Fiesta-Worthy Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo)
Spice up dinner with my authentic mexican rice recipe! Known as Arroz Rojo, it's easy, flavour-packed & the perfect Mexican night side. Get the recipe!
Alright, let’s dive into this fiesta-worthy mexican rice recipe . i bet you're craving some authentic flavors. am i right? this mexican rice recipe is gonna be your new go-to side dish.
It's super flavorful.
A Taste of Mexico
Think warm, fluffy easy mexican rice recipe . it's arroz rojo , a true mexican staple. it brings the real taste of mexico to your table.
It's a classic dish, deeply rooted in mexican cuisine. did you know almost every family has their own version?
This mexican rice easy is seriously easy to make. perfect for a busy weeknight. or a weekend mexican night feast.
This yields about 6 servings. just enough to share. the cook time is about 35 minutes.
Why This Recipe Rocks
Honestly, this mexican rice recipes are not created equal. this one uses toasted rice . toasting the rice adds a nutty depth.
A little trick my abuela taught me. it's healthier than you think too. it provides essential carbohydrates. fuel for all that fiesta dancing! it makes it an easy rice .
Serve this with tacos or enchiladas. your friends will think you are a chef.
Ingredients & Equipment for Fiesta-Worthy Mexican Rice Recipe
Ready to whip up some amazing Mexican rice ? This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe is simpler than you think. Honestly, the right ingredients make all the difference. Let's dive in!
Main Ingredients: Your Flavor Foundation
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Use something neutral like canola.
- Long-Grain Rice: 1 cup (200g), rinsed. Trust me, rinsing is key!
- White Onion: 1/2 medium , finely chopped.
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Smells heavenly , right?
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can (411g), undrained.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups (475 ml). Adds a savory depth.
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon . For that warm, Mexican kick.
- Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon . Essential for an authentic flavor.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon , or to taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon , or to taste.
- Optional Cilantro: 1/4 cup , chopped. Freshness overload!
Quality check: for the rice, look for grains that are uniform in size and color. For the tomatoes, opt for a brand known for its rich flavor.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
These spices make the rice recipe easy . they create that classic mexican flavor. try this combo for your mexican night : chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
It's the base for tons of amazing dishes. a pinch of smoked paprika can also be a game changer! don't be scared to play with the spice cabinet!
Flavor enhancers: a bay leaf while simmering adds depth. Quick sub: if you're out of chili powder, mix paprika, cumin, and a tiny bit of cayenne.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Medium Saucepan with Lid: Crucial for simmering.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Gotta get those ratios right!
- Cutting Board: For chopping veggies.
- Chef's Knife: Or any good knife for dicing.
Don't have a fancy saucepan? a regular pot with a tight-fitting lid works just fine! the goal is to trap the steam for perfectly cooked easy rice .
This recipe will lead to easy rice recipes . these rice side dishes are great for the rice side for many dishes.
Alright, let's make some amazing rice! get ready for a fiesta-worthy mexican rice recipe that’s gonna be a total game-changer.
We're talkin' arroz rojo, folks. it's fluffy, flavourful, and seriously easy. think of this rice as your new go-to rice side dish ! honestly, it makes any mexican night feel super authentic.
Fiesta-Worthy Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo) Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Prep Like a Pro!
Essential mise en place? gotta get that done first! think of it as your cooking zen. we need 1 tablespoon vegetable oil , 1 cup long-grain rice , 1/2 medium white onion , 1 clove garlic , 1 (14.
5 ounce) can diced tomatoes , 2 cups chicken broth , 1 teaspoon chili powder , 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin , 1/4 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper .
Chop, measure, and breathe.
Here's a tip: chop the onion and garlic before you even think about heating the oil. this way you're not scrambling last minute.
Time is money, honey! safety first. keep your knife skills sharp, and your fingers outta the way.
Mexican Rice Easy: Step-by-Step Guide
This Easy Mexican Rice recipe is almost too easy! Don't overthink it.
- Heat the oil in your saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until they're soft and smell amazing, about 3- 5 minutes .
- Now, add the rinsed rice. Toast it, stirring constantly. You want it lightly golden, about 3- 5 minutes . This step is KEY!
- Blend the diced tomatoes with about 1/4 cup of water. Make it smooth.
- Pour the tomato sauce and chicken broth into the rice. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly , and simmer for 20 minutes . Don't peek! Seriously.
- Take it off the heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes .
- Fluff the easy rice with a fork. Serve it up and enjoy your Mexican Rice Easy dish!
Pro Tips for the Win!
Want to take your Mexican rice recipes from good to OMG ? Here are a few tricks. Always rinse your rice! Seriously, it makes a difference.
Toasting the rice? Don't rush it! Get it nice and golden brown for a deeper flavour. Common mistake? Lifting the lid while it simmers. Don't do it! Resist!
Want to make this ahead? you can! cook it completely, then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth. you can't go wrong with this rice recipe easy ! honestly, it's a lifesaver.
This dish is one of the best rice side dishes ever!
Alright, let's dive into some extra notes for this mexican rice recipe . this easy mexican rice recipe is seriously going to be a game-changer for your mexican night dinners.
It's way easier than you think, trust me. even if you're new to cooking easy rice , you'll nail this.
Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Mexican Rice Easy
We are getting to those extra little bits of info. these tips are going to make this mexican rice easy stand out among other mexican rice recipes .
Honestly, i've tried so many versions of mexican rice recipe , and these tweaks make all the difference.
Serving Suggestions: Make it Look & Taste Amazing!
Okay, presentation matters, right? for plating, think vibrant! pile that fluffy mexican rice onto a plate. then top it with some grilled chicken or shrimp.
A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro add a pop of color.
What to serve with this? serve this rice side dishes with tacos or enchiladas. a cold mexican beer or some homemade lemonade would pair perfectly.
You know, something to balance out the savory flavors. even a simple rice side dish like this does wonders with some fajitas!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Leftover mexican rice recipe ? no problem! store it in an airtight container in the fridge. it'll keep for about 3-4 days.
Reheat it in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Freezing is an option too! let it cool completely. then freeze it in a freezer-safe bag. thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Honestly, it's great for meal prepping! it's that easy rice recipe that keeps on giving.
Variations: Your Rice, Your Way
Want to mix things up? Make a vegetarian version! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Or go spicy! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Seasonal swaps? In the summer, toss in some grilled corn and diced bell peppers. In the fall, try adding some roasted butternut squash.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Grain
This mexican rice recipe is a good source of carbs for energy. it also has some protein from the broth.
The tomatoes add some vitamin c. each serving contains about 180 calories, 5g protein, 3g fat, 35g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, and 400mg sodium.
Look, it's not health food. It's Mexican Rice , but it's delicious and satisfying. Plus, you can easily adjust the ingredients to make it healthier!
So, there you have it! all the extra tips and tricks you need to make this mexican rice recipe a total knockout.
Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own. you got this! enjoy creating this rice recipe easy !
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Mexican rice mushy? I followed the Mexican rice recipe!
Mushy rice is a common kitchen woe! It usually boils down to too much liquid or not rinsing the rice beforehand. Rinsing removes excess starch, and making sure you have the correct broth to rice ratio, as mentioned in the recipe, is crucial. Think of it like making a proper cup of tea – proportions are everything!
Can I make this Mexican rice recipe spicier?
Absolutely! For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño along with the onion and garlic. You could even throw in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce after it's cooked. Just remember, a little goes a long way – you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
How do I store leftover Mexican rice and how long will it last?
Store your leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. It's like giving it a little spa treatment to bring it back to life!
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this Mexican rice recipe?
You certainly can! However, brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Use approximately 2 1/2 cups of broth and simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Just keep an eye on it like you would a soufflé – patience is key!
What are some good side dishes to serve with this Mexican rice recipe?
Mexican rice is a versatile side that pairs well with all sorts of Mexican mains! It's great with tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or alongside grilled meats like carne asada or chicken. Don't forget the classic accompaniments like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream – a full fiesta on your plate!
Is there a way to make this Mexican rice recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure your vegetable broth is also vegan-friendly (some contain honey). The taste will be virtually the same and perfectly delicious!
