Arroz Rojo (Mexican Red Rice)

Arroz rojo, or Mexican crimson rice, is a flexible aspect dish that may additionally stand by itself as a important dish. It’s straightforward and flavourful.

In This Submit:

What Is Arroz Rojo?

The identify “arroz rojo” interprets to “crimson rice,”, which is a staple in Mexican delicacies and a favorite amongst households. This recipe transforms easy elements like rice, tomato puree, and greens right into a flavourful and vibrant aspect dish that enhances a variety of important programs. 

Its vibrant color comes from the tomato puree whereas the flavour comes from the mixture of onions, garlic, cumin, and paprika. 

Whether or not you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, as a part of a vegetarian feast, or as a hearty base for a burrito bowl, arroz rojo is a good addition to any meal (not simply Mexican, by the way in which).

👉 When you’re on the lookout for extra dinner recipes, be sure that to attempt my beef carne picada, Mexican rooster schnitzel, spiced Mexican tuna steak, or black beans, corn and avocado salad. You’ll find some Mexican appetizers right here.

What You’ll Want

Here’s what you’ll have to make arroz rojo recipe:

• Rice: Lengthy-grain white rice is most well-liked for its fluffy texture and talent to soak up the wealthy flavours of the tomato puree and spices. 
• Flavour base: Olive oil provides a touch of richness, whereas the mixture of garlic, onion, and carrots introduces depth and a contact of sweetness. 
• Kick it up a notch: the spices—cumin, paprika, and black pepper—present heat and complexity. The jalapeño pepper permits you to alter the warmth stage to your choice, making the dish customizable for various palates. 
• Vegetable broth: you want the liquid to cook dinner the rice however make it veggie or rooster broth for added flavour and depth.

You may tweak the recipe primarily based on what you might have available and your dietary wants. You may add additional greens, corn, beans or peas. 

How To Make Arroz Rojo

• Prep the rice: Begin by totally rinsing your rice below chilly water to take away extra starch, which helps obtain that completely fluffy texture.
• Sauté the bottom: Warmth olive oil in a skillet, then sauté onion, garlic, and rice till the rice takes on a golden hue and the onion is translucent. This step not solely cooks the rice but additionally layers in flavour proper from the beginning.
• Add veggies: Stir within the tomato puree, diced carrots, and salt, cooking for a few minutes to deepen the flavours.
• Simmer the flavours: Pour within the vegetable broth alongside together with your spices and jalapeño. After bringing it to a boil, scale back the warmth, cowl it, and let it simmer quietly. The rice will take in all these attractive flavours and the liquid, turning into tender and scrumptious.
• Relaxation and Serve: As soon as the rice is cooked, give it a couple of minutes to relaxation, nonetheless lined. This step permits the rice to complete steaming. Fluff it up with a fork, garnish it with contemporary cilantro, and it’s able to impress on the dinner desk.

Recipe Ideas

• Regulate the quantity of jalapeño pepper based on your most well-liked stage of spiciness.
• You may substitute vegetable broth with rooster broth if desired.
• Be at liberty so as to add different greens like peas or bell peppers for additional flavour and texture.
• This recipe may be simply doubled or halved relying in your serving wants.
• Rinse the rice earlier than cooking to take away extra starch and obtain fluffier grains.
• Use a skillet or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to make sure even cooking and to stop steam from escaping.
• Permit the rice to relaxation after cooking to permit the flavours to meld and the rice to turn into tender.
• Regulate the seasoning based on your style preferences. You may add extra spices or herbs to boost the flavour.

Serving Options

Serve the rice as a aspect dish with grilled meats, braised stews like this carne picada or spiced tomato rooster meatballs, roasted greens, or alongside one other favorite Mexican-inspired important course or tacos. It’s additionally nice in tacos or as a base of a wholesome Tex Mex bowl. 

If I’ve leftover Mexican rice, I typically have it with a fried egg and salsa within the morning for breakfast.

Extra Rice Recipes

Full Recipe 

Discover the total listing of elements, directions, and a dietary breakdown beneath. If in case you have questions or cook dinner this recipe, please let me know within the feedback, and ensure to price this recipe so it’s straightforward for others to search out.