Mexican rice, also known as arroz Mexican or Spanish rice, is the most delicious gluten-free recipe. Due to its vibrant colour, rich flavour, and versatility, it is considered the favourite dish for tacos and enchiladas. But if you are following a vegan lifestyle, you might wonder: Is Mexican Rice vegan?
Freshvegan provides you with the most updated and authentic content on the vegan lifestyle. Moreover, we also examine whether the recipe we describe should be purely vegan. Let’s discuss everything in this blog to know how to make this delicious and popular dish purely plant-based.
What Makes Mexican Rice Non-Vegan?
Multiple traditional Mexican restaurants often include chicken broth or other animal-derived ingredients to enhance the flavour and satisfy their clients. Some restaurants also use butter or lard for cooking rice, which is also animal-based. These additions make your dish non-vegan. I have made a delicious cruelty-free recipe that I am going to share with you in this blog.
How to Make Restaurant-Style Vegan Mexican Rice at Home?
If you are vegan and looking for the best and easiest recipe to make a vegetarian Mexican rice recipe which should be free from animal derivatives. You are in the right place. We have spent a long time getting this simple and easy recipe for you. Now we can say that we have the best and Vegan Mexican Rice recipe for you. Here is a simple step that you should follow.
Ingredients of vegan Mexican rice:
First of all, you need all the ingredients that we have listed below to make your recipe more delicious.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups of vegetable broth, which is the best substitute for chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter
- A small onion that should be finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomato, pureed or two tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper according to your taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove extra starch from it.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high flame, and then sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the rice and toast it until it becomes golden brown.
- Flavors: Stir in the tomato puree for 2 minutes. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add these flavours according to your taste.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add Veggies: if you use peas and carrots, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
So here is your recipe. We made it much easier for you so you can understand and cook it in one go.
vegan mexican rice
Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups of vegetable broth, which is the best substitute for chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter
A small onion that should be finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tomato, pureed or two tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper according to your taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Instructions:
Rinse the rice under cold water to remove extra starch from it.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high flame, and then sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add the rice and toast it until it becomes golden brown.
Add Flavors: Stir in the tomato puree for 2 minutes. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add these flavours according to your taste.
Cook the Rice: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add Veggies: if you use peas and carrots, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Garnish and Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
Top 6 ways to add proteins in vegan Mexican rice:
The best way to add protein to vegan Mexican rice is by incorporating high-protein plant-based ingredients while maintaining the dish’s authentic flavors. Here are the top 6 options that you can add in your recipe to meet your protein requirement :
1. Beans & Legumes
- Black beans and pinto beans are rich in protein
- Lentils are the best alternative that blends well with rice.
- You can add chickpeas that add texture and protein while complementing Mexican spices.
2. Tofu & Tempeh
- Crispy tofu
- Tempeh crumbles
3. Vegan Meat Substitutes
- Vegan chorizo: Spicy and packed with protein.
- TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein)
4. Nuts & Seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
5. Nutritional Yeast
Sprinkle on top for extra protein and a savory taste.
6. High-Protein Grain Swap
Replace white rice with quinoa to boost protein while keeping a similar texture.
Moreover, for a high-protein vegan Mexican rice, mix black beans, tofu crumbles, and hemp seeds for a balanced, flavorful dish.
Why will you eat this vegan Mexican rice?
I am sure that you will love this recipe. The reason behind this is.
Authentic flavour:
The combination of spices and tomato gives it a classic Mexican rice taste. You can’t help but make it again and again.
Healthy and Nutritious:
Unlike others, this vegan Mexican rice is full of veggies and free from animal-based products. It’s pure plant-based and full of healthy nutrients.
Versatile:
This dish is very versatile. You can pair it with your favourite vegan mains, such as black beans, tacos, or grilled veggie fajitas. It provides multiple options.
Easy to Make:
It is a very time-friendly recipe that usually takes 25-30 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for weeknight dinner or meal prep if you are in a hurry or don’t want to make time-consuming dishes.
Tips for the Perfect Vegan Mexican Rice:
Here are some tips to make perfect vegan Mexican rice. These are:
- Use high-quality vegetable broth to enjoy the best flavor.
- Toast the rice well to achieve a nutty, aromatic base.
- Customize the recipe with your favorite veggies like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Takeaway:
So, is Mexican rice vegan? Yeah, that’s true. Mexican rice can be vegan if you use plant-based ingredients and avoid animal derivatives. Here are some easy steps to make your delicious recipe. It is easy to make and versatile. Make it for your loved ones and stay connected to us.
FAQs:
Does vegan Mexican rice contain chicken broth?
No, they don’t contain any animal-based derivatives. Instead of chicken broth, it contains vegetable broth, which is a good alternative.
Can you make Mexican rice without chicken stock and lard?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock or lard. It will make your recipe more delicious.
Is Mexican Rice at Chipotle vegan?
Chipotle does not serve traditional Mexican rice, but their Cilantro-Lime Rice (both white and brown) is vegan. It contains no animal products and is made with rice, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
Is Mexican Rice gluten-free?
Yes, Mexican rice is vegan friendly and is free from gluten and other allergens.
Is Mexican rice dairy free?
Traditional Mexican rice is dairy-free, made with rice, tomatoes, onion, garlic, broth, and spices. It’s typically cooked with oil, but some variations may include butter or cheese, so checking ingredients is advised.
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