• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
State of Dinner
  • Recipes
  • Kitchen Tips
  • State Dishes
  • Start Here
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Kitchen Tips
  • State Dishes
  • Start Here
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Kitchen Tips
    • State Dishes
    • Start Here
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Side Dish Recipes » Mexican Wild Rice Recipe

    Mexican Wild Rice Recipe

    Published: Nov 3, 2020 · Modified: Mar 25, 2021 by Erin · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    • Share
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe
    Pinterest Pin: Easy side dish recipe - Mexican Wild Rice

    Mexican wild rice is a delicious alternative to a traditional Mexican rice recipe. The warm spices of the Mexican seasonings are complimented by the slightly nutty flavor and chewy texture of the wild rice.

    Bowl of Mexican wild rice. Tomatoes and cilantro on a plate in the background.
    Jump to:
    • What is Wild Rice?
    • Is Wild Rice Healthier than Brown Rice?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Related Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    What is Wild Rice?

    Wild rice is actually not even rice at all! It is an aquatic grass seed that grows in lakes and rivers. Minnesota is the primary producer of wild rice. It has a nutty, tea-like flavor, and a chewy texture.

    Most wild rice that you find in supermarkets is a combination of authentic wild rice that is mixed with brown and black rice. But you can also get pure wild rice, and that is what we are using in this recipe.

    This Mexican wild rice recipe is super simple to make. It uses cooked wild rice, tomato sauce, salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic, and cilantro! Once the rice is cooked, the rest comes together in just 5 minutes.

    Ingredient flatlay: wild rice, tomato sauce, oil, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic.

    Is Wild Rice Healthier than Brown Rice?

    According to nutritionvalue.org wild rice has 30% fewer calories than brown rice, almost half of the carbs, and more protein! Wild rice can be a wonderful alternative to white or brown rice when you are looking to make a protein-rich meal.

    How to Cook Wild Rice

    • Wild rice cooks in a similar manner as pasta, where it cooks in a lot of water! Because it is a very dense seed that takes a while to cook. After simmering on the stove for 50-60 minutes, the excess water is drained off.
    • Cooking the rice can be done ahead. Day-old wild rice works perfectly in this recipe.
    Pot of wild rice, ready to add water and boil.

    Saute with Sauce and Seasonings

    • Heat some oil in a large skillet, over medium heat.
    • Cook the garlic in the oil until it becomes fragrant.
    • Add the remaining ingredients, except for the cilantro, and cook for a few minutes. Once the sauce has been mostly absorbed then the rice is done.
    Pan of wild rice with tomato sauce, garlic, and seasoning added.
    • The final step is to add the cilantro. If you don't like cilantro then you can skip this step. But for me, I love cilantro, so this adds the perfect finishing flavor!
    Pan of cooked Mexican wild rice with cilantro.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is there a standard water ratio when cooking wild rice?

    Wild rice is a little tricky when it comes to how much water you need. Many recommend a 3:1 ratio. However, it can take 50-60 minutes for wild rice to fully cook so the amount of liquid needed may vary. Since you pour off excess liquid, I recommend a 5:1 ratio so that you are sure to have plenty of liquid for the full cook time.

    Can I make this recipe with a different kind of rice?

    This Mexican wild rice recipe can definetely be made with brown or white rice! Use 2 cups of cooked white or brown rice as a substitute.

    Related Recipes

    This wild rice recipe goes perfectly with any Mexican or Tex-Mex meal! From fajitas to enchiladas, Mexican wild rice is a delicious accompaniment!

    • New Mexican Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
    • Street Tacos with Fresh Pico De Gallo
    • Taco Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe (Taco Casserole with Tater Tots)
    Wild rice in a white bowl. Garnished wtih tomatoes and cilantro. There is a wooden spoon on the side.

    Let me know how you like this recipe by leaving a review! And follow along on Instagram @stateofdinner for behind the scenes and to be among the first to know when new recipes post!

    Recipe

    Bowl of Mexican wild rice, topped with chopped tomatoes and cilantro.

    Mexican Wild Rice

    Recipe by: Erin
    This easy side dish has the earthiness of wild rice with the addition of warm spices. It is a delicious compliment to any meal!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Mexican
    Servings 6
    Calories 176 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 4 ounces wild rice (a little over a half cup)
    • 5 cups water or chicken broth
    • 2 tablespoons oil
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 8 ounces tomato sauce
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • ¼ cup cilantro
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Place wild rice and water or chicken broth in a large saucepan and cover with a lid.
    • Bring water to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 50-60 minutes.
      Rice should be tender, but chewy. If it is still crunchy, continue cooking.
      Pour into a strainer. Refrigerate if not using immediately. Through this step can be made a day ahead.
    • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
    • Add rice, tomato sauce, salt, cumin, and chili powder, and cook until the sauce has mostly been absorbed.
    • Add cilantro and cook an additional minute, then serve.

    Notes

    The nutritional facts provided are only estimates. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
     
     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 602mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 258IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Share a photo of your creation with your friends!Mention @stateofdinner or tag #stateofdinner!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Julie

      January 25, 2021 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      What a tasty side dish! I love how the spices complement the wild rice!

      Reply
      • Erin Gierhart

        February 22, 2021 at 8:32 pm

        I am so glad that you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Photo of Erin Gierhart

    Welcome! I'm Erin, wife, mom, and lover of great food. I am passionate about cooking mostly from scratch recipes that bring comfort, without spending all day in the kitchen. Most recipes on this site can be made in under 30 minutes! This approach to cooking allows me to provide delicious meals for my family while freeing up time to spend with those I love.

    Let's Get Started→

    Popular Recipes

    • Cardamom Shortbread Cookies with Orange Glaze Recipe
    • No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars
    • Sweet Potato Pie (With Sweetened Condensed Milk)
    • Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe for a Dispenser
    • How to Stabilize Whipped Cream with Cream of Tartar
    • Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole

    Winter Favorites

    • 30-Minute Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
    • Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
    • No Bean Steak Chili
    • Marshmallow Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Oven Pot Roast with Red Wine
    • Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken
    • Creamy Knoephla Soup (Potato and Dumpling Soup)
    • Peppermint Mocha Cookies

    As Featured In

    Logos of the various publications where State of Dinner has been featured.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Get Started Here
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

    Accessibility

    • Accessibility Policy

    Let's Work Together

    • Collaboration

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 State of Dinner