Mexican Red Rice
Mexican Red Rice is a vibrant, flavorful side dish featuring savory tomato, garlic, and aromatic rice, perfect for adding a colorful touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a deep saucepan and sauté the rice until golden.
- Add chicken stock, garlic, onion, and tomato sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil; lower the heat.
- Cover and cook until almost all liquid has been absorbed.
- Uncover; fold in the peas and carrots carefully.
- Cover again and cook until all liquid has been absorbed.
- Serve garnished with avocado slices and sliced ripe bananas.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought. You can also substitute the long grain rice with basmati or jasmine rice for a different texture. If you prefer a bit of heat, adding a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the dish. To enhance the tomato flavor, try adding some diced fresh tomatoes along with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexican red rice as a side dish alongside grilled meats, such as grilled lime chicken with black bean sauce, or pair it with chicken recipes like layered chicken enchiladas for a complete meal. Garnishing with avocado slices adds creaminess, while sliced ripe bananas provide a sweet contrast. A fresh salad or black beans would complement the dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Mexican red rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken stock or water to the rice and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding liquid as needed to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Red Rice contains roughly 1974 calories, with 13g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 185g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % 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 that it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the chicken stock to about 5 cups and increase the cooking time to approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make vegetarian Mexican red rice, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock. You can also add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture while keeping it hearty and satisfying.
What can I do if the rice turns out mushy?
If your rice comes out mushy, it may have absorbed too much liquid. In the future, ensure you measure the liquid accurately and avoid stirring the rice too much during cooking. If it's already mushy, you can try spreading it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry out a bit.
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).