When whipping up a scrumptious batch of Mexican rice, the best type of rice to use is long-grain white rice. This variety of rice is known for its ability to absorb flavors well, making it an ideal candidate for the bold, zesty flavors typically found in Mexican rice recipes. Long-grain white rice also cooks up light and fluffy, with the individual grains remaining separate and distinct after cooking, preventing a clumpy or mushy texture.
Some popular long-grain white rice varieties to consider for your Mexican rice are:
Basmati: This aromatic long-grain rice has a slightly nutty flavor and cooks up fluffy and tender. Its a great option for Mexican rice, although its not the most traditional choice.
Jasmine: Another fragrant long-grain rice, jasmine rice has a slightly sticky texture when cooked, but it can still work well in Mexican rice dishes if youre looking for a more fragrant option.
American long-grain white rice: This is the most common and widely available long-grain white rice variety. Its versatile and works well in a variety of dishes, including Mexican rice.
Remember to rinse your rice thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove any excess starch. This will help to prevent the rice from becoming sticky or gummy as it cooks. By choosing the right type of rice and following your favorite Mexican rice recipe, youll be well on your way to creating a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs beautifully with a wide range of Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. Enjoy!