Salsa Rice

Salsa rice, also known as Mexican rice, is a flavorful side dish famous for its colorful red hue. This recipe whips up in minutes thanks to instant rice and premade salsa, but if you want to go the extra mile, feel free to use regular rice and homemade salsa.

Serve it alongside any number of authentic Mexican recipes, or opt for a slightly different flavor combination, pairing it with a Tex-Mex, Southwestern or even Cajun main dish like blackened shrimp. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this dish, so have fun and experiment!

Salsa Rice Ingredients

• Salsa: For added texture, we suggest using chunky salsa. You can choose your favorite jarred brand or make homemade salsa.
• Rice: Instant rice has been parboiled so it cooks in a fraction of the time. If you do use regular rice, opt for a long grain variety and soak it for at least a few hours beforehand.
• Cheese: We like Colby-Monterey Jack for this recipe because it has a balanced flavor and melts easily. If you want to use a more traditional Latin American cheese, go for queso fresco, cotija or Chihuahua cheese.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the rice and salsa together

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In a saucepan, bring the water and salsa to a boil. Stir in the rice, remove from the heat and let it stand for five minutes with the lid on.

Step 2: Add the cheese

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Toss the cheese into the saucepan and return the lid. Let the cheese melt, about 30 seconds.

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Salsa Rice Variations

• Switch up the salsa: Have fun trying different salsa recipes in this dish and seeing which you like best. Depending on the salsa you use, you may prefer adding just a touch of tomato paste to the boiling water, waiting to stir in the salsa after the rice is cooked.
• Toss in a protein: Shredded chicken, Mexican chorizo or veggie sausage are tasty additions. Be sure to cook your protein before you add it because the rice doesn’t need more than a few minutes to cook.

How to Store Salsa Rice

To store salsa rice, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and place in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, you can either use the microwave or place it on the stovetop over medium heat.

Can I freeze salsa rice?

Because cheese doesn’t always freeze well, we suggest omitting it from any salsa rice you know you’ll freeze. To this end, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to six months (without cheese) or up to four months (with cheese).

Salsa Rice Tips

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Why is my Mexican rice bland?

Because rice is so mild in flavor, it’s best to emphasize the flavor of the ingredients paired with it. Garlic, onion or a sprinkle of cilantro can all do wonders for salsa rice.

Why does Mexican restaurant rice taste better?

In Mexico, it’s common to lightly fry the rice in lard or oil before boiling it. This develops the flavor of the rice and of course, the added fat brings its own lovely savoriness and mouthfeel.

What to pair with salsa rice?

Of course, salsa rice isn’t a meal on its own, so figuring out what to serve it with is essential. Grilled steak tips, black bean soup or chili lime chicken all make delicious options. Round out your meal with a sauteed veggie or Mexican street corn and you’re good to go.