Do you want an easy and tasty rice dish? This Pancheros Rice Recipe is perfect. You can make it at home.
It tastes like the rice from Pancheros restaurants. The rice is soft, fluffy, and full of fresh flavors. It is great for lunch or dinner. Many people ask how to make Pancheros Rice at home.
This recipe will show you step by step. You will also learn all the ingredients for Pancheros Rice. It is healthy, filling, and perfect for family meals.
The Secret Behind This Delicious Rice
The secret of Pancheros Rice is its soft texture and fresh ingredients. Cooking rice with a little oil or butter adds flavor.
Spices like cumin, garlic, and lime make it taste special. Fresh cilantro adds a refreshing touch. Cooking rice lightly keeps each grain separate.
Unlike plain rice, Pancheros Rice has tangy, spicy, and fresh flavors. The key is not to overcook it and to use good-quality rice.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Pancheros Rice
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Course: Main Dish / Side Dish
- Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex
- Calories: 200 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan or pot with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Strainer or colander
Ingredients You Need for Pancheros Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ¾ cups water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: diced tomatoes or green chilies for extra flavor
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice
Rinse 1 cup rice under cold water until water is clear. Drain with a strainer. - Heat Oil in a Pan
Add 1 tablespoon oil to a saucepan. Heat on medium until warm. - Cook Onions and Garlic
Add chopped onion and garlic. Stir 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant. - Add the Rice
Add rinsed rice to the pan. Stir to coat rice with oil and onions. - Add Spices
Add salt, cumin, and chili powder. Stir well to mix flavors. - Add Water or Broth
Pour 1 ¾ cups water or broth. Make sure rice is covered. - Bring to a Boil
Turn heat to high. Bring mixture to a gentle boil. Do not stir while boiling. - Simmer Covered
Lower heat, cover the pan. Cook for 15–18 minutes until water is absorbed. - Rest the Rice
Turn off heat. Let rice sit covered for 5 minutes to fluff naturally. - Add Lime and Cilantro
Squeeze lime juice over rice. Mix in chopped cilantro gently. - Serve Warm
Fluff rice with a fork. Serve warm with tacos, burritos, or grilled meat.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use Broth: Swap water with chicken or vegetable broth for more flavor.
- Add Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or peas while cooking for colorful rice.
- Spicy Option: Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Non-stick Tip: Use a non-stick pan to prevent rice from sticking.
- Cilantro-Free: Use parsley if you don’t like cilantro. Lime is still important.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with grilled chicken or steak.
- Pair with tacos or burritos for Tex-Mex flavor.
- Add sour cream or guacamole on top.
- Serve with beans or salsa on the side.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store: Keep in fridge in an airtight container for 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or heat in a pan with a little water.
- Freeze: Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
FAQs About Pancheros Rice
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it takes longer to cook. Use 2 cups water and cook 35–40 minutes.
Q2: Can I make Pancheros Rice vegan?
Yes. Use vegetable broth and vegetable oil instead of butter or chicken broth.
Q3: Why is my rice sticky?
Rice becomes sticky if overcooked or stirred too much. Use correct water ratio.
Q4: Can I add protein while cooking?
Yes, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beans after rice is done. Mix gently.
Conclusion
This Pancheros Rice Recipe is simple, tasty, and perfect for home. Follow these steps to make rice like Pancheros.
Use fresh ingredients and cook gently for best results. Now you know how to make Pancheros Rice and the ingredients for Pancheros Rice.
Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home. This recipe will become a family favorite.
Pancheros Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ¾ cups water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder optional
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Optional: diced tomatoes or green chilies for extra flavor
Instructions
Rinse the Rice
- Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear. Drain using a strainer.
Heat Oil in a Pan
- Add 1 tablespoon oil to a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until shimmering.
Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir frequently for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Rice
- Add rinsed rice to the pan. Stir to coat rice with oil and onions for 2 minutes.
Add Spices
- Sprinkle salt, cumin, and chili powder. Stir well to combine all flavors.
Pour in Liquid
- Add 1 ¾ cups water or chicken broth. Mix gently, making sure rice is evenly submerged.
Bring to a Boil
- Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Do not stir while boiling.
Simmer Covered
- Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15–18 minutes. Rice should absorb all liquid.
Rest the Rice
- Turn off heat and let rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to fluff naturally.
Add Lime and Cilantro
- Squeeze lime juice over the rice. Mix in chopped cilantro gently with a fork.
Serve Warm
- Fluff rice with a fork and serve warm with your favorite tacos, burritos, or grilled meat.
Notes
- Use Chicken Broth: Swap water with chicken or vegetable broth for richer flavor.
- Add Veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers, corn, or peas while cooking for colorful rice.
- Spicy Option: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Non-stick Tip: Use a non-stick pan to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Cilantro-Free Version: Use parsley if you don’t like cilantro, but lime is essential.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.