Best Easy Arroz a la Tumbada Recipe

Veracruz's soupy seafood rice with shrimp, crab, and fish in a rich tomato broth. This protein-packed, healthy family dish brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico's Gulf coast to the table.

Cook 70 min Difficulty NORMAL 355 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • medium grain white rice 1.5 cups
  • raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 12 oz
  • white fish fillets (cod or snapper), cut into chunks 8 oz
  • cooked crab meat 6 oz
  • roma tomatoes, diced 4 pieces
  • onion, finely chopped 1 cup
  • red bell pepper, diced 1 cup
  • garlic cloves, minced 3 cloves
  • seafood stock 6 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 3 tbsp
  • tomato paste 2 tbsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • dried thyme 0.5 tsp
  • bay leaf 1 piece
  • salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • flat-leaf parsley, chopped (garnish) 0.25 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 43 g 48%
Protein 21 g 24%
Fat 9 g 23%
Serving size 330g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Warm olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic for 4 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

  2. 2

    Stir in the rice and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes to toast lightly and coat the grains in oil.

  3. 3

    Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down slightly.

  4. 4

    Pour in seafood stock and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  5. 5

    Gently nestle in the shrimp, fish, and crab meat. Cover and simmer an additional 10–12 minutes, just until seafood is fully opaque and rice is tender, adding a little more stock or water if the mixture gets too thick.

  6. 6

    Remove from heat, discard the bay leaf, taste for seasoning, and adjust as needed. Let rest 2 minutes before ladling into bowls.

  7. 7

    Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving, and enjoy immediately while hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the key ingredients that make Arroz a la Tumbada unique?
The essential ingredients in this recipe are a mixture of shrimp, fish, and crab, combined with medium grain rice and a rich blend of tomato, onion, and bell pepper. These elements, along with the use of seafood stock and classic Mexican seasonings like oregano and thyme, deliver the distinctive soupy texture and robust seafood flavor characteristic of Arroz a la Tumbada.
Q. How do I prevent the rice from overcooking or sticking during preparation?
After sautéing the rice and vegetables, it's important to simmer gently and stir occasionally as the rice cooks in the seafood stock. Keeping the heat moderate and adding more liquid if it reduces too quickly will help maintain the soupy consistency and prevent sticking or mushy rice.
Q. At what point should the seafood be added, and why?
Add the shrimp, fish, and crab during the last 10–12 minutes of simmering, after the rice has partially cooked. This timing ensures the seafood cooks through gently, staying tender without becoming rubbery or overdone, and infuses the broth with fresh seafood flavor.
Q. What is the nutritional profile per serving for this dish?
Each 330g serving of Arroz a la Tumbada provides approximately 355 kcal, containing 43g of carbohydrates (48% of calories), 21g of protein (24%), and 9g of fat (23%). This balance makes it a protein-rich, wholesome main course suitable for a variety of healthy diets.
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