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Restaurant-Style Fluffy Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo)

A close-up of fluffy, orange-colored mexican rice mixed with bright green peas and topped with fresh chopped cilantro.
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Create authentic, restaurant-style Mexican rice at home. This easy, one-pot recipe yields fluffy, flavorful red rice perfect as a side dish for tacos or enchiladas.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the long-grain white rice to the pan. Toast the rice, stirring frequently, until it turns light golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is key for fluffy Mexican rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the toasted rice. Cook until the onion softens, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the diced tomato, tomato sauce, ground cumin, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring to coat the rice mixture.
  5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Do not stir during simmering.
  7. After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the heat. Keep it covered and let it stand for an additional 10 minutes to steam.
  8. Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the frozen peas, if using, allowing the residual heat to warm them through.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

  • To achieve truly fluffy Mexican rice, avoid stirring the rice while it simmers.
  • Use chicken broth for a richer flavor, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • For a more authentic Arroz Rojo color, you can blend the tomato, onion, and garlic with the broth before adding it to the rice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://alchemychef.com/mexican-rice-recipe-restaurant-style-fluffy/