This Spicy Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice is fluffy, zesty, and packed with citrusy heat thanks to Hot Rod Howie’s Spicy Citrus Cilantro Seasoning. It’s the side dish that refuses to stay in the background. One bite and suddenly your tacos are jealous.

How Many It Feeds
4 hungry humans
Cook Time
20 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Cook Temp
Medium heat, then low simmer
Servings
4

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed until water runs clear
2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium tomato, diced
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 tablespoon Hot Rod Howie’s Spicy Citrus Cilantro Seasoning
Salt, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Rinse and Drain
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside. This keeps your rice fluffy instead of sticky and sad.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomato and Toast the Rice
Stir in the diced tomato and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the rinsed rice and stir well, coating every grain with flavor. Let it toast for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 4: Season and Simmer
Pour in the broth and add Hot Rod Howie’s seasoning and salt to taste. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

Step 5: Rest and Fluff
Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork to release steam and create those beautiful, fluffy grains.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh cilantro or an extra shake of Hot Rod Howie’s if you like living on the spicy side.

Tips & Notes
Rinsing the rice is non-negotiable if you want restaurant-style texture.
Toast the rice well—this is where a lot of flavor develops.
Want more heat? Add another half tablespoon of Hot Rod Howie’s.
This rice reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Add peas, corn, or black beans if you want to turn this into a full-on rice bowl base.

Conclusion
This spicy Mexican rice proves that side dishes don’t have to be boring. With bright citrus notes, cilantro vibes, and just enough heat to keep things exciting, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll start making “by accident”