Using leftover rice, this vegetarian Mexican Fried Rice will be on the table in 15 minutes – closer to 10 minutes actually. Made extra tasty by using enchilada sauce as the flavour base! {Vegetarian/Vegan}
I call this “fried rice” because it is made using leftover rice rather than making it “risotto style” starting with uncooked rice grains. I find that making it by cooking rice in a tomato liquid makes the dish more risotto like and too starchy and wet for my liking. This method using leftover rice is perfect – it really is restaurant style.
This is a great throw together mid week meal that you can make with Mexican-related leftovers. I made this vegetarian because I didn’t have any leftover meat, but by all means if you have some, toss them in! Shredded chicken, Pork Carnitas, beef or even fish will go great with this.
The key to this rice is the enchilada sauce which adds a heap of flavour. Truth be told, I used homemade. My Easy Classic Enchilada Sauce only takes 10 minutes to make so I often have a batch of it in the fridge (I use it for all sorts of things other than Enchiladas – soups, dipping sauce and even on omelettes). But store bought is fine too. You could substitute the enchilada sauce with taco sauce – though the flavour will be slightly different, it will still be delicious, guarantee it. As a last resort you could use tomato paste but it will require extra seasoning and loosening up with water – I’ve provided directions for this in the notes.
This is a great versatile and fast recipe to add to your mid week meal rotation!
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Mexican Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large garlic clove , minced
- 1 onion , diced (white or brown)
- 1/2 red bell pepper / capsicum , diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup tinned black beans (drained)
- 1 cup tinned corn kernels (drained) (or frozen corn)
- 4 cups cooked rice (see notes)
- Optional: 1 1/2 cups protein (chicken, pork, beef), shredded or diced
Sauce
- 6 tbsp enchilada sauce (see notes)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp chilli powder (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the Sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix.
- Heat the oil in a pan over high heat. Add garlic and cook for 10 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until the onion becomes translucent - about 2 minutes.
- If you are using uncooked protein, add it and sauté until just cooked through.
- Add the black beans and corn. If you are using cooked proteins (like shredded cooked chicken) add it at the same time. Cook for 1 minute just to heat through.
- Add the rice and Sauce and stir quickly to coat the rice evenly.
- Check seasoning and add more salt if you require it. Amount of salt required depends on the saltiness of the enchilada sauce you are using.
- Season with black pepper and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
3. This dish is best made with leftover rice made at least 6 hours or so ago, preferably the day before. It can also be made with freshly cooked rice but it will be harder to toss the Sauce through evenly as the rice will be harder to break up.
3. Enchilada Sauce can be substituted with taco sauce. If you don't have either, you can substitute with tomato paste using the following recipe:
4 tbsp tomato paste
3 tbsp water
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp chilli powder (or to taste)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
Hi Nagi,
This is my new favorite for left over rice, Delicious!!
Thanks, Monica.
Hi Nagi,
Regarding your Mexican Fried Rice recipe- can you please confirm the proportions are correct? Just asking as 4 cups of rice for 2-4 serves seems a lot.
Love your work!
Elsa
Interesting take on leftovers. You may be interested in a Bolivian dish known as Majadito Tostado, which is a traditional dish very similar to this one, but absolutely bursting with flavor.
I just made this Mexican fried rice and it was really very good. I used brown rice and diced tomatoes and black olives instead of bell peppers and corn since I didn’t have any and was in a hurry to prepare lunch. But it turned really tasty.
I often have leftover rice and sometimes make Chinese fried rice but I needed some change. This recipe is going to be my new favourite! Thank you Nagi!
Hi Nagi, just made this dish, plus made your Enchilada sauce, used canned corn, and it was a very successful dish. Thank you for posting.
Hi. I haven’t made the Mexican Fried Rice yet, but I have a question. If I make your enchilada sauce, do I then take 6Tbsp of it and then add the water and spices that are listed under sauce ingredients?
OMG! This was the bomb! I cut the recipe in half and used a single boil in bag rice and it ended up being my entree lol 🙂 added a little cayenne powder for heat to the sauce mix and served it with some mini cheese quesadillas. Thanks for the amazing recipe!!
Another hit Nagi! Was looking for something different for my leftover rice, and this was perfect with my tacos, which ended up being burritos! Used your tomato paste recipe! Will make your enchilada sauce next time!
What kind of rice should be used ?
Hi Collin, white long grain is perfect here – N x
Can this be made ahead of time and reheated?
Sure can Bette!
I was just reading the notes for the Mexican Fried Rice – I think you might have a typo – you use the word “alone” but I think you meant to use “along” which could make a big difference in the outcome. Here is a copy and paste from the recipe: Then pour into a ziplock bag alone with all the other ingredients EXCEPT the enchilada sauce.
Love your recipes, keep up the great work!!!
Thanks Tina, I’ll have this fixed!!
Do you think quinoa could be used instead of rice?
I haven’t tried it with quinoa, but I’m sure it would work just fine!
Made this rice dish for our family get together tonight. Had it with enchilada meatballs and a chili rilleno casserole. Always make your enchilada sauce for my Mexican dishes. Thanx for all the effort you put into making this site so wonderful.
That’s terrific to hear Jan! Glad you enjoyed this! N x
I made this tonight along with your Beef Enchiladas … my partner and I absolutely love Mexican food and this didn’t disappoint… even if I do say so myself.
Thanks for sharing Nagi x
Glad you enjoyed it Zenia! Thanks for letting me know – N x
Wow. I addicted to your recipes. All the recipe I tried is Awesome. Like. Doser
So glad to hear that Shanthy, thank you for the compliment! N xx
Wow , tried it , from a family of non rice eaters , this became a rave, now I have to do more of these, thanks Nagi , you are a gem ! Brilliant !
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Cyril, thanks for letting me know! N x
Can you use store bought enchilada sauce?
Yup! You sure can! 🙂
Yum! Happy Cinco De Mayo! This recipe is perfect for today.
Yes!!!
This looks delicious! Now I know what I want to use my leftover rice for 🙂
YES!!! It’s really good! 🙂
I can’t wait to try this with my family tonight! i jumped online looking for ideas to use up my leftover rice, and just like that, I found a yummy one that calls for ingredients I already have in my pantry! Always a plus!
Am I missing where to find your enchilada sauce recipe? Id love to use it tonight if you don’t mind sharing 🙂
Hi Jobee! So glad you like the look of this! I added a link to my Enchilada sauce recipe! 🙂