Easy Jasmine Rice Recipe: A Spicy Fiesta for Your Tastebuds

Sneak Peek: Make this Easy Jasmine Rice Recipe with cooked Jasmine rice (leftover rice works great), red peppers, garlic, southwestern seasoning, and cilantro. It’s the perfect side dish for a Mexican entree.

Southwestern Jasmine Rice in a serving bowlPin

Do you like to make extra rice and then freeze it for another meal? If so, this recipe is for you. You don’t have to use leftovers, but I do. You can make your dinner menu more interesting with only a few extra ingredients.

Three Reasons Why You Will Savor This Recipe

  1. The recipe begins with cooked rice. Use leftover rice or cook up a fresh batch according to the directions on the rice package.
  2. The peppers, garlic, and seasoning create an exotic southwestern flavor that’s not too spicy.
  3. This recipe is the perfect accompaniment to Tex-Mex main dishes.

Recipe Inspiration 

Guess where I found this recipe. In my purse, of all places. Evidently, I picked up the recipe card while shopping at Central Market some time ago. This rice recipe is so easy. I was inspired to play around a little and develop this version. It’s a fiesta in your mouth. 

Ingredients and Substitutions

Ingredlents needed for Southwestern Jasmine RicePin
Ingredients you will need
  • Oil: I like olive oil the best, but any vegetable oil will fill the bill.
  • Onions: Yellow onions are my “go-to.” White onions are also adequate.
  • Peppers: My first choice is red peppers. They are colorful and taste just right. If you like a slightly bitter flavor, use green bell peppers. Yellow and orange peppers taste about the same as red ones. Wouldn’t it be pretty if you used all the colors?
  • Garlic: Fresh or bottled garlic gives the best flavor in my mind, but powdered garlic will suffice in a pinch.
  • Southwest seasoning: This is a rather generic name for a spice mixture. Look for something similar in your pantry or at the store–something with cumin (the secret ingredient) and maybe some chili powder.
  • Cooked rice: I use Jasmine rice in this recipe, but there’s no rule against using long-grain rice, Basmati rice, or brown rice. Please note that the rice was already cooked when you started this recipe. (I cook mine in a rice cooker, but many people favor an Instant Pot for cooking rice. It’s a quick way to get a fluffy cup of rice.)
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is optional but beautiful and flavorful. Suit yourself

Southwestern Rice with cilantro garnishPin

How To Make Jasmine Rice

Adding onions and peppers to hot skilletPin
Add the oil to a medium or large skillet. When hot, toss in the onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they are soft but not brown.
Adding garlic to the onions and bell peppersPin
Add chopped fresh garlic and continue to stir.
Stirring the spice into the rice.Pin
Stir in the spice and continue cooking until it becomes fragrant.
Adding cooked rice to skillet.Pin
Almost done. Dump in the COOKED rice.
Stirrin in the spicesPin
Stir until the rice is colored by the spices. Now is a good time to taste your rice and correct the seasoning. Finally, sprinkle with cilantro (or parsley if someone doesn’t like cilantro.)

FAQs About this Jasmine Rice Recipe

What can I substitute for Southwestern seasoning

Don’t let the “southwestern seasoning(paid link)” called for in the recipe discourage you. Chipotle chili seasoning would work. Chili powder will also work. 

Add a small amount of cumin (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) if you substitute. Cumin will preserve the southwestern flavor.

What is Jasmine rice good with?

This particular recipe is scrumptious with Mexican food like these beef enchiladas, Texas Tamale Pie, or this easy, Baked Chile Relleno Pie

What can I put on top of Jasmine rice?

Try this recipe for Pork Stroganoff with mushrooms and sour cream or my Chicken and Sausage Gumbo.

Can I start with uncooked rice in this recipe?

Absolutely. Add the uncooked rice to the oil with your onions and peppers in a medium saucepan on your stovetop. Add the seasonings. Then, add the appropriate amount of water or liquid to the pan (see the package directions) according to the rice you use. Cover with a lid and simmer rice over medium heat until it’s tender. Fluff with a fork before serving.

How do I use leftover rice?

This is a good excuse to use that package of plain rice hanging out in your freezer. Thaw it in the microwave and add it to the seasoned vegetables.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, store in an airtight container or a freezer bag for up to three months.

How can I make this a main dish?

Add cooked diced chicken, leftover steak, or sausage.

Variation of rice and sausagePin
Variation: Southwestern Jasmine Rice with Sausage (or add cooked chicken, shrimp, ham…or all three.)

Help at Your Fingertips: For questions or suggestions, email Paula at saladinajar.com. If you need help, I’m happy to troubleshoot via email (faster than leaving a comment). Attach pictures and as many details as possible for the best advice.


jasmine rice recipe in a serving bowl with a spoon.Pin
Yield: 4 servings

Easy Jasmine Rice with Spicy Southwestern Flavors

Host a fiesta using Jasmine rice with southwestern seasoning and cilantro garnish.

Rate this recipe

(5 stars if you loved it)

5 from 12 votes
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Video

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) olive oil
  • ½ cup (80 g) chopped onions
  • ½ cup (74 g) red peppers
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1-2 teaspoons southwest seasoning or chipotle chili powder
  • 2 cups (280 g) cooked rice
  • fresh cilantro, chopped chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat a large skillet and pour in 1 tablespoon (14 g) olive oil. Sauté 1/2 cup (80 g) chopped onions and 1/2 cup (74 g) red peppers. Occasionally, stir them until softened but not brown.
  • Add 1 clove garlic, minced and 1-2 teaspoons southwest seasoning. Cook until fragrant.
  • Add 2 cups (280 g) cooked rice and fresh cilantro, chopped to vegetable mixture and mix well. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 109mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 732IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com

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44 Comments

  1. This sounds delicious! I’m making it tonight with some marinated grilled chicken breasts! Thanks for the recipe! 🙂

    1. Hope it turns out good for you. pr

  2. josie errico says:

    My favorite way to eat rice? now there is a hard question! Id have to say either brown batsmati rice under vegan chili or cooked with scallions, garlic and ginger and made into a bakes asian rice cake. Yum

  3. Amy Niemi says:

    I like any kind of spanish/mexican rice recipe but the easy one I make is…
    2 cups instant rice (I really like Jasmine rice too but my hubby needs to have brown)
    1 cup salsa
    1 cup chicken broth
    Serve with your favorite Mexican dish. (Enchilladas at my house).

  4. White rice with butter and little seasoned salt! As a side dish or by itself at the end of a rough day! Grew up on rice, rarely potatoes…

  5. I just stumbled on your blog and I love your salad in a jar idea! I eat a lot of salad, but get so frustrated with the bags going bad even after I repackage them in tupperware.

    Anyway, I love the little minute rice brown rice cups (even though I know that’s cheating). I have some frozen Indian meals that I love (also cheating) and I throw those over the rice. I love rice with Thai and Indian cuisines.

  6. I love rice! I really could eaat it everyday. My favorite way to eat it is in Broccoli and Cheese Casserole by Paula Dean though. Of course I also love spanish rice, rice with pinto beans (which I’m having tonight) rice pilaf, etc…. whoops can’t forget fried rice!

  7. The only way I eat rice is when it is served at Chinese restaurants. I use to cook rice all the time. Especially dirty rice with beef broth and livers. At some point I decided rice was one of the foods I could cut out. HMMM.

  8. I could eat rice every day! As my mom mentioned I grew up having rice with roast, which I prefer over potatoes. This recipe looks great, I will have to try it.

  9. I’m dominican so we want to eat plain ‘ol dominican white rice with everything. That looks yummy.

  10. I love rice, but I love the walmart giftcard even more! On a tight budget like ours, we need to win!

  11. tasteofbeirut says:

    Fabulous recipe! I love jasmine rice but I have never cooked it southwestern style, and it is such a great idea to try it this way!

  12. I love steamed rice and I love fried rice from our local hibachi restaurant. 🙂

  13. Wow, nice giveaway. Favorite rice dish. Probably chicken, pineapple, green peppers, cooked with a bbq sauce that has added pineapple juice, served over rice. We love that.
    Nine months–you seem like you’ve been at it for years–great blog, Paula.

  14. rachsbabycakes says:

    I do wish we were closer. I’d trade some cinnamon rolls for some of that strawberry pie! Yumm!! 🙂 Your rice dish looks good too. I need to make something with my red bell peppers, this looks just like the thing!
    🙂 Have a great day! Rachel

  15. Oh, I like rice, especially wild rice. Not so much the white, sticky kind from Chinese restaurants. Every time my oldest grandson comes for a visit, he requests a simple rice dish. I cook according to bag directions adding a bit more butter (he’s a skinny kid), a few shakes of garlic powder, parsley, Italian seasoning and grate some carrot into the pot. When cooking finishes, I add 1/2 cup frozen peas and any leftover meat/chicken in the fridge. He loves it! Economical, nutritious, easy 🙂

  16. I love any kind of rice – but mostly rice pilaf and mexican rice!

  17. When my husband was diagnosed with having celiac, rice became a mainstay of our diet. I have learned to cook a lot more gluten free dishes but rice is still his favorite.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

  18. Jeannette says:

    Oh gosh how this $100 would come in handy for groceries right now *crosses fingers*

    My favorite way to eat rice is steamed with red and green bell peppers and sugar snap peas thrown on top and some firecracker shrimp thrown in there too. Simple, healthy, delicious!

  19. I grew up in the deep south and rice is a 7-day a week staple. I love it! My favorite way to eat it is smothered in a thick roux/gumbo gravy with sausage, chicken, andouille, and tasso.

    Your rice dish looks delicious! Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful giveaway.

  20. I, on the other hand, am known to Walmart. Or should I say, I could almost be called by name. Rice – something I love, but never take the time to cook… I have thrown it in soup before – to cook itself! But this dish! All my favorite things – especially the cilantro. Great idea and great post!

  21. I love brown and wild rice salad, made with chopped pecans, celery and dried cranberries steeped in fresh orange juice. The juice must be fresh, or Odwalla, because it also acts as the dressing. Yum, so good!

  22. Dee Amick says:

    My favorite rice dish is basmati rice cooked with chicken stock, then I add slivered almonds, peas and a pat of good butter. Yum my favorite comfort food.

  23. This looks so good! I’ll have to make it soon! I love rice. One of my newest favorites is cilantro-lime rice. It is made with Jasmine rice too!

  24. I love brown rice eaten cold as a salad with fresh tomatoes, cliantro, red wine vinegar and a splash of olive oil. Yum!

    Can’t wait to try your recipe — have been looking for a new mexi-rice.

  25. I love rice!! I love it as a side dish with just butter, salt and pepper. Or, as a main dish with Beans, Tomatoes and Cheese!!

  26. I cannot think of any way I DON’T like rice. But I do enjoy fixing it with a ton of flavor either with Mexican Rice, Salsa Rice, or Fried Rice. The family likes it just fine with gravy.

    Thanks for the chance.

  27. Growing up inn Louisiana, rice was a constant on our table. Jambalaya was my Dad’s favorite, Shrimp Creole w/ plain white rice was my Mom’s. My grandmother often served meat loaf with rice and tomato gravy. My favorite was Red Beans & Rice (with either sausage or a ham bone).
    Now Gary is more of a potato fan, so I don’t eat as much rice. Our favorite now is a recipe for Mexican rice adapted from a Minute rice box. I prefer Uncle Ben’s converted rice, corn, chicken broth, and picante sauce. Pour it all together and simmer until tender. Add grated cheese (if desired). The proportions are adaptable, and with the addition of some grilled chicken becomes a one-dish meal.

  28. Hey Romaine,
    We love rice at our house. I alway serve rice with mushroom roast. That is our favorite . I also fix rice and veggies together instead of potatoes. I have not tried Jasmine and basmati rice but I will now. Thanks for expanding my menus.

  29. i guess i like fried rice best. never had jasmine or basmati but willing to try!

  30. I really like fried rice with chicken, carrots and broccoli. I also like sticky rice with soy sauce.

  31. Kanette G says:

    I am not a big rice eater, but Walt is. This sounds very good and I think I will try it very soon! Love your blog Paula!!!

  32. I like cooking sticky rice when we eat fish, and I really enjoy adding brown sugar to my rice. Yum!

  33. I just discovered Basmati rice in the last few months, and am impressed with it, however, my long-time favorite (since we lived iin Tampa) is the Cuban yellow rice.

  34. I love rice but it is not a favorite of my husband. He says it seems like we always have so much left- even when we cook for 2 people. I always want to cook Mexican rice at home but it never works out right. I need to shop at a store where Jasmine and Basmati are available or may be I am not looking close enough. Anyway, the recipe sounds great!

  35. I LOVE rice! All kinds of ways, all kinds of types. Mostly I enjoy rice with sauces or gravies or anything savory and liquid but I like it plain with a vegetable and meat for a healthier option. I have even (on rare occassions) eaten it for breakfast with butter!?! My pantry is void of the food at the moment so a win would be nice! Thank you Paula.

  36. I will have to try it out on the fam….My kids love rice when we go out to eat, but never like what I prepare at home. And it sounds easy enough for me!
    Love the contest idea too!!!
    Der:+)

  37. I love rice anyway. Spanish rice is yummy, wild rice is on our table at least weekly, and I just started making risotto.

    Thanks for a great give away!

  38. Ann Hastings says:

    This looks great- I will make this sometime soon, I LOVE Jasmine rice!

  39. Wow! You’re feeling generous today!!

    My favorite rice isn’t really my favorite b/c of the taste…it’s mainly b/c it’s quick and easy. Rice-a-Roni with some smoked sausage and mixed veggies added in makes a quick and easy meal for a family on the go. Not the healthiest…but sure is quick!

  40. My favorite is Spanish rice. I use the recipe in my Betty Crocker cookbook! Love the tomatoes and bits of bacon.

    Happy Birthday, Bonnie!!

  41. I adore rice in most every form, but I especially love basmati rice flavored with cardamom (yum) and black rice baked into a sweet pudding!

  42. My favorite rice dish is basmati rice cooked with my own homemade chicken broth. A bit of butter and salt, and yum!

  43. Crystal's Cozy Kitchen says:

    I love plain rice (I also love plain rice topped with other things, such as Chinese food), I love fried rice, I love Mexican rice in Burritos. I do like brown rice more than white rice.