15-Minutes Mexican Fried Rice
Quick, Flavorful, and Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
Description:
This quick and delicious Mexican Fried Rice recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or even weekend dinners. Using leftover rice, this dish is a breeze to make with everyday ingredients like onions, tomatoes, sweet corn, and a perfect blend of Mexican spices. The combination of cumin, paprika, and chili powder gives this rice a rich and bold flavor that is enjoyed by both kids and adults. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this flavorful fried rice is a crowd-pleaser.
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Basmati rice (cooked, preferably leftovers) | 2 cups |
Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
Tomato (chopped) | 1 medium |
Sweet corn (frozen and thawed) | 1 cup |
Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
Green chillies (chopped) | 2 pieces |
Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Red chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
Paprika powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Black pepper powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Instructions
-
Heat the oil:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. -
Cook the aromatics:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns soft and translucent. -
Add vegetables:
Toss in the chopped tomato, sweet corn, and green chillies. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and blend with the other vegetables. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. -
Season the mixture:
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cumin powder, red chilli powder, paprika powder, and black pepper powder into the skillet. Stir well to combine, allowing the spices to toast slightly and infuse the mixture with their aroma. Add salt to taste. -
Add rice:
Drizzle in another tablespoon of olive oil and then add your pre-cooked rice (leftover rice works best) to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up any clumps of rice and stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the vegetables and spices. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, letting the rice heat through and soak up all the flavors. -
Taste and serve:
Taste the rice and adjust the salt or spices to your preference. Once everything is well-mixed and the rice is hot, remove from heat and transfer the fried rice to a serving dish.
Serving Suggestions:
This 15-Minutes Mexican Fried Rice is perfect as a side dish, especially when paired with hearty main dishes like Spinach and Cheese Enchiladas or a savory Mexican Chicken Stew. You can also enjoy it on its own for a quick and satisfying meal. Its balance of spice and sweetness from the corn makes it irresistible!
Pro Tips:
- For a more flavorful dish, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a handful of chopped cilantro just before serving.
- Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added color and nutrition.
- To make the dish non-vegetarian, you can easily add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Enjoy your quick and flavorful Mexican Fried Rice with family and friends this weekend, or whenever you’re in need of a fast, satisfying meal with a Mexican twist!