Arroz Primavera (or Mexican White Rice) is the perfect side for any meal. It’s full of flavor and I’ll show you how to make it perfectly fluffy each and every time!
If you need a break from Mexican Red Rice this is the recipe for you! This Arroz is served throughout Mexico since it goes perfect with any seafood dish like these Blackened Salmon Tacos. Enjoy!
This simple Mexican side dish makes great use of pantry staples to create complex flavors with minimal work. A liquid mixture of onion and garlic is used to flavor the rice, and it's added during the sautéting process. It results in a delightfully fluffy and savory steamed white rice.
Let me show you how to make this delicious Arroz but also learn the key to making it fluffy each and every time! I swear this is the Best Mexican Rice Recipe!
The Ingredients
- The Rice - Use any long-grain rice you have handy. You can also use Basmati or Jasmine rice as they're considered long-grain rice.
- White onion & garlic blended pureed in water - This is where the flavor comes from so don't skip them!
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil - Other oils like avocado, grapeseed and canola will work too.
- For the seasoning we use kosher salt and chicken stock. Homemade is best but store bought will work as well. Buy the ones that come in the cartoon as they taste more natural vs. the canned stuff.
- Frozen or fresh mixed vegetables (corn, peas & carrots). For these you can use all 3, just two of them or just 1. Pick your favorites!
How to make Arroz Primavera
- Always rinse your rice first. Place it in a small hole colander and rinse well with cold water. Drain to make sure it does not have any water residue.
- In a blender or small food processor, puree the onion and garlic with the 1/3 cup of water. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and heat on medium high.
- Once the oil is hot, add the rice and sauté until opaque (do not let it turn golden).
- Add the onion & garlic mixture to the rice and mix well. Turn the heat to medium low and let the rice absorb the onion/garlic liquid. About 2 minutes.
- Add the salt to the chicken broth and mix well this will ensure that the salt is distributed well on throughout the rice.
- Then add the chicken broth to the sautéed rice.
- Add the frozen vegetables but don't mix them into the rice yet. Just leave them on top.
- Bring it to a gentle simmer then cover saucepan with lid. Reduce heat to very low and let cook undisturbed 15 minutes.
- Now here is the key to make sure the rice stays fluffy: Remove rice from the heat, leaving the lid on, and let rest for another 15 minutes. Remove lid and cool for 5 minutes before mixing it.
- With a large fork gently fluff the rice and evenly disperse the vegetables.
Note: Leaving the rice to rest for an additional 15 minutes before touching it, it's the key to a fluffy Mexican White Rice!
The secret is cooking rice by simmering it for 15 minutes covered with a lid to catch the condensation, then steam the rice for 15 additional minutes more. Don't worry; it won't be overcooked. It will be fluffy perfection!
If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! Leave me a comment below to let me know how you liked it? By adding a comment and star rating you’re helping Muy Delish get even better! 👇 Gracias!!!!
Recipe
Arroz Primavera (Mexican White Rice)
Equipment
- Blender or small food processor
- Medium sauce pan or medium-size deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1/3 cup white onion chopped
- 1 large garlic clove (or 2 smaller ones)
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups chicken stock hot
- 3/4 cup frozen or fresh mixed vegetables (corn, peas & carrots) See note
Instructions
- Place rice in a colander and rinse well.
- In a blender or small food processor, puree the onion and garlic with the 1/3 cup of water. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and heat on medium high.
- Once the oil is hot, add the rice and sauté until opaque (do not let it turn golden).
- Add the onion & garlic mixture to the rice and mix well. Turn the heat to medium low and let the rice absorb the onion/garlic liquid. About 2 minutes.
- Add the salt to the chicken broth and mix well. Then add the chicken broth to the rice.
- Add the vegetables.
- Bring it to a gentle simmer then cover saucepan with lid. Reduce heat to very low and let cook undisturbed 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, leaving the lid on, and let rest for another 15 minutes. Remove lid and cool for 5 minutes.
- With a large fork gently fluff the rice and evenly disperse the vegetables.
- Enjoy while warm
- Store leftovers in fridge in an air tight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Here are a few ideas for what to serve this Arroz Primavera with:
Filled with flavor. Great side dish. Thank you!
This looks like a delicious Mexican rice!