About This Recipe
Mexican rice bowls are customizable one-dish meals featuring seasoned rice, protein, beans, vegetables, and toppings. Preparation involves cooking components separately before assembly.
Yield: 4 servings | Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Components can be prepared ahead for quick assembly
- Naturally adaptable to dietary preferences
- Provides balanced nutrition in a single dish
- Leftover-friendly components minimize waste
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced (or plant-based protein alternative)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Step by Step Instructions
- Cook rice: Heat olive oil in saucepan over medium heat. Sauté half the chopped onion until translucent (3 minutes). Add garlic, cumin, and chili powder; cook 1 minute. Stir in rice, tomato paste, and broth. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
- Prepare protein: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook in skillet over medium-high heat 6-8 minutes until no longer pink. Set aside. For vegetarian option, skip or use plant-based protein.
- Cook vegetables: In same skillet, add remaining onion and bell pepper. Sauté 5 minutes until softened. Add corn and cook 2 more minutes. Stir in black beans until heated through.
- Assemble bowls: Divide cooked rice among bowls. Top with bean-vegetable mixture, cooked protein, and avocado slices.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
FAQ
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes. Increase broth to 2½ cups and cooking time to 40-45 minutes.
Q: Are there alternative protein options?
A: Use ground beef, shrimp, tofu, or omit protein for vegetarian version.
Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Add diced jalapeños to vegetables or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to rice seasoning.
You Must Know
- Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch
- Allow rice to rest after cooking for optimal texture
- Thoroughly drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium
- Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning
Storage Tips
- Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days
- Reheat rice and protein separately before assembling
- Add fresh ingredients (avocado, cilantro) only when serving
- Assembled bowls with avocado should be consumed immediately