Authentic Mexican Arroz Rojo
Delve into the rich flavors of Mexico with this Authentic Mexican Arroz Rojo (Red Rice) recipe. Perfectly fluffy long grain rice is infused with savory tomato, aromatic garlic, and warm spices, creating a deliciously vibrant side dish that complements any Mexican meal. This homemade recipe is easy to prepare and makes for a delightful addition to your family gatherings, taco nights, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a genuine taste of Mexico.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Long Grain Rice
1 cup (Rinsed and drained)
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon (Used for frying)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (Add directly)
Yellow Onion
3-4 slices (Fresh, sliced)
Tomato Sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (Add directly)
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon (Add directly)
Salt
to taste (Add as desired)
Black Pepper
to taste (Add as desired)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing and draining the long grain rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
2
In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat, then add the drained rice. Sauté the rice for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns a light golden hue.
3
Stir in the garlic powder, onion slices, tomato sauce, and ground cumin, mixing well to incorporate the flavors.
4
Add 2 cups of water to the pan and season with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all of the water.
6
After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to finish cooking in its residual steam.
7
Fluff the rice with a fork before serving and enjoy your lovely Mexican Arroz Rojo!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Mexican Arroz Rojo?
Arroz Rojo, or Red Rice, is a classic Mexican side dish where long grain rice is sautéed and then simmered with tomato sauce, garlic, and spices to create a fluffy and savory dish.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long grain rice is the best choice for this recipe as it provides the desired fluffy texture and holds its shape well after cooking.
Why do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing the rice under cold water removes excess starch, which helps prevent the grains from sticking together and ensures a fluffier result.
How long should I sauté the rice?
You should sauté the rice in vegetable oil for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns a light golden hue.
What is the purpose of sautéing the rice in oil?
Sautéing toasts the rice grains, which adds a nutty flavor and helps the grains remain separate and fluffy rather than mushy.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
The recipe calls for an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce for consistency and color, but you can substitute with blended fresh tomatoes if preferred.
What spices are used in this Arroz Rojo?
This recipe uses garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to achieve its authentic savory flavor profile.
What is the ratio of water to rice for this recipe?
The ratio used in this recipe is 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of long grain rice.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer covered for approximately 20 minutes.
Why must the rice sit covered after cooking?
Letting the rice sit for 5 to 10 minutes off the heat allows it to finish cooking in its own residual steam, ensuring a perfect texture.
Should I stir the rice while it is simmering?
No, you should avoid stirring the rice while it simmers to prevent the grains from breaking and becoming gummy.
How do I fluff the rice?
Use a fork to gently lift and separate the grains after the resting period is complete.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable oil and water rather than animal-based fats or broths.
Can I use chicken broth instead of water?
Yes, substituting water with chicken broth can add even more depth and savory flavor to the rice.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 3-4 slices of fresh yellow onion to infuse the rice with aromatic flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is Mexican Arroz Rojo gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this recipe, including rice and spices, are naturally gluten-free.
What dishes pair well with Arroz Rojo?
It is a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, or beans.
Can I add vegetables to this rice?
Yes, common additions include peas, diced carrots, or corn, which can be added during the simmering stage.
What should I do if my rice is still hard after 20 minutes?
If the water is gone but the rice is hard, add a splash of hot water, cover tightly, and let it steam for a few more minutes.
Why did my rice turn out mushy?
Mushy rice usually happens if too much water was used, if the rice wasn't rinsed well, or if it was stirred too much during cooking.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, though vegetable oil is traditional for its neutral flavor, olive oil can be used as a substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze Mexican red rice?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked rice in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What is the best way to reheat the rice?
Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water and a cover to retain moisture, or on the stovetop over low heat.
Can I use brown rice for this recipe?
You can, but brown rice requires more water and a significantly longer simmering time (usually 45-50 minutes).
Is garlic powder better than fresh garlic for this?
The recipe uses powder for even distribution, but you can use minced fresh garlic added during the last minute of sautéing the rice.
Does this rice have a spicy kick?
No, this version focuses on savory flavors like cumin and tomato. You can add jalapeños or serranos if you want heat.
What is the total preparation and cook time?
It takes about 10 minutes to prep and sauté, 20 minutes to simmer, and 10 minutes to rest, totaling about 40 minutes.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can double the ingredients; just ensure you use a large enough pan with a tight-fitting lid to accommodate the volume.