Tex-Mex Fried Rice Recipe

Tex-Mex cuisine is renowned for its bold and vibrant flavors, and when combined with the comfort and simplicity of fried rice, it creates an irresistible fusion dish.

This Tex-Mex Fried Rice recipe brings together the smoky heat of sausages, the aromatic spices of Tex-Mex seasoning, and the satisfying goodness of fried rice.

Get ready for a mouthwatering culinary experience that will excite your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Let's dive straight into the ingredients and portions needed to create this delectable dish.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 lb (450g) spicy sausages, casing removed and crumbled
• 1 medium-sized red onion, finely diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Tex-Mex seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon hot sauce
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 2 cups leftover white rice
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Directions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the crumbled sausages to the skillet and cook, breaking them up with a spatula, until it starts to brown.
3. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeno. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and develop a slight char. Once done, add the corn and the black beans.
4. Give everything a mix and stir in the minced garlic, Tex-Mex seasoning, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
5. Add the leftover rice to the skillet and toss it, ensuring it is well-coated with the spices.
6. Incorporate the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and lime juice into the rice. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
7. Stir fry the rice, cooking it for another 3-4 minutes and allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Add in the scallions and give it one last mix.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot.

How to make Tex-Mex Seasoning at home?

Making your own Tex-Mex seasoning at home is a fantastic way to infuse your dishes with authentic flavors. Here's a simple recipe to create your own homemade Tex-Mex seasoning:

In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

Transfer the homemade Tex-Mex seasoning to an airtight container or spice jar. Label it and store it in a cool, dry place.

Remember, you can always adjust the quantities of the spices to suit your taste preferences.

Now you're ready to use your homemade Tex-Mex seasoning! Sprinkle it on grilled meats, add it to stews or chili, use it to season vegetables, or incorporate it into your favorite Tex-Mex dishes for a burst of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice instead of leftover rice for the recipe?

Since leftover rice dries out being refrigerated overnight, it absorbs the flavors of oil, sauces, etc. better than fresh rice and is hence recommended. However, fresh rice can also be used to make the recipe.

Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Certainly! While the recipe calls for spicy sausage, you can customize it to your preference. Feel free to use any type of sausage that suits your taste, such as chorizo, Italian sausage, or even ground beef as alternatives.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based alternatives or omit it altogether. For a vegan version, ensure that all the ingredients, including the seasoning and cooking oil, are vegan-friendly.

Thanks for reading!