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Side Dishes

Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo)

A bowl of orange-red rice sprinkled with chopped coriander, with a spoon resting in it.
Mexican red rice with chopped coriander.

Fluffy Mexican red rice seasoned with tomato paste, broth, garlic, onion, and coriander. Serve it as a side or alongside your favorite Mexican dishes.

By Cookin' Kitchen

  • Total: 28 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings

Recipe

Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo)

Fluffy Mexican red rice seasoned with tomato paste, broth, garlic, onion, and coriander. Serve it as a side or alongside your favorite Mexican dishes.

Cookin' · https://cookin.club/recipes/mexican-red-rice-arroz-rojo

Prep
3 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Rest
10 minutes
Total
28 minutes
Servings
4

Ingredients

4 servings

For 4 servings

Optional garnish

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Lid
  • Fork

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir briefly, then add the onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until translucent but not browned or golden.

  2. Step 2: Add the rice, broth, salt, and tomato paste. Stir until the tomato paste dissolves.

  3. Step 3: Add the whole pepper and coriander sprig. Cover and bring to a simmer, then lower the heat so the liquid simmers gently.

  4. Step 4: Cook for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Tilt the pan to check.

  5. Step 5: Remove the pan from the heat, keep the lid on, and let the rice rest for 10 minutes. The remaining surface liquid will absorb, and the rice will become fluffy.

  6. Step 6: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve. Garnish with extra coriander if desired.

Notes

Ingredient notes

  • Long-grain rice gives the fluffiest result. Jasmine or basmati rice will also be fluffy but bring a different fragrance; medium-grain rice will be fairly fluffy, while short-grain rice will be somewhat sticky. Risotto and paella rice are not suitable.

  • For the broth, use chicken or vegetable broth. Alternatively, use water with one crumbled chicken or vegetable bouillon cube. For less sodium, choose low-sodium broth and omit the salt.

  • For brown rice, the recipe notes give a separate cooking time of 35–40 minutes on low.

Nutrition per serving

Calories
247 kcal

Estimated values; they will vary with the exact ingredients and brands you use.

About this recipe

This Mexican red rice is fluffy and savory, with a delicate tomato flavor and a hint of coriander. Serve it as a side with Mexican dishes, or enjoy a spoonful on its own.

For fluffy rice, use the listed broth-to-rice proportions and avoid adding extra tomato paste.

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