Mexican red rice, also known as Arroz Rojo, is a traditional and flavorful side dish that complements a variety of Mexican meals. Made with simple ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and long-grain rice, this dish is vibrant in color and rich in taste. It’s often served alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, adding an authentic touch to any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or a weekday dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results.
Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo) Recipe
4
servings10
minutes30
minutes184
kcal40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
200 g 1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1 small onion
2 2 garlic cloves
120 ml 1/2 cup tomato purée
420 ml 1 3/4 cup chicken broth
60 ml 1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 g 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1 1 small jalapeño
Equipment
Medium saucepan- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Directions
- Toast the Rice:
- Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, for about 4-5 minutes until the rice is golden brown. This step enhances the flavor by toasting the grains.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan with the toasted rice. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the onions soften and become translucent.
- Add the Tomato and Spices:
- Stir in the tomato purée, tomato sauce, cumin, and salt.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Add the Liquid:
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water), stirring to combine all the ingredients.
- If using a jalapeño, place it whole into the pan at this point for added flavor (you can remove the seeds for less heat).
- Simmer and Cook:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to prevent steam from escaping.
- Fluff and Serve:
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, and discard the jalapeño if you used it.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside your favorite Mexican dishes.
Notes
- For fluffier rice, rinse the grains under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch.
What is Mexican red rice made of?
Mexican red rice, also known as Arroz Rojo, is typically made with long-grain white rice, tomatoes (or tomato purée), onions, garlic, and broth. It gets its signature red color from the tomatoes and sometimes a bit of tomato sauce. Spices like cumin, salt, and optional cilantro or jalapeño are added for flavor.
Can I make Mexican red rice without tomato sauce?
Yes, you can make Mexican red rice without tomato sauce. If you don’t have tomato sauce on hand, use fresh tomatoes or tomato purée. You can blend a fresh tomato with broth or water to achieve a similar consistency and flavor.
What type of rice is best for making Arroz Rojo?
Long-grain white rice is the best option for making Arroz Rojo. It cooks up fluffy, with separate grains, which is ideal for this dish. You can also use jasmine or basmati rice, but avoid short-grain or sticky rice varieties.
How do I prevent my rice from being mushy?
To avoid mushy rice, follow these tips:
Avoid stirring or removing the lid while the rice is cooking.
Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
Toast the rice in oil before adding liquids, which helps the grains stay separate.
Use the correct ratio of liquid to rice (1 cup of rice to 1.75 cups of liquid).
How spicy is Mexican red rice?
Traditional Arroz Rojo is not very spicy. However, you can adjust the heat level by adding a jalapeño. Leaving the jalapeño whole and simmering it in the rice will give a mild heat. For more spice, slice the jalapeño or add extra chili peppers.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Mexican red rice can be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the rice to prevent it from drying out, and gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What dishes pair well with Mexican red rice?
Mexican red rice pairs well with a variety of Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, carne asada, and refried beans. It also works as a side for seafood dishes or as a filling for burritos.
Can I freeze Mexican red rice?
Yes, you can freeze Mexican red rice. After the rice has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat with a splash of water or broth.
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