Vegan Mexican Rice

Last Updated on December 7, 2023

This is the most effective way to make homemade Vegan Mexican Rice (sometimes referred to as Spanish Rice). No matter what you call it, we’ve got the most delicious and easiest vegan Mexican rice recipe ever.

We always serve this side dish with Vegan Mexican food!

It’s plant-based, gluten-free, and also suitable for vegetarians. It’s simple and quick to prepare, it goes perfectly with Vegan Birria Tacos, Vegan Chili, and Vegan Fajitas!

Vegan Mexican Rice

Plain white rice is the most common type of rice in southern Mexico. As Mexican rice is flavored with Mexican spices, broth, tomato, onion, and garlic, it is referred to as Mexican rice.

Why Is Mexican Rice Also Called Spanish Rice?

It is unclear why Mexican rice is also called Spanish rice. According to history, Mexican rice was first introduced by the Spanish when they conquered and settled the country in the 1500s.

It is also possible that the names are interchangeable simply because Spanish is the language of the majority in Mexico.

That’s why it’s called Spanish rice.

Generally, rice, tomato sauce, garlic, and broth make up most Spanish rice and Mexican rice recipes. Seasonings and additions to the dish, like onions and peppers, may vary slightly.  

Gluten-Free Friendly?

Rice is naturally gluten-free. However, some seasonings for rice may not be gluten-friendly.

In some cases, rice is cooked in vegetable broth containing gluten since many store-bought broths do. You should always check the ingredient labels if you’re on a gluten-free diet.

Vegan Mexican Recipe

• Long-grain rice– Any variety of long-grain rice is preferred for Mexican rice because it has less starch than shorter-grain rice. There is more starch in shorter-grain rice, which makes it stickier. The rice I have used includes basmati, jasmine, and white long-grain rice. This recipe works well with all of them. After you rinse the rice, you need to make sure it is completely dry before cooking. I found it didn’t make much difference whether I rinsed it or not ( rice is clean enough already).

• Tomato Puree (Passata)

• Vegetable stock (low-sodium)

• Seasonings – Onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

How to Make Mexican Rice

✴️  Important: Rice must be toasted in oil before pouring liquid in, and this step should not be skipped or rushed. 

The oil toasts the rice, keeping it from becoming too starchy or mushy, and also adds a nutty flavor.

It is easier and much quicker to cook rice when it has been pan-fried beforehand.

1. Add vegetable broth, tomato puree, oregano, paprika, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl and whisk them together.

2. Heat the olive oil over in a medium-sized pot over medium-low heat. Add the rice, stirring frequently, until the rice becomes “toasted” (golden yellowish color). This process will take around 10 minutes (Please be patient, this step is very important).

3. Pour the vegetable broth mixture slowly over the toasted rice. (Please be careful as it might splash). Stir and bring it to a boil.

4. Once it boils, turn the heat to very low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for around 10 minutes.

5. Once the liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat. Use a fork to fluff the rice.

6. Put the lid back on, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Hope you enjoy this vegan Mexican rice 😘 

More Comfort Food

• Whole Wheat Tortillas
• Sofritas
• Vegan Chili 
• Black Bean Mango Salad
• Vegan Fajitas
• Vegan Birria Tacos with Consommé
• Buffalo Chickpea Wrap
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Sticky Corn Ribs
• Mexican spices