Rice is the backbone of any great burrito. It adds substance, soaks up flavours, and brings everything together in each bite. Whether you’re making bean and rice burritos at home or ordering from The Burrito Bros in Mississauga, understanding what makes rice perfect for burritos helps you appreciate this essential ingredient. Let’s explore everything about rice for burritos—from choosing the right type to cooking it perfectly.
What Makes the Best Rice for Burritos?
The best rice for a burrito needs specific qualities. It should be fluffy, flavourful, and able to absorb the seasoning without turning mushy. At The Burrito Bros across the GTA, we’ve perfected our rice because we know it makes or breaks the entire burrito experience.
Good burrito rice isn’t just plain white rice thrown into a tortilla. Mexican rice is never bland—it’s seasoned, aromatic, and brings its own character to the dish. When done right, rice complements the beans, meat, salsa, and other fillings without disappearing into the background.
White Rice vs Brown Rice for Burritos
The type of rice you use matters. Most traditional burritos use white rice, specifically long grain white rice. This variety stays separate and fluffy rather than clumping together. Long-grain white rice has the perfect texture—each grain stays distinct while still being tender enough to blend with other ingredients.
Brown rice has gained popularity as a healthier alternative. Since brown rice retains its outer bran layer, it offers more fiber and nutrients. However, it requires different cooking time and has a chewier texture. At our Etobicoke location, we offer both white and brown rice options so customers can choose based on their preferences.
White rice cooks faster and has a neutral flavour that takes on seasoning beautifully. Brown rice brings a nuttier taste and heartier texture. Both work in burritos—it’s really about what you prefer.
Why Rinse the Rice Before Cooking
Here’s something many people skip but shouldn’t: rinse the rice before cooking. When you rinse rice under running water, you wash away excess starch from the rice. This step prevents your rice from becoming sticky or gummy.
To rinse properly, put your uncooked rice in a fine-mesh strainer and run cold water over it, stirring with your hand. Keep rinsing until the water runs mostly clear instead of cloudy. This simple step makes a noticeable difference in the final texture, ensuring your rice is perfect and fluffy rather than clumped together.
Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe: The Classic Burrito Rice
Cilantro lime rice has become synonymous with modern burrito bowls and tacos. This rice recipe combines simplicity with bold flavour, and it’s easier to make than you might think.
Ingredients for Perfect Cilantro Lime Rice
For basic cilantro lime rice, you need long grain rice (like basmati rice or jasmine rice work well too), water or broth, lime juice, fresh cilantro, salt, and a bit of oil. The rice itself provides the base, while lime and cilantro bring brightness and freshness.
The ratio matters: typically two cups of liquid for every cup of rice, though this varies slightly depending on the kind of rice. Jasmine rice is slightly stickier, while basmati rice stays very separate. Both make excellent choices for burritos.
How to Cook the Rice for Maximum Flavour
Start by heating oil in your pot, then add your rinsed rice and toast it briefly. This step adds a subtle nutty flavour. Next, add your liquid—chicken or vegetable broth works better than plain water because it infuses flavour from the start.
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer. For white rice, this takes about 15-18 minutes. Don’t lift the lid while the rice is cooking—the steam is essential. When the cooking time is up and the rice is done, remove from heat but keep it covered for another 5 minutes.
Adding Fresh Cilantro and Lime Juice
Once your rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Now add your freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro. The heat from the rice releases the cilantro’s aroma and the lime juice brightens everything.
Mix gently with your fork—don’t stir aggressively or you’ll make it mushy. When you get at a Mexican restaurant, this is the style you’re tasting: simple rice elevated by fresh ingredients added at the end.
Seasoned Rice vs Plain Rice: Understanding the Difference
Plain rice has its place, but seasoned rice is what makes Mexican food special. The difference is in the preparation and what you add during cooking.
Essential Seasoning for Mexican Rice
Mexican-style rice uses seasoning like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and sometimes taco seasoning. These spices transform basic rice into something with depth and character. At The Burrito Bros, we season our rice carefully to complement our halal meats and other toppings without overwhelming them.
Cumin brings earthiness, chili powder adds warmth without excessive heat, and garlic provides savory notes. Together, they create that authentic Mexican flavour profile that makes rice worth eating on its own.
Building Flavour While You Cook the Rice
The key to seasoned rice is adding flavours during cooking, not after. When you add seasoning to the liquid before it simmers, the rice absorbs those flavours completely. Some recipes include sautéing onion and garlic before adding rice and liquid, which builds even more depth.
Spanish rice, a close cousin to Mexican rice, often includes tomato sauce or paste for colour and acidity. While burrito rice is usually lighter in colour, both approaches create rice that’s far superior to plain boiled grains.
How to Make Mexican Rice for Your Burrito Bowl
Making authentic Mexican rice at home is simpler than most people think. Whether you’re preparing for a burrito bowl or planning to make burritos, the process stays consistent.
Step-by-Step Rice Recipe for Burritos
Start with your rice—use long-grain white rice or grain white rice for best results. Measure one cup of rice to two cups of liquid. Rinse the rice thoroughly as we discussed earlier.
Heat two tablespoons of oil in a medium pot. Add your rice and stir for 2-3 minutes until it smells toasty. Pour in your liquid (broth is best), add salt and your seasoning mix—about a teaspoon of cumin, half a teaspoon of chili powder, and garlic powder to taste.
Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to low heat. Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes without peeking. When the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for five more minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork, and your rice for burritos is ready.
Tips to Rinse and Prepare Rice Properly
Beyond rinsing to remove starch, proper preparation includes using the right amount of liquid and not disturbing the rice while it cooks. The rice in water ratio is crucial—too much water makes it mushy, too little leaves it crunchy and undercooked.
If you’re using my rice cooker or an instant pot rice setting, the process becomes even easier. An instant pot can prepare the rice in about 12 minutes under pressure, while a rice cooker handles everything automatically. Just maintain the same liquid ratios and add your seasoning.
Bean and Rice Burritos: The Perfect Combination
Rice and bean combinations are foundational to Mexican cuisine. Together they create a complete protein and a satisfying texture contrast.
Pairing Beans and Rice in Your Burrito
When you order a burrito at The Burrito Bros in Mississauga or anywhere in the GTA, the beans and rice work as a team. The rice provides a neutral, fluffy base while beans add creaminess and protein. This combination also adds bulk to your burrito filling, making it more substantial.
The rice should be slightly warm when you assemble your burrito so it blends with the beans without being hot enough to wilt your lettuce or make cheese melt prematurely. This temperature balance is something restaurants perfect through practice.
Black Beans vs Pinto Beans with Seasoned Rice
Black beans have become incredibly popular in burrito bowls and tacos. They hold their shape well, have a mild earthy flavour, and pair beautifully with lime-seasoned rice. Pinto beans are creamier and have a slightly sweeter taste that some people prefer.
Both work wonderfully with seasoned rice. At our locations across Etobicoke and the GTA, we offer both options because preference varies. Some customers love the visual contrast of black beans against white rice, while others prefer the traditional pinto bean flavor they remember from authentic Mexican restaurants.
Rice Options at The Burrito Bros in Mississauga, GTA, and Etobicoke
At The Burrito Bros, rice isn’t an afterthought—it’s a carefully prepared component that makes our halal burritos and bowls special.
Our Halal Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice
Our signature burrito bowl starts with your choice of rice as the base. We prepare fresh rice daily using quality long grain rice, seasoned perfectly and finished with lime and cilantro. This creates a flavourful foundation for your choice of halal protein—whether that’s seasoned chicken, ground beef, or steak.
You build from there: add beans, your protein, salsa, cheese, and toppings like avocado. The rice supports all these flavours while contributing its own. Many customers in Mississauga specifically request extra rice because they love how it soaks up the salsa and meat juices.
Rice Options for Tacos and Other Dishes
While tacos don’t traditionally include rice inside them, our taco plates come with rice on the side. This lets you enjoy the seasoned rice alongside your tacos, beans, and other accompaniments. It’s a complete meal that showcases how versatile good rice can be in Mexican food.
We also use rice as a base for bowl-style meals where customers want the burrito experience without the tortilla. Whether you’re eating in or getting delivery, the rice maintains its texture and flavour.
Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice: Authentic Flavor at Home
Want to recreate what you get at The Burrito Bros or any quality Mexican restaurant? Here’s how to achieve that professional taste at home.
What Makes Mexican Restaurant Rice Special
Restaurant rice tastes better because of consistency, quality ingredients, and technique. Restaurants make large batches, which helps maintain even cooking temperature. They also use proper seasoning ratios developed through trial and error.
The rice mix restaurants use often includes broth instead of water, proper salt levels, and fresh ingredients added at the right time. They prepare the rice so it’s ready when orders come in, meaning it’s at peak texture—not overcooked from sitting too long.
Recreating Professional-Quality Rice at Home
To make this recipe work at home, focus on three things: proper rinsing, correct liquid ratios, and patience during cooking. Don’t rush the simmer time or constantly lift the lid. Trust the process.
Use an instant pot if you want consistency without watching the stove. The pressure cooking method produces reliable results every time. Since brown rice takes longer, adjust your instant pot time to about 22 minutes if you used brown rice instead of white.
Season boldly—restaurants aren’t shy with salt and spices. Start with a teaspoon of salt per cup of rice and adjust from there. Add your chili powder, cumin, and maybe a rice mix seasoning blend to build complexity.
When the rice is cooking, resist the urge to stir. Stirring releases starch and makes rice sticky. Only fluff the rice after it’s completely done and has rested. Use a fork, not a spoon, to keep grains separate.
The final touch? Taste your finished rice and adjust. If it needs more lime, add it. If the cilantro isn’t pronounced enough, fold in more. Making adjustments after cooking gives you control over the final flavour.
Whether you’re making a burrito recipe at home or coming to visit us at The Burrito Bros in Mississauga, Etobicoke, or anywhere in the GTA, understanding rice elevates your entire experience. Good rice turns a collection of ingredients into a cohesive, satisfying meal. It’s the difference between okay burritos and exceptional ones.
We serve halal options with the same attention to rice quality that defines great Mexican restaurants. Every bowl, every burrito, and every taco plate we prepare includes rice that’s been rinsed, seasoned, and cooked to perfection. When you cook rice at home following these guidelines, you’ll taste the difference that proper technique makes.
Rice might seem simple, but it’s the foundation that lets everything else shine. Master your rice, and you’ve mastered the heart of authentic Mexican cooking.