Sizzling Smoky Mexican Rice with Bacon & Chorizo Recipe

Crafting a smoky mexican rice that bursts with flavor feels like a culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Crisp bacon and spicy chorizo create an irresistible symphony of textures and tastes.

Authentic ingredients dance together, promising a meal that will make your taste buds sing.

Regional spices weave magic through each delectable grain, transforming a simple dish into something extraordinary.

Comfort meets excitement in this hearty recipe that speaks directly to your appetite.

Bold and unapologetic, these ingredients guarantee a dining experience that lingers in memory long after the last bite.

Let’s jump into a world where every forkful tells a delicious story.

Why Smoky Mexican Rice With Crispy Bacon And Spicy Chorizo Hits The Spot

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold Mexican flavors that transform an ordinary rice dish into a mouthwatering experience with smoky and spicy notes.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet to cook bacon, chorizo, vegetables, and rice, making preparation and washing up a breeze.
• Protein-Packed Delight: Combines crispy bacon and flavorful chorizo to create a hearty dish that satisfies hunger and delivers rich, complex taste in every bite.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable with optional ingredients like peas or adjustable spice levels, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

What You’ll Need For Smoky Mexican Rice With Crispy Bacon And Spicy Chorizo

• Rice: A versatile grain that serves as the foundation for this smoky Mexican-inspired dish.
• Bacon: Provides a crispy, salty element that adds depth and richness to the rice.
• Chorizo: Brings a spicy and flavorful Spanish sausage that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Create a flavor base that adds sweetness and texture to the rice.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder: Deliver a warm, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
• Chicken Broth, Diced Tomatoes: Provide moisture and additional layers of flavor to the rice.
• Peas: Add a pop of color and subtle sweetness to the dish.

• Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Bring freshness and brightness to balance the rich and smoky flavors of the rice.

How To Make Smoky Mexican Rice With Crispy Bacon And Spicy Chorizo

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Grab a large skillet and cook diced bacon over medium heat until it transforms into crunchy, golden bites. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate, keeping all that delicious bacon grease in the pan.

Step 2: Brown Spicy Chorizo

Toss chorizo into the sizzling bacon grease. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it develops a beautiful brown color.

Remove and set aside with the bacon.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Throw onions and bell peppers into the skillet.

• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder

Cook for another minute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Introduce rinsed rice to the skillet. Stir and coat it with all the spicy goodness.

Let the rice toast lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Simmer and Infuse

• Diced tomatoes with juices
• Chicken broth

Bring to a boil, then lower heat.

Cover and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid disappears.

Step 6: Final Flavor Explosion

• Crispy bacon
• Browned chorizo
• Peas

Fluff the rice with a fork.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and serve with zesty lime wedges.

Best Tips For Smoky Mexican Rice With Crispy Bacon And Spicy Chorizo

• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that won't clump together during cooking.
• Select high-quality bacon and chorizo for maximum flavor depth, allowing the smoky and spicy elements to shine through the dish.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing chili powder, making the rice adaptable for different heat preferences and tolerances.
• Toast rice in spices before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and develop a more complex, aromatic flavor profile.
• Optional add-ins like roasted corn or black beans can transform this rice into a complete one-pan meal with extra protein and texture.

Tasty Swaps For Smoky Mexican Rice With Crispy Bacon And Spicy Chorizo

• Vegetarian Delight: Swap chorizo and bacon with roasted chickpeas and diced sweet potatoes for a hearty plant-based version.
• Seafood Fusion: Replace bacon and chorizo with sautéed shrimp and diced calamari, adding a coastal Mediterranean flair.
• Cauliflower Rice Edition: Substitute traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a low-carb alternative, maintaining the same spicy Mexican seasoning profile.
• Instant Pot Quick Fix: Convert the stovetop recipe to an Instant Pot method, reducing cooking time and simplifying the preparation process while preserving the rich smoky flavors.

Sides That Match Smoky Mexican Rice With Crispy Bacon And Spicy Chorizo

• Drink Pairing: Spicy Margarita Twist
• Craft a zesty margarita with tequila, fresh lime juice, and a dash of chili powder to match the smoky and spicy notes of the Mexican rice. The citrusy kick and heat will complement the dish's bold flavors perfectly.
• Wine Pairing: Bold Mexican Red Blend
• Select a robust Mexican red wine like a Tempranillo or Nebbiolo blend that can stand up to the rich chorizo and bacon. Its complex, spicy undertones will enhance the rice's deep, smoky character.
• Beverage Complement: Mexican Cerveza Clara
• Choose a crisp, light Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to cut through the dish's richness. The beer's clean, refreshing profile will balance the intense spices and provide a palate-cleansing effect.

Storing Smoky Mexican Rice With Crispy Bacon And Spicy Chorizo The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Transfer rice to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Removes air to prevent freezer burn. Stays good for up to 1 month. Label with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheat: Place rice in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Check temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm rice in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth or water to restore moisture.

Smoky Mexican Rice With Crispy Bacon And Spicy Chorizo FAQ

• Why rinse the rice before cooking?

Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky and ensuring a fluffy, separated texture in the final dish.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time, so you’ll need to adjust the broth amount and simmer time accordingly to achieve the right consistency.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from the chorizo and spices, but you can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili powder or choosing a milder chorizo.

• How do I get the rice crispy on the bottom?

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and let the rice sit undisturbed during the final few minutes of cooking to develop a delicious crispy layer called “socarrat”.

Smoky Mexican Rice with Crispy Bacon and Spicy Chorizo Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Smoky Mexican rice brings sizzling southwestern flavors to your dinner table with crispy bacon and spicy chorizo dancing together. Hearty ingredients combine perfectly, delivering bold comfort and zesty satisfaction that will delight your taste buds.

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Ingredients

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Meats:

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 0.5 pound (225 grams) Mexican chorizo, casing removed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 green bell pepper, diced
• 0.5 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Spices and Base Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 3 cups chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Fire up a large skillet over medium heat and render the bacon until golden and crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat.
2. Crumble the chorizo into the same skillet, sizzling and browning thoroughly. Extract the chorizo, setting it alongside the bacon.
3. Sauté the onions and bell peppers in the existing fat for 3-4 minutes until they soften and develop a translucent sheen. Introduce minced garlic and aromatic spices, allowing them to bloom for 60 seconds.
4. Incorporate the rice, meticulously coating each grain with the spiced fat. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Immediately reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 17 minutes until rice absorbs all liquid and becomes tender.
6. Fold in the reserved bacon, chorizo, and sweet green peas. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to create a light, airy texture.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with zesty lime wedges for a vibrant, smoky Mexican-inspired rice dish.

Notes

• Check rice quality by rinsing thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains during cooking.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and selecting mild or spicy chorizo based on personal preference.
• Toast rice in bacon grease creates deeper flavor profile, adding smoky undertones and rich complexity to the dish.
• Consider low-sodium alternatives like turkey bacon or plant-based chorizo for health-conscious variations without compromising taste intensity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg