Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican Fried Rice recipe? This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also budget-friendly and made with pantry staples.
Mexican Fried Rice: Tips and Tricks!
- Perfectly Cooked Black Beans: Cooking black beans in your Instant Pot is a fantastic way to ensure they are tender and ready to use. The 30-minute manual setting with a 20-minute slow release results in perfectly cooked beans. Plus, you can use any extra beans for snacks or future recipes. I always use this recipe.
- Enhance Flavor with Seasonings: The combination of cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper gives your Mexican Fried Rice a burst of flavor. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences for a personalized twist.
- Salsa for That Extra Kick: The salsa in this recipe adds depth and a hint of spiciness, mimicking the role of soy sauce in traditional fried rice recipes. The flavors meld together beautifully, so choose a salsa you love.
- Customize with Toppings: Mexican Fried Rice is incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. While shredded cheese, sour cream, and extra salsa are fantastic choices, feel free to get creative. Add fresh avocado, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for an extra punch.
- Use Leftover Chicken: Save time and reduce food waste by repurposing leftover cooked chicken breasts. Dice them up and add them to the rice for a hearty and protein-packed meal. This dish is an excellent way to make the most of what’s in your fridge.
- Brown Rice or White Rice: Don’t fret if you don’t have brown rice on hand. White rice works perfectly, too. Use what you have available to whip up this quick and delightful dinner.
By following these tips, you’ll master Mexican Fried Rice and create a delightful meal that’s both budget-conscious and bursting with flavor. It’s proof that a few pantry staples and a dash of creativity can result in a satisfying family dinner. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
For more Pantry Friendly Recipes check out these videos:
- My Top 10 Favorite Leftovers recipes!
- Pantry Cleanout Meals!
- Pantry friendly meal prep! (I lost 20lbs using this method!)
MORE LEFTOVER INSPIRED RECIPES TO TRY
- Chicken and shrimp fried rice is another leftover favorite! Use one or both to make this dish!
- Turn leftover mashed potatoes into a meal! Use this recipe for potato pancakes!
- This casserole is another great way to use leftover chicken!
Mexican Fried Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Get ready to transport your taste buds with this delightful Mexican Fried Rice recipe. This dish combines simple pantry ingredients with a burst of Mexican-inspired flavors to create a satisfying and budget-friendly dinner option. From perfectly cooked black beans to a medley of seasonings, make the most of your ingredients and turn them into a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 can of black beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup canned corn
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 2–3 cups cooked rice
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, diced
- Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
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Grate or mince the garlic cloves into the pan with the onions.
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Add drained and rinsed black beans, canned corn, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat and cook for about a minute.
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Mix in the salsa and cooked rice, and add the diced chicken. Stir everything together and cook until heated through.
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Serve the Mexican fried rice with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
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