I wanted to try fried rice, so I thought of giving it a Mexican touch. Why Mexican? Mexican because I love the concept of this cuisine, where you can experiment with the veggies and the leftover rice. The fusion of veggies and fried rice gives me satisfaction because I am a vegetarian. The vibrant flavor of this Mexican cuisine is super delicious. It has cooked white rice, which is stir-fried with ingredients such as onions, garlic, corn, green chilies, tomatoes, and Mexican spices. The result turns out to be a colorful and awesome dish. It is a proper balanced diet with a touch of traditional flavors too. Just try this one at home for your family members and I am sure you will not be disappointed.
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What is so special about the Mexican Fried Rice Recipe?
This is a unique Mexican dish that is sure to delight fried rice lovers. I adore the way it tastes, blending the lovely flavors of corn, beans, salsa, and spices. The best thing about it is how quick and simple it is to make. All you need is cooked rice and fried vegetables, though you can also include small amounts of protein. You just need to mix everything and add some Mexican seasoning to it. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers, tomatoes, corn, and cilantro in this dish will make the Mexican Fried Rice filling rich. There is no doubt that this can make a delicious side dish along with other Mexican meals.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
- 1 4-ounce can of green chiles (drained)
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions (sliced, save a few slices for garnish)
How to Make Mexican Fried Rice Recipe
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook: | 15 minutes |
| Total: | 25 minutes |
This Mexican dish, which is ready in less than 30 minutes, is simply awesome. The cooking time is just 15 minutes; hence, preparing it is not difficult. The foremost thing to do to make a Mexican Fried Rice recipe is to heat the vegetable oil. Add diced onions and cook them until they turn translucent, followed by bell peppers and corn kernels. Mix all the remaining ingredients, which are black beans, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Lastly, add cooked rice to the mixture of veggies. You are free to add other ingredients, such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or any type of protein, as per your preferences. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Notes
Protein: You can enhance the flavors of Mexican Fried Rice by adding protein like cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This will make your recipe even more healthy.
Variations in Vegetables: You are free to add as many vegetables as you like, such as bell peppers, peas, or other vegetables, for that extra color and nutrients.
Leftover Rice: The best part is that you can use the leftovers in this recipe for quicker meal preparation.
Seasoning: For the flavors, you can adjust the amount of chili powder and spices as per your taste buds. The use of spices not only adds flavor but also promotes health and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Nutrition: The colorful vegetables in the Mexican Fried Rice make this recipe high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Check out the Nutrition Facts table below for more information.
Mexican Fried Rice Recipe
PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES || COOK TIME:15 MINUTES || COURSE: MAIN COURSE || CUISINE: MEXICAN – AMERICAN
This Mexican Fried Recipe is a colorful delight for weekdays for your family members and friends. Here’s the basic recipe to make it.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
- 1 4-ounce can of green chiles (drained)
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions (sliced, save a few slices for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a spacious skillet on medium-high heat.
- Sauté the finely diced onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add chopped tomatoes, thawed corn, and drained green chiles. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until excess liquid evaporates.
- Introduce minced garlic and seasonings. Sauté the garlic until it starts to turn golden, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil and cooked rice. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, blending the rice and flavors.
- Incorporate sliced green onions, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Garnish with additional green onion slices.
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 235kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 83mg |
| Sodium | 332mg |
| Potassium | 242mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Vitamin A | 461IU |
| Vitamin C | 14mg |
| Calcium | 39mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
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FAQs: Mexican Fried Rice Recipe
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Certainly! While white rice is commonly used in fried rice dishes, you can substitute brown rice for a nuttier and slightly healthier alternative. Keep in mind that brown rice may require a slightly longer cooking time.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
Absolutely. You can omit the butter and use plant-based oil instead. Additionally, consider replacing chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegan version that retains the delicious flavors.
3. Is it possible to adjust the level of spiciness?
Yes, you have control over the heat level. Adjust the amount of chili powder and green chiles to suit your preference. For a softer version, omit these ingredients.
4. Can I add protein to this dish?
Certainly! Grilled or sautéed tofu, cooked black beans, or diced cooked chicken can be wonderful protein additions to enhance the dish’s nutritional value.
5. How can I prevent the rice from becoming too mushy?
To ensure the rice remains fluffy and separate, use cold, day-old cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be stickier, making it more likely to become mushy during stir-frying.
6. What can I serve with Mexican Fried Rice?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of Mexican-inspired sides such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or a simple green salad. You can also enjoy it alongside grilled proteins or as a filling for burritos and wraps.
7. Can I make a larger batch for meal prep?
Absolutely. Simply adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly and follow the same cooking steps. Cooked Mexican Fried Rice can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
8. How can I add extra freshness to the dish?
Consider garnishing your Mexican Fried Rice with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or diced avocado before serving. These additions will provide a burst of vibrant flavors and a refreshing contrast.
9. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen corn and other vegetables if fresh ones are not available. Make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the dish to prevent excess moisture.
10. Is this dish suitable for special dietary needs?
Mexican Fried Rice can easily be customized to accommodate various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Adjust the ingredients and seasonings accordingly to create a dish that meets your dietary requirements.
NICE TO MEET YOU!
Welcome! I’m Sumi, and I have a love for FOOD. Here, we’re all almost the pleasure of homemade delicious recipes.
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