If you have a craving for a vibrant, flavorful side dish that instantly transports you to a sun-soaked Mexican kitchen, then you are going to love this Mexican Rice with Sazón Goya and Tomatoes Recipe. It captures the perfect balance of aromatic spices, tender rice, and a burst of tomato freshness, all brought together with that unmistakable Sazón Goya seasoning that adds a warm, earthy depth. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or want to impress friends with an authentic yet simple dish, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a wonderful example of how a handful of humble ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a vital role, from the rice’s fluffy texture to the bright tomato chunks and the unmistakable flavor punch of Sazón Goya seasoning.
- Olive oil: Provides a gentle richness and prevents the rice from sticking while sautéing.
- Small yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a fragrant base for the rice.
- Minced garlic: Gives a burst of savory aroma that complements the other flavors.
- White rice (jasmine works beautifully): The main star that soaks up all those delicious seasonings.
- Sazón Goya Con Culantro Y Achiote seasoning packet: This is the magic that infuses the rice with its signature color and flavor.
- 14oz can diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a bright, fresh hit to every bite.
- Water: Needed to cook the rice to fluffy perfection.
- Oregano: Offers an earthy herbal note that rounds out the overall taste.
How to Make Mexican Rice with Sazón Goya and Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a teaspoon of olive oil in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, letting them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn translucent and begin to release their delightful fragrance. This step builds the aromatic foundation that makes the rice irresistibly flavorful.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Next, add the cup of white rice to the pot and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes. Toasting the rice slightly helps to develop a subtle nuttiness while ensuring the grains separate beautifully as they cook. You’ll notice the rice starts to shimmer just a bit after this quick step.
Step 3: Add the Star Ingredients
Now it’s time to introduce the Sazón Goya seasoning packet, the can of diced tomatoes, 1 ½ cups of water, and a teaspoon of oregano. Stir everything together so the rice becomes fully coated with all these ingredients. Place the lid on the pot and bring it to a boil; this signals the moment everything starts to meld into a harmonious dish.
Step 4: Simmer Undisturbed
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and keep the lid on. Let the rice cook for 10 minutes without opening the lid or stirring. This patient cooking process allows the rice to absorb all the savory tomato juices and fragrant spices perfectly while staying fluffy.
Step 5: Finish and Fluff
After 10 minutes, peek inside and check if the rice is still watery. If it is, leave it covered for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Once the liquid has fully absorbed, remove the pot from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork. This final touch releases steam and ensures the grains stay separate and tender, ready to be enjoyed immediately.
How to Serve Mexican Rice with Sazón Goya and Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a few slices of avocado are fantastic garnishes that bring an extra layer of freshness and creaminess to your Mexican Rice with Sazón Goya and Tomatoes Recipe. For a little heat, add a few pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce on the side.
Side Dishes
This rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, carnitas, or even a simple black bean salad. It’s a fantastic base for any Mexican-inspired feast and takes center stage when served alongside crispy tacos or enchiladas, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To really impress guests or enjoy a festive presentation, try serving this rice molded into small domes using a bowl or ramekin. It looks vibrant on the plate, and you can top each serving with a wedge of lime for a zesty finish. Mixing in some corn kernels or black beans while cooking can add pops of color and texture, making it even more inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, transfer the rice into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days while maintaining most of its flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Mexican Rice with Sazón Goya and Tomatoes Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure it is cooled completely before freezing to avoid sogginess upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the rice on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, fluffing again before serving to restore its light texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, you can use long-grain white rice or even brown rice. Just note that cooking times and liquid amounts may vary slightly.
What is Sazón Goya, and why is it important?
Sazón Goya is a flavorful seasoning blend that often includes culantro, achiote, and other spices. It imparts the rice with its signature color, depth, and authentic taste that’s hard to replicate with other seasonings.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan as it uses olive oil and plant-based ingredients. Just double-check that your Sazón Goya packet does not contain any animal products, but most are plant-based.
How do I adjust the recipe for larger or smaller portions?
Simply multiply or divide the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you want. Just be mindful of the pot size and cooking times to avoid overcrowding, which can affect texture.
Is it better to rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing is a personal preference — it removes excess starch that can make rice gummy. For this recipe, you can rinse until the water runs clear for fluffier rice, or skip it if you prefer a little more stickiness to the grains.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Rice with Sazón Goya and Tomatoes Recipe is one of those unbelievably simple dishes that radiate warmth and comfort in every spoonful. Its lively colors and rich flavors make it a star at any meal, whether everyday or special occasion. Give it a try, and soon you’ll find this vibrant rice becoming your go-to side dish, perfect for sharing with those you love.
Print
Mexican Rice with Sazón Goya and Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
This vibrant Mexican Rice recipe is a flavorful side dish perfect for any meal, featuring sautéed onions and garlic, seasoned with a distinctive Sazón Goya packet, and cooked with diced tomatoes and oregano for a deliciously aromatic and colorful rice accompaniment.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup white rice (jasmine recommended)
- 1 packet Sazón Goya Con Culantro Y Achiote seasoning
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Prepare aromatics: In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes slightly translucent and fragrant.
- Toast the rice: Add the white rice to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the grains, enhancing their flavor and preventing stickiness.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in the Sazón Goya seasoning packet, diced tomatoes along with their juices, water, and oregano. Mix everything thoroughly and cover the pot with the lid, then increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and keep the lid on. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors and liquids.
- Finish cooking and serve: After 10 minutes, check the rice. If any liquid remains, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fully absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve immediately as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Do not open the lid or stir the rice while it is cooking to ensure proper steaming and texture.
- Using jasmine rice provides a fragrant aroma, but you can substitute with other long-grain white rice varieties.
- Sazón Goya seasoning is key to authentic flavor; if unavailable, you can substitute with a blend of ground annatto, cumin, garlic powder, and coriander.
- This rice pairs excellently with Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.
