Traditional Mexican Red Rice Recipe

2023-07-12

By Mexican Food Fan

Mexican Cuisine

Side Dish

Make this easy and delicious Mexican Red Rice recipe to accompany your favorite Mexican dishes.  

Arroz Rojo Side Dish

Also known as Arroz Rojo, originated in the central and southern regions of Mexico. The dish is a popular side dish in Mexican cuisine and is served alongside main courses such as enchiladas, tacos, and grilled meats. 

Sautéing Mexican Style

Mexican Red Rice gets its name and characteristic red color from the addition of tomatoes and tomato paste, which are sautéed with onions and garlic. Other common ingredients include chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder, which give the dish a rich and flavorful taste. 

Enhance the Flavors

The rice is then cooked in the tomato and spice mixture until it is tender and has absorbed all of the flavors. 

Cinco de Mayo Food Staple

It is often served during festive occasions such as Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos, as well as everyday meals. The perfect side dish for any occasion!

Beer Pairing

The tomato and spice flavors in this dish pair well with a Mexican beer like Negra Modelo or Victoria. The maltiness of the beer helps to balance out the acidity of the tomato sauce.

Pitfalls on Mexican Red Rice

 Choosing the right rice: Mexican Red Rice is traditionally made with long-grain white rice. Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking.

 Cooking the rice: The key to perfect Mexican Red Rice is toasting the rice in oil before adding the liquid. This will help the rice absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. 

 The consistency of the rice: Getting the right texture for Mexican Red Rice can be challenging. Make sure to add the right amount of liquid (usually twice the amount of rice) and simmer gently on low heat. Avoid stirring the rice too much while it cooks, as this can release excess starch and make the rice sticky. 

 The color: Achieving a vibrant red color for the rice is important in Mexican cuisine. This is usually achieved with the addition of tomato sauce or puree, but be careful not to add too much as it can overpower the flavors. 

 Flavoring the rice: Mexican Red Rice is often flavored with onion, garlic, and other spices such as cumin and chili powder. Make sure to season generously to get a rich, complex flavor, delve into our writing Enhance the Flavor. 

 Serving: Mexican Red Rice is a perfect side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal. Serve it with tacos, enchiladas, or any other favorite Mexican dish. Add fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added color and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 1/4 onion, chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and set aside.

2. In a blender or food processor, blend the onion, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, and salt until smooth.

3. In a medium pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the rice and stir for 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned.

4. Add the onion mixture to the pot and stir for another minute.

5. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

6. Remove from the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5-10 minutes.

7. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro.

8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Preparation Time 15 min

Cook Time 30 min

Total time 45 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 230

Fat: 6 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Carbohydrates: 38 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 2 g

Protein: 4 g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Mexican Red Rice

Veracruz Red Rice: Known as "Arroz Rojo a la Veracruzana", this version uses tomato sauce and chicken broth along with diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Oaxaca Red Rice: Called "Arroz Rojo Oaxaqueño", this version uses ancho chiles, epazote, and chicken broth for a spicy and aromatic rice dish.

Jalisco Red Rice: Known as "Arroz Rojo Jalisciense", this version uses tomato paste, chopped carrots, and green peas for a colorful and savory rice dish.

Puebla Red Rice: Called "Arroz Rojo Poblano", this version uses a mix of dried ancho and guajillo chiles, along with diced onion and garlic, for a smoky and spicy rice dish.

Yucatan Red Rice: Known as "Arroz Rojo Yucateco", this version uses achiote paste and chicken broth, along with diced onion and garlic, for a mildly spicy and tangy rice dish.

Michoacán Red Rice: Called "Arroz Rojo Michoacano", this version uses tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, along with chopped poblano peppers, for a rich and hearty rice dish.

Sonora Red Rice: Known as "Arroz Rojo Sonorense", this version uses diced tomatoes, cumin, and chicken broth, along with chopped green bell pepper, for a subtly spiced and tasty rice dish.

Try this Mexican Red Rice with your favorite Mexican dishes and enjoy the burst of flavors. Don't forget to share your creation using #mexicanredrice and let us know how you liked it!

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