Rice is a staple ingredient in many dishes, including Mexican cuisine. However, traditional Mexican rice recipes often call for tomato sauce to give a vibrant rice color and rich flavor. But what if you don’t have any tomato sauce or prefer not to use it? Don’t worry! You can still make delicious Mexican rice without tomato sauce! So are you ready to learn how to make Mexican rice without tomato sauce? Read ahead to find out how!

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Can you make Mexican rice without tomato sauce?

Absolutely! Mexican rice is a versatile dish that can be customized in many ways to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking to omit tomato sauce for personal preference or due to the ingredient’s unavailability, there are plenty of ways to make delicious Mexican rice without sacrificing taste or authenticity. With creativity and experimentation, you can discover a recipe that perfectly suits your needs and satisfies your cravings for this classic dish.

Tomato sauce substitutes

Here are some common substitutes for tomato sauce when making Mexican rice:

Tomato paste: This concentrated form of tomatoes has a thick, rich texture and a bold, sweet flavor. Mix tomato paste with water or broth in your Mexican rice recipe to thin it out and create a sauce. Use about one tablespoon of tomato paste for every cup of rice, and adjust the amount to your taste.
Salsa: Salsa is a popular condiment in Mexican cuisine that typically contains tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. It can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce in your Mexican rice recipe, adding flavor and texture. Use about half a cup of salsa for every cup of rice, and adjust the amount to your taste.
Fresh/canned tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes work well in Mexican rice. Chop fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes, and cook them with the rice to create a flavorful base. Use one cup of chopped fresh tomatoes or one can of diced tomatoes for every cup of rice.
Ketchup: While it may seem unusual, it can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce in Mexican rice. It has a similar flavor profile and adds sweetness and tang to the dish. Use about one tablespoon of ketchup for every cup of rice, and adjust the amount to your taste.

Tips to Remember

Here are a few tips to remember while making Mexican rice without tomato sauce:

To make Mexican rice, it’s important to use medium-grain white rice, such as Calrose or Arborio. These types of rice will give your dish the perfect texture and consistency.
Before cooking the rice, rinse it thoroughly in cold water to remove excess starch.
To give your Mexican rice a delicious, nutty flavor, toast it in a dry skillet over medium heat before cooking it.
Instead of using water to cook your rice, use chicken broth to add flavor and depth to the dish.
After cooking the rice, let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This will allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and help prevent it from becoming clumpy.

How to store Mexican rice without tomato sauce

Here are some tips to help you store your Mexican rice properly:

Before storing your Mexican rice, it is essential to let it cool down to room temperature. Once your rice has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container.
You can store Mexican rice in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you don’t plan to eat Mexican rice within 4 days, you can freeze it for longer storage. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat it properly.