Best Easy Arroz Rojo Recipe

Mexican red rice toasted and simmered in a tomato broth with onion and garlic. This vegetarian family side dish is the quintessential companion to any Mexican meal.

Cook 40 min Difficulty NORMAL 210 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • long grain white rice 1.5 cups
  • tomatoes 2 pieces
  • yellow onion 0.5 cup
  • garlic cloves 2 cloves
  • vegetable broth 2 cups
  • peas 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 40 g 76%
Protein 4 g 8%
Fat 3 g 16%
Serving size 140g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

  2. 2

    Blend the tomatoes, onion, and garlic together until smooth to create the tomato broth.

  3. 3

    Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and toast, stirring frequently, until rice is golden (about 5–7 minutes).

  4. 4

    Pour the blended tomato broth into the pan with the toasted rice. Stir gently and cook for 1 minute to infuse flavor.

  5. 5

    Add the vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and peas. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.

  6. 6

    Turn off the heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Long grain white rice is the backbone of Arroz Rojo, creating its signature fluffy texture. Tomatoes bring the vibrant red color and rich flavor, while onion and garlic build a savory foundation. Together, these core ingredients define the dish's Mexican character.
Q. How does heat control affect the rice's texture?
Proper heat control is crucial when toasting the rice—medium heat ensures the grains develop a golden color without scorching. Simmering gently and covering the pan preserves moisture, allowing the rice to cook evenly and stay tender while absorbing the flavorful tomato broth.
Q. How do I prevent soggy or undercooked Arroz Rojo?
To avoid soggy rice, rinse well to remove starch, toast thoroughly, and simmer over low heat without lifting the lid. Double-check liquid ratio and allow the rice to rest, covered, for five minutes after cooking—this keeps the grains fluffy and prevents clumping.
Q. What are the nutrition highlights per serving?
Each 140g serving of Arroz Rojo has about 210 kcal. Carbohydrates dominate at 40g (76% of calories), with moderate protein (4g, 8%) and low fat (3g, 16%). This makes it a classic vegetarian, Mediterranean-style side dish with balanced nutrients.
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