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Easy Homemade Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo)

A close-up, appetizing shot of a mound of vibrant orange homemade Mexican rice mixed with bright green peas and diced carrots.
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Learn how to make fluffy, restaurant-quality Mexican rice from scratch using simple steps for perfect texture and authentic flavor every time.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or 1 large ripe tomato, blended)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the dry rice to the hot oil. Stir constantly for 5 to 8 minutes until the rice grains turn a light golden brown color. This step is key for fluffy mexican rice step by step.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring, until the onion softens, about 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce or blended tomato. Stir well to coat the rice. Cook for 1 minute until the liquid reduces slightly.
  5. Stir in the chicken broth, salt, cumin, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, stir once, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid. This prevents mushy mexican rice technique.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this resting period.
  8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots if using, allowing the residual heat to warm them through. Serve immediately as a classic side dish mexican cooking staple.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
  • If your rice seems too dry after resting, add one tablespoon of hot water and let it sit covered for five more minutes.
  • Toasting the rice properly is essential for achieving the best authentic arroz rojo texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/best-homemade-mexican-rice-recipe-easy/