent it from drying out during reheating. Cover loosely and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Stovetop: Place the rice in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water. Cover and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Finishing Touch: Once reheated, fluff the rice gently with a fork to restore its texture and enjoy!

Is There a Video Showing How to Make This?

Yes, there is! I believe visual guides are incredibly helpful, especially for new recipes. The video should auto-populate on this page. If you don’t see it playing, you can typically find it embedded at the very bottom of the recipe card below. Should you still have trouble, you can always visit my YouTube Channel to watch this tutorial and many more. While you’re there, don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious, allergy-friendly recipes!

More Delicious Side Dishes You’ll Love

If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of fantastic side dishes, I have plenty of other allergy-friendly options that are sure to please. Here are some of my personal favorites:

Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
Irresistible Vegan Queso and Chips
Fluffy Gluten-Free Biscuits
Soft Gluten-Free Flour Tortillas
Authentic Pan de Bono
My Signature Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cornbread

And for an exclusive treat, don’t miss my cilantro lime rice recipe, available only in my cookbook!

The Heart of the Recipe: A Friendship Story & Homage to Yesenia

Every truly great recipe often carries a story, a memory, or an inspiration. For this Mexican rice, that inspiration comes from a cherished friendship that profoundly shaped my culinary journey. I have to give a huge, heartfelt shoutout to my best friend, Yesenia. I grew up in the quiet, often bland culinary landscape of Idaho. By chance, I was paired with Yesenia Garcia, a vibrant soul from Houston, Texas, whose parents were both first-generation immigrants from Mexico. Our friendship was clearly meant to be, a beautiful clash of cultures that enriched my life in countless ways.

Yesenia introduced me to so much more than just friendship; she opened my eyes to fashion, shoes, and most importantly, an entirely new world of flavor. I learned about bold seasonings like Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning, and for the first time, truly memorable Mexican rice. Before meeting her, I don’t recall ever having Mexican rice, or at least, none that left such a lasting impression. She was the one who introduced me to tomato bouillon—a completely novel concept to my Idahoan palate at the time, and a cornerstone of authentic Mexican cooking.

Yesenia is a natural chef, one of those gifted individuals who cooks purely from instinct and taste, rarely needing a written recipe. I’m certain her “from the hip” cooking is even better than my meticulously measured approach! Because she’s never had it formally written down, this recipe is my loving homage to her. It’s my very best attempt to recreate the wonderful, soul-satisfying Mexican rice she taught me to love, based on my memories and countless shared meals. Here’s to the more than 20 years of incredible memories, laughter, and friendship we’ve shared. I’ll think of you, Yesenia, every single time I make this rice.

Tips for Perfect Mexican Rice Every Time

Achieving perfectly fluffy and flavorful Mexican rice is simple with a few key tips:

Don’t Skip the Toasting: Toasting the rice in olive oil before adding liquids is crucial. This step brings out a nutty flavor, helps each grain cook separately, and prevents the rice from becoming sticky or mushy.
Blend Thoroughly: Ensure your tomato, water, and bouillon mixture is completely smooth. Any chunks can prevent even cooking and affect the rice’s texture.
Resist the Urge to Peek: Once the lid is on and the rice is simmering, avoid lifting the lid. Every time you peek, steam escapes, which is vital for properly cooking the rice.
Let it Rest: After simmering, remove the rice from the heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the remaining steam to fully absorb into the grains, resulting in perfectly fluffy rice.
Fluff with a Fork: Always fluff cooked rice with a fork, not a spoon. A fork gently separates the grains without crushing them, maintaining their integrity.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the rice after it’s cooked and fluffed. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes a little extra can make all the difference.

Possible Variations to Customize Your Mexican Rice

While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to customize it to your liking:

Add Vegetables: Stir in a half cup of frozen peas and carrots (thawed) during the last 5 minutes of simmering for added color and nutrition. Corn or diced bell peppers are also great additions.
Spice It Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a small amount of finely diced jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat) to the rice when you add the garlic.
Cilantro Boost: While cilantro is a common garnish, you can also stir a tablespoon or two of fresh chopped cilantro into the rice right before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
Smoky Flavor: A pinch of smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth and smoky note to the rice.

Mexican Rice

Yield:
6 servings

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Additional Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
5 minutes

This Mexican rice is the ultimate side dish for any Mexican or Tex-Mex diner. Made with blended tomatoes, this flavorful rice beats any restaurant I’ve had, hands down. No dicing is needed–just measure, blend and pour. In less than a half an hour you’ll have rice that will bring people back for seconds. This Mexican rice is free of: wheat, gluten, dairy, egg, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts and sesame; making it free of the top 9 allergens!

Ingredients

3/4 cups long grain white rice
2 TBSP olive oil
1 teaspoon minced, jarred garlic (or two cloves)
2 Roma tomatoes, tops cut off, washed and halved
2 and 1/2 cups water
1 square Caldo tomato bouillon
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Place a large sauce pan over medium heat. Pour your olive oil and rice. Stir frequently for two minutes.

Add the garlic and stir for one additional minute.

While the rice and garlic toasts, place your washed Roma tomatoes, water and tomato bouillon cube in a blender. Blend until pureed.

Pour the blender ingredients into the pan. Add your onion powder salt and pepper. Stir.

Bring to a boil.

Once boiling, place a lid on and lower it to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes.

The mixture will still look a little wet. Let stand with lid off for five minutes.

Fluff with a fork. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Serve with your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex dish for the ultimate side dish. See freezing directions above.

Notes

*Our allergies, while severe and that get re-tested frequently, are such that we can go strictly by what’s on the label. I do not call companies to see what things are derived from, or call manufacturers to see about potential cross contact. If your allergies require you to do so, please do your own homework. I cannot assure you of any ingredient’s safety, only you can do that. I simply share what works for our family.

**If you are going to feed this to someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have food allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them check every single brand and ingredient you are using, to ensure they’re OK with each part of the recipe. And, to make sure you’ve talked to them about how to avoid cross contamination in your kitchen.

Adapted from Taste Better From Scratch’s Authentic Mexican Rice.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 76Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 321mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT. WHILE YOU’RE THERE CHECK OUT MY OTHER SIDE DISH RECIPES!