Arroz Rojo(Red Rice)
Arroz Rojo is a flavorful Mexican-style red rice featuring tomato, garlic, and onion, perfect as a side dish for various meals and loved for its vibrant color and taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly.
- Mash the garlic with salt to form a paste.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic paste; cook and stir until the onion is tender.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and chicken broth.
- Cover the pot and simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce heat to very low and steam for 30 to 45 minutes until the rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, choose high-quality long grain rice and rinse it well to remove excess starch. If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth can be a good substitute for a vegetarian version. For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or cumin while simmering. This dish pairs beautifully with Hot Mexican Chicken Salads for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Arroz Rojo as a side dish alongside grilled meats or tacos, or enjoy it as a base for a hearty one-pot meal. It complements well with Salsa Chicken And Rice for a flavorful combination. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for an extra pop of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Arroz Rojo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the rice and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arroz Rojo(Red Rice) contains roughly 434 calories, with 5g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1654mg per serving (72% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the chicken broth accordingly and allow the rice to simmer until tender.
What can I add for more protein?
You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or black beans to the rice for added protein. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking.
Is it possible to make this dish in a rice cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in the rice cooker and select the appropriate setting. Just make sure to adjust the liquid if necessary, as rice cookers can vary in their cooking methods.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).