Mexican Restaurant-Style Rice

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a shallow 3-quart saucepan (or medium skillet with tight-fitting lid) over medium heat. Add rice then gently sauté for about 5 minutes or until rice is slightly browned and fragrant.

Step 2

Add garlic then continue cooking for 2 minutes.

Step 3

Add tomato sauce or taco sauce, chicken broth, salt and pepper then stir well. Bring to a gentle boil then cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low or medium-low (wherever your dial gives you a gentle simmer) then cook for 20 minutes.

Step 4

Stir rice occasionally with a fork to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pan but don’t overwork the rice. Don’t stir the rice or open the lid the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 5

Remove from heat then let rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork then serve.