Mexican Green Rice: A Family Favorite!

Name: Mexican Green Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati preferred); 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup fresh parsley; 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lime, juiced; Salt, to taste

Posted on February 20, 2026

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This Mexican Green Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to use up those leftover herbs and veggies. Trust me, this dish is going to be a hit at your dinner table!

Ingredients Breakdown

To whip up this delicious Mexican Green Rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup long-grain rice: I prefer jasmine or basmati because they add a lovely aroma and flavor.
2 cups vegetable broth: Homemade is great, but store-bought works too, just check for low sodium if that’s your thing.
1 cup fresh cilantro: The star of the show! If you’re not a cilantro fan, feel free to substitute with parsley.
1/2 cup fresh parsley: This adds a beautiful green hue and complements the cilantro perfectly.
1-2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped: Adjust to your heat preference; remove the seeds for a milder kick!
2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, am I right?
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing; feel free to use avocado oil if you have it!
1 lime, juiced: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds a zesty brightness.
Salt, to taste: A couple pinches will always do the trick.

Ingredient Notes

Rice: If you want to make this a whole grain option, you can use brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts.
Herbs: This recipe is super flexible! If you have spinach or arugula that’s on its last legs, toss it in!
Heat Level: Don’t like jalapeños? Try using a pinch of red pepper flakes or leave them out altogether.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Rinse the Rice: Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, this helps remove excess starch for fluffy rice! (About 2-3 minutes).
Blend It Up: In a blender, combine cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. You might want to take a little taste here, just to check the seasoning!
Toast the Rice: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once that oil is shimmering (about a minute or so), add the rinsed rice and sauté for a few minutes until lightly toasted, stirring occasionally until fragrant.
Mix It Together: Pour that gorgeous green herb mixture into the pot with the rice and add the vegetable broth. Stir to combine and let all those flavors mingle together!
Cook It Down: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is fluffy and the kitchen smells amazing!
Finishing Touches: Fluff with a fork, and give it a taste! Add more salt if needed. Serve as a side for tacos, burritos, or scoop it into a bowl topped with your favorite protein!

Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly? This Mexican Green Rice is my go-to recipe when I need something quick, delicious, and comforting. It’s loaded with tons of flavor and has become a family favorite in our household! My kids especially love the color and cheerful presentation (and hey, if it gets them excited about veggies, I’m all in!). You can throw in whatever odds and ends you have lying around, it’s just so versatile! You know, I’m a real sucker for those meals that make my fridge feel nice and tidy.

If you loved this Mexican Green Rice, be sure to check out my Bobby Flay’s Crispy Rice, my Cilantro Lime Rice, or my Gordon Ramsay Parmesan Risotto! All of these work beautifully with this flavorful rice.

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This Mexican Green Rice comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick and delicious!

One Pot Wonder

Minimal cleanup required! Everything is cooked in one pot, so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying dinner with your family.

Budget-Friendly

Uses affordable, everyday ingredients. Chances are you already have most of these items lurking in your pantry!

Customizable

The best part is how customizable it is. You can use whatever greens or herbs you have on hand, making it a “clean out the fridge” meal that reduces food waste.

Comfort Food

Loaded with tons of flavor, this rice is the kind of comfort food that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Each bite is refreshing and comforting all at once!

Serving and Storage

How to Serve This Mexican Green Rice

This dish is fantastic on its own but pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or steak. You can even serve it topped with avocado slices, fresh salsa, or a sprinkle of cheese for an extra treat!

Storage Tips

This Mexican Green Rice keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will be ready for those busy lunch days!

Reheating Instructions

The best way to reheat this rice is in a pan on the stove with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Heat slowly over medium-low, stirring occasionally, just until warmed through.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes! You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just be aware that the cooking time and amount of liquid will change. Brown rice often requires more liquid, so you might need to adjust it to about 2.5 cups of broth and an additional 10-15 minutes of cooking time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Mexican Green Rice is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check your vegetable broth for any gluten-containing ingredients.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

You can use dried herbs, but the fresh ones really make this dish sing! Use about 1 tablespoon of dried cilantro and 1/2 tablespoon of dried parsley.

Can I add protein directly into the rice?

You can definitely add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beans to make it a complete meal! Just stir it in a few minutes before the cooking time is complete to warm through.

And that’s a wrap! This Quick and Easy Mexican Green Rice is about as simple as it gets and can easily become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s both delicious and versatile, perfect for any family dinner. I can’t wait for you to try it!

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