Mexican Yellow Rice, known as Arroz Amarillo in some areas, is most commonly found in Mexican and Spanish cuisines. Mexican Yellow Rice is a fabulous side that pairs well with your favorite Mexican main dishes. Mexican Yellow Rice recipe is both simple and delicious.
Some may call this a recipe for Spanish Rice, but Mexican and Spanish Rice differ by region. In Mexico, they call it Mexican Yellow Rice, aka Arroz Amarillo, and in the US, they call it Spanish Rice.
The recipes may be very similar. However, like all ethnic recipes, they vary from region to region.
The flavor of the rice is mild enough that you can serve it with many Mexican main dishes. Serve it with refried beans and tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or anytime Mexican food is on your dinner menu.
Suggested Equipment for Mexican Yellow Rice
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Cutting board- to chop and dice ingredients.
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Kitchen knives- to chop and dice ingredients.
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Measuring cups- to measure ingredients.
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Measuring spoons- to measure spices.
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Large pot- to cook ingredients.
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Serving spoon- to serve the recipe.
Mexican Yellow Rice Ingredients
(See recipe card to obtain exact measurements, specific directions, and nutrition.)
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Olive oil
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Small onions
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Cloves of garlic
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Long-grain rice
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Tomato sauce
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Chicken stock
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Ground turmeric
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Ground cumin
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Granulated garlic
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Mexican oregano
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Kosher salt
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Freshly ground pepper
Instructions for Mexican Yellow Rice
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Add olive oil, onion, and minced garlic to a large pot. Let the ingredients cook together over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
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Add the rice, and stir it with the onion mixture for about a minute.
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Add the tomato sauce, chicken stock, Tumeric, cumin, Mexican oregano, granulated garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper.
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Bring to a boil for about 3 minutes.
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Place the lid on the pot, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 14-20 minutes or until the rice is done.
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Fluff it up with a fork.
Frequently asked questions
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Can I use other types of rice to make this recipe? The recipe has been written for long-grain white rice. However, you can use other rice, including brown rice. Cooking time may need to decrease or increase.
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Can this recipe be made in the Instant Pot? You can make this recipe in your instant pot or Crockpot Express by making a few adaptions to the recipe.
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How to store? Place the leftover yellow rice in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Store in the refrigerator for three days max.
Recipes you may like
- Taqueria Carrots and Jalapenos, aka Pickled Carrots and Jalapenos, is a wonderfully flavorful condiment served at Mexican restaurants. Most likely, you have encountered these tasty spicy pickled carrots and jalapenos.
- Flank Steak With Chimichurri is one of those deliciously flavorful yet economical recipes you’ll love all year round. Marinated in a mojo until tender and juicy, then seasoned, grilled, and topped authentic Chimichurri sauce.
- Rice with Pigeon Peas { Arroz Con Gandules } is one of my favorite Puerto Rican recipes, usually served on holidays, and special occasions, made with rice, Spanish tomato sauce, sofrito, pigeon peas, green olives, capers, and seasoned with Sazon Seasoning with achiote, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper.

Mexican Yellow Rice
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 2-8- ounces cans tomato sauce
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon ground Tumeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon Mexican Oregano
- Kosher salt to own taste
- Black pepper to own taste
Instructions
- Add olive oil, onion, and minced garlic to a large pot. Let the ingredients cook together over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the rice, and stir it with the onion mixture for about a minute.
- Add the tomato sauce, chicken stock, Tumeric, cumin, Mexican oregano, granulated garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Bring to a boil for about 3 minutes.
- Place the lid on the pot, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 14-20 minutes or until the rice is done.
- Fluff it up with a fork.
26 Comments
Wonderful cook
December 12, 2022 at 9:48 pmFabulous recipe! I am so happy with the flavor of this Mexican yellow rice. Love an easy recipe that’s super impressive. Thanks!
Audrey
October 19, 2022 at 11:20 amI love how easy this recipe is! This is one of my favorite Mexican recipes. This, paired with refried beans, is one of my favorites. I can’t wait to make this again!
hmccallum
October 21, 2022 at 8:11 amThank you, Aubrey!
Tristin
October 16, 2022 at 11:49 pmThis was such a perfect side dish to our carne asada tacos that we made over the weekend! Definitely a keeper!
hmccallum
October 21, 2022 at 8:12 amThank you, Triston!
Loreto and Nicoletta
October 16, 2022 at 10:54 pmI love this kind of rice! Lovely color and intense. I could eat this all on its own!
hmccallum
October 21, 2022 at 8:12 amThank you, Loretto!
Dennis
October 16, 2022 at 9:40 amI love Mexican rice and your version did not disappoint! It was delicious and went so well taco night!
Lauren Michael Harris
October 14, 2022 at 2:59 pmWe made this rice to go with homemade tacos and it was the perfect side dish to keep with our Mexican themed dinner. The whole family enjoyed it!
Kathryn
October 11, 2022 at 9:02 pmThis rice is even better than the kind we get at restaurants. It is too easy to make and I love how simple it is. Perfect side dish with just about any meal! Thanks!!