rice and salsa recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
rice and salsa recipe
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The Best rice and salsa recipe

I love this rice and salsa recipe because it’s so easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. My family and I have been making it for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether we’re having a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests on the weekend, this recipe is always a good choice. I think what I love most about it is the combination of flavors and textures – the crunchy rice, the spicy salsa, and the freshness of the cilantro all come together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a side dish, use it as a base for tacos or burritos, or even turn it into a main course by adding some grilled chicken or steak. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – brown rice is a great source of fiber and nutrients, and salsa is packed with vitamins A and C.

So not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also good for you!

Mexican Rice and Salsa

Mexican Rice and Salsa

4.6 from 1453 votes

A flavorful combination of Mexican rice and fresh salsa. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Rice

2 cups long grain white rice
4 cups water
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt

For the Salsa

4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
3Set the rice aside to drain.
4In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
5Add the drained rice, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
6After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
7Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
8While the rice is cooking, prepare the salsa.
9In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
10Mix well and set aside.
11Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
12The salsa should have a balanced flavor with a slight kick from the jalapeño.
13In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
14Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
15Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
16The garlic should be fragrant and lightly golden.
17Add the diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and salt to the skillet.
18Stir well to combine and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
19The mixture should thicken slightly and the tomatoes should begin to break down.
20Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir gently to combine with the tomato mixture.
21Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and well coated with the tomato mixture.
22Serve the Mexican rice hot, topped with a generous spoonful of the fresh salsa.
23Enjoy your meal.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan with lid
Large skillet
Mixing bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 1.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier salsa, leave some of the seeds in the jalapeño pepper. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the rice for extra flavor and nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Mexican Rice and Salsa Works

This rice and salsa recipe is a family favorite and always a good idea for any occasion. It’s a great dish for family gatherings as it can be made in large batches and served to a large crowd. It’s also very versatile and can be customized to fit different dietary needs. It’s a great dish for meal prepping and can be made ahead of time. It’s also a great dish to take to a picnic or potluck. I usually make this dish a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the dish even more delicious. I also like to make a big batch of this dish and freeze it in individual portions. This makes it easy to have a quick and easy meal on hand. When I am ready to eat the frozen rice and salsa, I thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. I always make sure to stir the rice and salsa frequently when reheating, this helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents hot spots. I also like to add a little bit of cheese or sour cream when reheating, it adds extra flavor and creaminess.

You can serve this dish with a side of beans, corn, or chicken. You can also serve it with a side of chips or tortillas. You can also serve it with a side of guacamole or sour cream. It’s a great dish to serve with a cold drink, such as a glass of iced tea or lemonade. I always love seeing my family and friends enjoying this dish and I always get compliments on how good it tastes. I have also taught my kids how to make it, so now they can make it for themselves or for their friends.

This recipe is a great way to bring everyone together and create lasting memories. I always love how this dish brings a smile to everyone’s face. I have been making this recipe for years and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Rice and Salsa

1. What type of rice should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of rice for this recipe, but I prefer to use long grain rice. It has a lighter texture and separates well when cooked. You can also use medium grain rice or short grain rice, but the texture will be different.

2. Can I use canned salsa instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned salsa for this recipe. It’s a great time-saver and it’s usually just as flavorful. I recommend using a good quality canned salsa with chunky tomato sauce.

3. How do I store leftover rice and salsa?

I recommend storing leftover rice and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the rice from becoming soggy. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

4. Can I freeze rice and salsa?

Yes, you can freeze rice and salsa. I recommend freezing them separately to prevent the rice from becoming soggy. I usually freeze the rice and salsa in individual portions. This makes it easy to have a quick and easy meal on hand. I also make sure to label and date the containers, so I know when to use them by. When you’re ready to eat the frozen rice and salsa, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

5. Can I add other ingredients to this dish?

Yes, you can customize this dish to fit your tastes. I like to add beans, corn, or chicken to make it a more substantial meal. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini. I also like to add some chopped cilantro and lime juice to the rice and salsa mixture, it adds a fresh and zesty flavor.

6. How do I reheat leftover rice and salsa?

I recommend reheating leftover rice and salsa separately. I usually reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stove with a little bit of water or broth. This helps to prevent the rice from drying out. I also like to stir the rice frequently when reheating, this helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents hot spots. I usually reheat the salsa in the microwave or on the stove, this helps to heat it through evenly. I also like to add a little bit of cheese or sour cream when reheating, it adds extra flavor and creaminess.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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