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TRaditional Red Rice

2022-07-12

By Mexican Food Fan

Mexican Cuisine

Side Dish

3 Easy Ways to Make Fluffy Red Rice: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Air Fryer Methods

Slow Cooker Red Rice: Hands-Off Cooking for Fluffy, Flavorful Rice Every Time

Use the slow cooker to cook red rice with your favorite seasonings and broth. Simply add the rice, liquid, and spices, set the slow cooker on "low," and let it work for a few hours. This method results in perfectly cooked, fluffy rice with minimal attention required.

Instant Pot Red Rice: Cook Perfect, Fluffy Rice in Just 20 Minutes

Use the Instant Pot’s "pressure cook" function to cook red rice in a fraction of the time. Sauté your onions and garlic in the "saute" mode, then add the rice and liquid. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for just 20 minutes for fluffy, flavorful red rice with minimal effort.

Air Fryer Red Rice: Add Crispy Toppings for a Crunchy, Flavorful Twist

Once your red rice is cooked, use the air fryer to quickly crisp up toppings like onions, peppers, or even a light sprinkle of cheese. The "air crisp" function adds a golden, crunchy texture to your rice, making it a great way to elevate the dish.

Tips and Suggestions on 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.

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.

Classic Red Rice Recipe

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!

Cooking Time

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

Variations for Red Rice

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This version is made with ripe plantains fried to golden perfection, served alongside flavorful tomato rice, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal.

Vegan Plantains With Spicy Red Pepper and Tomato Rice

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This version is made with aromatic red rice simmered in a rich coconut curry sauce, featuring vibrant vegetables and a blend of spices.

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Red Rice with Meatballs

This version is made with hearty red rice paired with savory meatballs, all simmered in a zesty tomato sauce for a delightful meal.

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Red Rice with Beef

This version is made with tender beef stir-fried with aromatic spices and mixed with nutty red rice for a satisfying one-pot meal.

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Red rice with Sausage

This version is made with smoky sausage cooked to perfection, combined with flavorful red rice and peppers for a hearty, satisfying dish.

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Red Rice with Bacon

This version is made with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and vibrant spices, all mingled with nutty red rice for a savory delight.

Baked Red Rice with Bacon

Red Rice with Chorizo and Veggies

This version is made with spicy chorizo, colorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all simmered together with red rice for a deliciously vibrant meal.

Baked Charleston Red Rice with Sausage

Charleston Red Rice

This version is made with smoky bacon, fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, creating a hearty, flavorful dish inspired by Lowcountry cuisine.

Charleston Red Rice

Red Rice Recipe Review

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