This gluten-free Mexican rice recipe is so easy, full of zesty flavor, uses one skillet, and the perfect side dish for just about anything that you'll forget you made dinner at home. It's always a hit, no matter what I am making and can feed an army or a bunch of hungry kids, if needed.
Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer until water draining is clear. (This is optional, but it helps remove the starch and keep the cooked rice from being mushy.)
Add all of the ingredients to a medium saucepan, stir to mix well, and bring to a rapid boil over high heat.
Turn the heat down to a low simmer (a little less than medium low) and cook for 20 minutes. Remove cover and let stand 2-3 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Taste and add more salsa or seasoning, if needed.
Notes
We love to serve this rice on the side of tacos, burrito bowl, grilled chicken or steak, enchiladas, and any taco night spreads.Storage: Leftovers of this gluten-free Mexican rice will stay good in the fridge for up to a week.Tips for the BEST rice:
Use a good salsa: Since it’s the star ingredient, pick one you really love. It makes all the difference. We use my homemade canned salsa that I make every summer and store for the year. It's delicious and always hits the spot.
Homemade Taco Seasoning: Years and years ago, I used to buy taco seasoning from the store. However, food allergies hit our house and most contain wheat or a ton of unneeded ingredients. So, I bought bulk seasonings and started creating my own blends while saving a TON of money. This taco/fajita seasoning recipe is literally the best blend we've ever had and we use it on everything!
Adjust the heat: Mild salsa for kids, spicy salsa if you want a kick.
Make it your own: Add cheese, corn, peas, or diced bell peppers or onions for extra color and texture. Anything works in this rice recipe!
All nutritional values are approximate and provided to the reader as a courtesy. Changing ingredients and/or quantities will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.