Sizzling Mexican Style Red Rice
This Sizzling Mexican Style Red Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine. Infused with aromatic garlic, sweet onions, and ripe tomatoes, it transforms simple rice into a delightful accompaniment that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a standalone entree. You'll savor its rich color and enticing aroma, making it a standout side dish at your dinner table. Elevate your meals with this easy-to-make recipe that tastes far superior to any restaurant version!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Uncooked rice
1 cup (Rinsed and drained)
Oil
2 tablespoons (For cooking)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
White onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Ripe plum tomatoes
2 (Seeded and chopped)
Tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (Prepared)
Chicken broth or beef broth
1 cup (For cooking)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (For seasoning)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a heavy skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the uncooked rice, stirring frequently until it turns a golden brown color, which enhances the flavor.
2
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and begins to brown.
3
Incorporate the seeded and chopped tomatoes, the can of tomato sauce, and the chicken or beef broth into the skillet. Sprinkle in the chili powder and salt, stirring to combine all ingredients well.
4
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow the rice to simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the rice is fluffy.
6
Finally, fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains and enhance its texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sizzling Mexican Style Red Rice?
Sizzling Mexican Style Red Rice is a flavorful side dish made by browning rice and simmering it with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and broth for a vibrant, savory result.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is recommended as it stays fluffy and separate after cooking, which is ideal for Mexican-style rice.
Why do I need to brown the rice first?
Browning the rice in oil enhances its nutty flavor and creates a protective coating on each grain to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth to make this dish entirely vegetarian.
How long does it take to cook Mexican Red Rice?
The rice typically simmers for 20 to 25 minutes, plus 5 minutes of resting time after the heat is turned off.
What should I serve with this rice?
It is a perfect accompaniment for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, or steak.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can use brown rice, but you will need to increase the liquid amount and the cooking time significantly, usually to about 45-50 minutes.
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure you brown it thoroughly in oil before adding any liquids.
Can I use water instead of broth?
While you can use water, using chicken or beef broth adds a much deeper and richer flavor to the finished dish.
Is Mexican Red Rice spicy?
This specific recipe uses chili powder for flavor, making it mild. To make it spicy, you can add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze Mexican Red Rice?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked rice in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
What is the purpose of the tomato sauce?
The tomato sauce provides the signature red color and a concentrated tomato base that flavors the entire dish.
Can I add extra vegetables to the rice?
Yes, many people enjoy adding peas, diced carrots, or corn during the simmering process for added texture and nutrition.
How do I reheat the rice?
Reheat in the microwave with a tablespoon of water or on the stovetop over low heat to keep it moist.
Why is my rice still hard after 25 minutes?
The heat may have been too low or the lid not sealed tightly. Add a splash of broth and continue simmering for a few more minutes.
Can I use a rice cooker for this recipe?
Yes, but for the best flavor, brown the rice and sauté the aromatics in a skillet first before transferring everything to the rice cooker.
What kind of oil should I use?
Any neutral oil with a high smoke point works well, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.
Do I need to rinse the rice?
Yes, rinsing the rice until the water runs clear removes surface starch and helps ensure the grains stay separate.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can substitute the fresh plum tomatoes with a half-cup of canned diced tomatoes.
How can I make the rice even more flavorful?
Try adding a pinch of ground cumin or fresh chopped cilantro at the end of the cooking process.
Can I use bouillon cubes?
Yes, dissolve one bouillon cube in one cup of hot water to substitute for the cup of broth required in the recipe.
Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp?
Absolutely! You can stir in cooked shredded chicken or sauté shrimp along with the garlic and onions to make it a main meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Rice is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth and tomato sauce brands are certified gluten-free.
How do I scale this recipe for a crowd?
You can easily double or triple the ingredients; just ensure you use a large enough pot to allow for the rice to expand.
Why should I let the rice sit for 5 minutes after cooking?
Resting allows the steam to finish cooking the rice gently and redistribute moisture, making it easier to fluff.
Can I use olive oil?
Yes, though it will impart a slightly different flavor than traditional neutral oils used in Mexican cooking.
What kind of onions are best for this recipe?
White onions are most traditional for Mexican rice, but yellow onions are a great substitute if needed.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is preferred for depth of flavor, but you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder if necessary.
How do I fluff the rice properly?
Use a fork to gently lift and separate the grains; avoid using a spoon, which can mash the rice and make it gummy.