Spicy Rice Recipe: Making a Zesty Mexican Side Dish at Home

This spicy rice recipe is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight recipe or a delicious side dish to bring to a potluck for Cinco de Mayo, this recipe is sure to impress.

The spicy rice is made with jalapeño peppers, sweet peppers, flavorful spices, and long-grain fluffy rice. It is bursting with zesty flavor and a satisfying kick of heat.

Keep reading to find out how to make spicy Mexican rice that is ready in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients for spicy rice recipe

Turning plain white rice into a Mexican rice side dish is easier than you might think. Start with long-grain white rice. This type of rice is fluffy and has a mild flavor that will act as a base for the spices but won’t overpower them.

The spices for Mexican rice are cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Their combination creates a bold and zesty flavor in this dish.

You’ll also need these ingredients:

• Butter and olive oil
• Onions and garlic
• Red bell peppers and chili peppers
• Tomatoes
• Corn and peas
• Kosher salt
• Shredded Cheddar cheese 

Be sure to use fresh ingredients, rather than canned ones, which can become mushy and affect the texture of the rice. 

Making spicy Mexican rice

Add the olive oil and butter to a nonstick frying pan and heat. Stir in the long-grain rice along with the chopped onions and garlic.

Cook gently until the rice is starting to get browned and the vegetables are tender.

Stir in the rest of the vegetables, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and diced jalapeños. Season the mixture with salt and cayenne pepper.

The flavors will start to combine and the aroma will tempt you to sample the mixture.

Stir in the water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 15-17 minutes until the rice is tender.

After cooking, let the rice sit for five minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This will make sure that the rice is evenly cooked and has a fluffy texture.

Some shredded Cheddar cheese will add a nice amount of decadence to the dish. 

Stir in the cheese and transfer the mixture to a serving dish. Top with a bit more cheese and some fresh cilantro.

I served this with my cheeseburger taco wraps and it made a great combination. The meal felt like we had gone out for our local takeout but it all came from my own kitchen.

The best part is that you have a tasty meal in 30 minutes or less.

Share this recipe for spiced Mexican rice on Twitter

If you enjoyed this Mexican spicy side dish recipe, be sure to share the recipe with a friend. Here is a tweet to get you started:

Ready for a flavor fiesta? Try our Spicy Mexican Rice recipe and enjoy a zesty kick of bold spices, fresh veggies, and fluffy rice! Perfect for a quick light meal or an easy Mexican side dish. #MexicanCuisine #RiceRecipe #SpicyFood Share on X

More Mexican recipes to try for Cinco de Mayo

Get ready for fiesta with some more delicious recipes for Cinco de Mayo! From classic dishes like chili, enchiladas, and taco wraps to unique twists on traditional favorites, these recipes are sure to add some flavor and fun to your celebration. 

• 30-Minute Easy Taco Melts – Spicy Taco Biscuit Recipe
• Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Taco Sauce – Spicy Mexican Recipe
• Skinny Cauliflower Mexican Rice – A Slim Downed Version of a Popular Favorite
• Steak Fajita Chili Recipe – (One Pot Gluten Free) Another Spicy Mexican Recipe
• Beef Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe – Healthy Eating Done Right!
• Mexican Chori Pollo – Gluten Free and Full of Bold Flavors

Pin this spicy Mexican Rice for later

Would you like a reminder of how to make rice spicy?  Just pin this photo to one of your International cooking boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.

Admin note: this post for making spicy Mexican rice first appeared on the blog in October of 2013. I have updated the post to add new photos, a printable recipe card, and a video for you to enjoy.

Yield: 6

Mexican Spicy Rice Dish

Print

Are you craving the taste of Mexican rice from your favorite Mexican restaurant? No need to go out or have take out.

Why not make your own spicy Mexican dish? It's perfect for a busy weeknight and great to bring to a Cinco de Mayo party.

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green and red bell pepper
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 clove garlic, minced
• 1 small jalapeno chili, diced
• 1/4 cup of corn kernels
• 1/4 cup of green peas
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (I used Cabot 40% reduced fat cheddar)

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan over medium high heat, melt the butter and olive oil.
2. Add the rice, onion, peppers, and garlic.
3. Cook until the rice is browned and vegetables are tender.
4. Add the corn and peas and gently cook.
5. Stir in the water, diced tomatoes, jalapeno chilis, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil. Season with pepper to taste.
7. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the rice is tender, about 15 to 17 minutes.
8. Let the rice sit for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
9. Stir in the cheddar cheese and transfer to a serving bowl.
10. Garnish with cilantro.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 284Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 697mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 13g

Nutritional information is approximate due to natural variation in ingredients and the cook-at-home nature of our meals.

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