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Authentic Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo)

A close-up of fluffy Authentic Mexican Rice, bright orange-red, mixed with green peas and diced carrots on a white plate.
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Follow this guide to prepare traditional Mexican Rice, achieving a fluffy texture and classic red color using the proper toasting method.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 medium white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (or 1 large ripe tomato blended with 1/2 cup water)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the rinsed and drained rice to the hot oil. Stir constantly for 5 to 8 minutes until the rice grains turn a light golden brown color. This toasting step is crucial for texture.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring, until the onion softens, about 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce (or blended tomato mixture). Stir well to coat all the rice grains. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
  5. Stir in the chicken broth, salt, cumin, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, stir once, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. After 18 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Keep the lid on and let the rice steam off the heat for an additional 10 minutes.
  8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps prevent mushy results.
  • Do not skip the toasting step; it seals the grain and contributes to the final texture.
  • Use low-sodium broth so you can control the final salt level.
  • If your rice sticks to the bottom, your heat was too high during the simmer phase.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/authentic-mexican-rice-recipe-fluffy/