Sizzling Mexican Red Rice Recipe: Flavorful Fiesta in a Bowl

Warm aromas of cumin and tomato swirl through my kitchen whenever I prepare this mexican red rice.

Memories of sunday dinners dance like whispers from my grandmother’s cookbook.

Garlic and onions sizzle in a well-seasoned skillet, creating a fragrant base for the vibrant dish.

Perfectly cooked grains absorb rich, spicy flavors that make this recipe truly special.

Every bite tells a story of tradition and comfort, connecting me to my cultural roots.

Passionate home cooks can easily master this delightful side dish with just a few simple ingredients.

Come explore a recipe that promises to become a cherished favorite at your table.

A Side Dish That Steals the Show

• This Mexican red rice transforms ordinary ingredients into a vibrant, flavor-packed side dish that's ready in under 30 minutes.
• Even novice cooks can master this recipe with simple steps and minimal technique, ensuring success on the first try.
• Perfect as a complementary dish for tacos, grilled meats, or as a standalone vegetarian option that appeals to all ages.
• Requires affordable, readily available ingredients that create a restaurant-quality side without breaking the bank.

Ingredients That Make Mexican Red Rice Shine

• Long Grain White Rice: Fluffy base for the dish, perfect for absorbing flavors, choose high-quality rice for best texture.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides rich red color and tangy tomato flavor, adds depth to the rice.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates moisture and enhances overall taste, adds richness to the rice.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic Mexican flavor base, provides depth and traditional taste profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing flavors, enhances overall taste.
• Cumin: Classic Mexican spice with warm, earthy notes, adds authentic flavor.
• Chili Powder: Adds subtle heat and complexity, brings traditional Mexican warmth.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for toasting rice and sautéing aromatics, helps develop rich flavor and golden color.

Cooking Steps for Fluffy, Flavorful Red Rice

Step 1: Purify The Rice Grains

Wash rice thoroughly under cool running water, swirling gently with fingertips until liquid becomes transparent. Completely drain excess water using a fine mesh strainer.

Step 2: Transform Rice To Golden Delight

Select a heavy-bottomed saucepan and warm olive oil over medium flame. Add rice kernels and stir continuously, watching carefully as grains turn golden brown with nutty aroma (approximately 4-5 minutes).

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped jalapeños (optional)

Sauté ingredients until onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing delightful scents.

Step 4: Create Flavor Symphony

• Tomato sauce
• Chicken broth
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir ingredients thoroughly, allowing liquids to blend harmoniously and create rich color.

Step 5: Simmer Towards Perfection

Lower heat to minimum setting, cover saucepan with tight-fitting lid. Allow rice to steam gently for 18-22 minutes without lifting lid. Check towards end to ensure liquid absorption and tender rice texture.

Step 6: Fluff And Serve

Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes. Use fork to gently separate and fluff rice grains. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips for Toasting and Seasoning the Rice Just Right

• Prevent Sticky Rice: Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain stays separate and fluffy after cooking.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast rice in oil before adding liquids to develop a rich, nutty taste and golden color that elevates the overall dish.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and black pepper quantities to match your personal heat preference, creating a personalized Mexican red rice experience.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Replace white rice with brown rice for added fiber and nutrients, adjusting cooking time to accommodate longer brown rice preparation.
• Perfect Liquid Ratio: Use a 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio and avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent moisture and achieve perfectly cooked rice.

How to Store and Heat Leftover Red Rice

• Transfer leftover rice to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the rice cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack cooled rice in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month, ensuring the container is tightly sealed.
• Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying, then warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until steaming hot.

What Dishes Complement Mexican Red Rice

• A Corona or Modelo Especial complements the rice's spicy profile, cutting through its richness and refreshing the palate.
• Serve a dollop of sour cream or creamy guacamole alongside the rice to balance the heat and add a smooth texture that mellows the spiciness.
• Grilled chicken or slow-cooked carnitas work perfectly with this red rice, creating a harmonious combination where the meat's savory notes blend seamlessly with the tomato and spice-infused grains.
• A bright, tangy green salsa adds a fresh counterpoint to the rich red rice, providing a zesty burst of flavor that cuts through the dish's warmth and complexity.

Spices and Additions to Try Next Time

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular broth with gluten-free vegetable or chicken broth. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to maintain authentic flavor while keeping the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Utilize salt-free broth and reduce added salt. Enhance flavor with extra herbs like oregano and fresh cilantro to compensate for reduced sodium.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. Add diced bell peppers or black beans for extra protein and texture. Incorporate additional spices like smoked paprika to boost depth of flavor.
• Cauliflower Rice Swap: Substitute traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a low-carb option. Maintain original spice blend and cooking method, adjusting liquid quantity and cooking time slightly to prevent sogginess.

Red Rice FAQs

• Why do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?

Rinsing removes excess starch, prevents clumping, and helps create fluffy, separated grains of rice.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time and liquid ratio. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and longer cooking time.

• What if I don't have tomato sauce?

You can substitute with diced tomatoes, tomato paste mixed with water, or even salsa to maintain the authentic Mexican red rice flavor.

• How do I know when the rice is perfectly cooked?

The rice is done when all liquid is absorbed, grains are tender, and there are small steam holes visible on the surface of the rice.

Mexican Red Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Mexican red rice brings a fiery explosion of authentic flavors straight from Mexico’s culinary heart. Rich spices and tender grains create a perfect side dish that invites you to experience a delicious cultural celebration on your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce (or 2 medium tomatoes, blended)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat)

Optional Add-ins and Garnish:

• ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse rice under running water, gently swirling until liquid becomes transparent, ensuring complete drainage.
2. Select a medium saucepan and warm cooking oil over moderate heat, introducing rice grains and continuously stirring until they transform into a rich golden hue, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic into the toasted rice, sautéing until aromatic and translucent, releasing their delicate fragrance.
4. Pour tomato sauce and broth into the pan, seasoning with salt, ground cumin, freshly cracked black pepper, and vibrant chili powder, stirring to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
5. Allow mixture to reach a gentle bubbling state, then immediately reduce temperature to low, securely covering the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
6. Let rice simmer undisturbed, allowing grains to absorb liquid and develop a tender, fluffy texture, typically requiring 18-22 minutes of patient cooking.
7. Once liquid vanishes and rice appears fully cooked, remove from heat and let stand covered for an additional 5 minutes to ensure perfect consistency.
8. Fluff rice gently with a fork, distributing moisture evenly and creating light, separate grains ready for serving.

Notes

• Rinsing rice removes excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains instead of sticky clumps.
• Toasting rice develops a nutty, deeper flavor profile that elevates the overall taste of the dish.
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt content and adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
• For a gluten-free version, verify that all ingredients like tomato sauce and broth are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg