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Mexican rice Calories
Tomato-based, spiced, pilaf
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 cup (medium) of Mexican rice (200 g) has 260 calories. That works out to 130 calories per 100 g. It contains 55 g of carbs, 5 g of protein, 2.4 g of fat and 2.6 g of fiber. Its 0.6 mg of Manganese covers 26% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 70 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.
Mexican rice Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 200 g
260
KCAL / 200G
Carbs
55g
· 20% DV
Protein
5g
· 10% DV
Fat
2.4g
· 3% DV
Fiber
2.6g
· 9% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 84% · Protein 8% · Fat 8%
Mexican rice nutrition facts table · 1 cup (medium) (200 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal | |
| Total fat | 2.4 g | 3% |
| Saturated fat | 0.5 g | 3% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 360 mg | 16% |
| Total carbohydrate | 55 g | 20% |
| Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% |
| Protein | 5 g | 10% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Cup of Mexican rice?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (medium) | 200 g | 260 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 130 kcal |
| ½ cup (small) | 100 g | 130 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 120 g | 156 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 150 g | 195 kcal |
| 1 piece (medium) | 180 g | 234 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 250 g | 325 kcal |
| 1.5 cup (large) | 300 g | 390 kcal |
| 2 serving (large) | 300 g | 390 kcal |
Calculated from 130 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican rice
What is Mexican rice?
Mexican rice is a tomato-seasoned rice dish, often called arroz rojo, or red rice, in Mexico. The rice is typically toasted before cooking with tomato, onion, garlic, and broth; some versions include vegetables such as peas or carrots.
How do you make Mexican rice?
To make Mexican rice, toast the rice in a little oil, then stir in blended tomato, onion, and garlic. Add hot broth, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Let it rest covered before fluffing.
What is the difference between Mexican rice and Spanish rice?
In many English-speaking countries, “Spanish rice” is simply another name for Mexican rice, especially the tomato-red version. The labels are not consistent, though: Spanish rice can also refer to dishes from Spain, which are made and seasoned differently.
Why does Mexican rice turn out mushy?
Mexican rice usually turns mushy when it has too much liquid, cooks at too high a temperature, or is stirred repeatedly. Measure the broth, keep the pot covered at a gentle simmer, and let the cooked rice rest before fluffing it.
What should you serve with Mexican rice?
Mexican rice pairs well with beans, tacos, fajitas, grilled chicken, and roasted vegetables. It also works as a filling for burritos or as the base of a bowl with beans, salsa, and your choice of protein.
Do you rinse rice before making Mexican rice?
Rinsing rice before making Mexican rice removes some surface starch and can help the grains stay separate. Drain it thoroughly before toasting; wet rice will not toast as evenly and may make hot oil splatter.
Can you make Mexican rice without tomato sauce?
Yes, Mexican rice can be made without bottled tomato sauce. Blend fresh tomatoes with onion and garlic, or use a modest amount of tomato paste loosened with broth; the tomato gives the dish its characteristic color and tangy flavor.
Can you freeze Mexican rice?
Yes, Mexican rice freezes well. Cool it promptly, divide it into airtight meal-sized portions, and freeze. Reheat from thawed or frozen with a splash of water, stirring until steaming hot throughout so the grains regain moisture.
How long does Mexican rice last in the fridge?
Mexican rice keeps in the refrigerator for a few days when cooled promptly and stored in a covered container. Reheat only the portion you need, and make sure it is steaming hot throughout before serving.
Can you make Mexican rice in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can make Mexican rice in a rice cooker, but toast the rice and cook the tomato, onion, and garlic on the stove first for better flavor. Transfer the mixture to the cooker with broth and use its regular white-rice setting.
Mexican rice Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B3
2.4mg · 15% DV
B5
0.6mg · 12% DV
B1
0.14mg · 12% DV
B6
0.18mg · 11% DV
Minerals
Manganese
0.6mg · 26% DV
Selenium
10µg · 18% DV
Copper
0.16mg · 18% DV
Sodium
360mg · 16% DV
Potassium ⭐
140mg · 4% DV
Mexican rice Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Mexican rice
To burn the 260 calories in 1 cup (medium) (200 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Mexican rice?
Mexican rice is a Mexican-style pilaf, typically made by toasting rice with onion and garlic, then simmering it in a tomato-based, seasoned liquid. Recipes vary, but the rice usually takes on a warm reddish colour and a savoury, gently spiced flavour.
It is commonly served as a side with beans, grilled meat, enchiladas or other Mexican dishes, and works just as well alongside everyday meals elsewhere. The grains are tender and separate when cooked well. Nutritionally, it is mainly a source of carbohydrates, with relatively little protein or fat. Pair it with beans or another protein-rich dish for a more balanced plate, or use less oil when preparing it.
How Nutritious Is Mexican rice?
Nutrient density
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Mexican rice Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Mexican rice Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Mexican rice Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Mexican rice Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.5g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.7g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.44g
Omega 6:3 ratio 18:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (18:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.