Rice & Beans

Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo)

Name: Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 dried arbol chiles, stemmed and seeded

By Marisol Vega · June 18, 2026 · Rice & Beans

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo) — Savory Mexican Red Rice

I still remember the first time I had Mexican Red Rice, or Arroz Rojo, at my abuela's house in Guadalajara. The flavors were so rich and deep, it was like a party in my mouth. As I grew older and started cooking myself, I realized that the secret to this dish lies in the technique and the quality of the ingredients. You see, we Mexicans take our rice very seriously, and this recipe is a staple in many households.

What I love about Mexican Red Rice is that it's a dish that brings people together. It's a side dish that pairs well with so many different main courses, from grilled meats to stews and soups. And the best part is that it's incredibly easy to make, as long as you have the right ingredients and follow a few simple steps.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of fresh and dried ingredients to create a depth of flavor that's hard to achieve with just a few spices. We'll be toasting our spices and charring our tomatoes to bring out their natural sweetness, and then we'll be cooking our rice in a flavorful broth to make it tender and delicious.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine and wants to try something new and exciting. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you'll find that this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal supervision. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Mexico in the comfort of your own home.

As you cook this recipe, remember that the key to making great Mexican Red Rice is to take your time and not rush the process. Let the spices toast, let the tomatoes char, and let the rice cook slowly in the flavorful broth. With a little patience and practice, you'll be making Mexican Red Rice like a pro in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal supervision
It's a great side dish that pairs well with many different main courses
The combination of toasted spices and charred tomatoes creates a depth of flavor that's hard to achieve with just a few spices
The recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine and wants to try something new and exciting
It's a dish that's full of flavor and texture, making it perfect for special occasions or everyday meals
You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use
It's a budget-friendly recipe that uses ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great Mexican Red Rice lies in the way we prepare our ingredients. By toasting our spices and charring our tomatoes, we're able to bring out their natural flavors and create a depth of flavor that's hard to achieve with just a few spices. The toasting process also helps to release the oils in the spices, which adds to the overall flavor of the dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the way we cook our rice. By using a flavorful broth and cooking the rice slowly, we're able to make it tender and delicious. The broth also helps to add moisture to the rice, which makes it easier to cook and prevents it from becoming dry and crunchy.

The combination of toasted spices, charred tomatoes, and flavorful broth is what makes Mexican Red Rice so delicious. It's a dish that's full of flavor and texture, and it's perfect for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine. Whether you're serving it as a side dish or using it as a main course, Mexican Red Rice is sure to be a hit.

So why does this recipe work so well? It's because we're using a combination of traditional Mexican techniques and high-quality ingredients to create a dish that's both authentic and delicious. By taking the time to toast our spices and char our tomatoes, we're able to create a depth of flavor that's hard to achieve with just a few spices. And by using a flavorful broth to cook our rice, we're able to make it tender and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Mexican Red Rice, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. You'll also need some chicken or vegetable broth to cook the rice in, as well as some oil to toast the spices and char the tomatoes. Don't worry if you can't find all of the ingredients in your local supermarket - you can easily substitute them with similar ingredients or omit them altogether if you prefer.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. This will help to ensure that your Mexican Red Rice turns out delicious and flavorful. You can find most of the ingredients in the international or Hispanic section of your local supermarket, or you can try shopping at a Mexican market if you have one in your area.

1 cup uncooked white riceUse a high-quality white rice that's specifically labeled as 'medium-grain' or 'short-grain' - this type of rice holds its shape well and cooks evenly, making it perfect for Mexican Red Rice
2 cups chicken brothYou can use low-sodium chicken broth or make your own by simmering chicken bones in water - just be sure to strain the broth before using it to remove any impurities
1 can diced tomatoesLook for diced tomatoes that are labeled as 'no salt added' or 'low sodium' - this will help to reduce the overall salt content of the dish
1/4 cup olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that's suitable for high-heat cooking - this will help to bring out the flavors of the spices and tomatoes
1 small onion, dicedUse a sweet onion such as Vidalia or Maui - these types of onions are naturally sweet and will add a depth of flavor to the dish
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor - you can mince it yourself or use a garlic press to get the job done quickly
1 teaspoon ground cuminUse a high-quality ground cumin that's freshly ground - this will help to bring out the flavors of the dish
1 teaspoon smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish - you can omit it if you don't have it, but it's highly recommended
1/2 teaspoon saltUse a high-quality salt such as kosher or sea salt - this will help to bring out the flavors of the dish
1/4 teaspoon black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor - you can grind it yourself or use a pepper mill to get the job done quickly
2 dried arbol chiles, stemmed and seededUse dried arbol chiles for a spicy kick - you can omit them if you don't like heat, or substitute in a different type of dried chile

Ingredients for Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo)

Equipment You’ll Need

Large saucepan with a heavy bottomMedium skilletCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaColander or strainer

How to Make Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo)

1
Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well - this will help to remove any impurities and excess starch from the rice
2
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat - use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the oil from burning or smoking
3
Add the diced onion to the saucepan and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize - this will add a depth of flavor to the dish
4
Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant - be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can add a bitter flavor to the dish
5
Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant - this will help to bring out the flavors of the spices
6
Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and rinsed rice to the saucepan - stir to combine and bring to a boil
7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed - be careful not to overcook the rice, as this can make it dry and crunchy
8
While the rice is cooking, toast the dried arbol chiles in a medium skillet over medium heat - this will help to bring out the flavors of the chiles and add a spicy kick to the dish
9
Once the chiles are toasted, remove them from the skillet and let them cool - then, stem and seed them and chop them into small pieces
10
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the chopped arbol chiles - this will help to distribute the flavors of the chiles throughout the dish
11
Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning as needed - you can add more salt, pepper, or spices to taste
12
Serve the Mexican Red Rice hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions if desired - this will add a fresh and flavorful touch to the dish

Expert Tips

Use a high-quality rice that's specifically labeled as 'medium-grain' or 'short-grain' - this type of rice holds its shape well and cooks evenly
Don't overcook the rice, as this can make it dry and crunchy - aim for a tender and slightly firm texture
Use a flavorful broth to cook the rice, such as chicken or vegetable broth - this will help to add depth and richness to the dish
Add aromatics such as onion and garlic to the saucepan before cooking the rice - this will help to add flavor and texture to the dish
Use a variety of spices and seasonings to add flavor to the dish - cumin, smoked paprika, and arbol chiles are all great options
Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own favorite spices and seasonings to the dish - this will help to make it your own and add a personal touch
Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes before serving - this will help the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any excess liquid

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the rice, which can make it dry and crunchy
Not using a flavorful broth to cook the rice, which can result in a bland and unappetizing dish
Not toasting the spices and chiles, which can result in a dull and flavorless dish
Not using a high-quality rice, which can result in a dish that's unevenly cooked and unappetizing
Not adding enough aromatics, such as onion and garlic, which can result in a dish that's lacking in flavor and texture
Not seasoning the dish enough, which can result in a dish that's bland and unappetizing

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or carrots to the saucepan with the onion and garlic for added flavor and nutrition
Use a different type of rice, such as brown rice or jasmine rice, for a unique flavor and texture
Add some cooked chicken or beef to the dish for added protein and flavor
Use a different type of broth, such as vegetable or beef broth, for a unique flavor and texture
Add some diced fresh tomatoes to the dish for added flavor and texture
Use a variety of spices and seasonings, such as cumin and chili powder, to add flavor to the dish
Add some chopped fresh cilantro or scallions to the dish for added flavor and texture

What to Serve With Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo)

Mexican Red Rice is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of different main courses. It's a great side dish for grilled meats, such as steak or chicken, and it's also delicious with stews and soups. You can also use it as a main course, topped with diced chicken or beef, and served with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.

Some other ideas for serving Mexican Red Rice include using it as a filling for tacos or burritos, or serving it as a side dish for breakfast dishes, such as huevos rancheros or breakfast burritos. You can also use it as a base for other dishes, such as rice bowls or stuffed peppers.

Grilled meats, such as steak or chickenStews and soupsTacos or burritosHuevos rancheros or breakfast burritosSteamed vegetables or a saladRice bowls or stuffed peppers

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Mexican Red Rice can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To refrigerate, simply cool the rice to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze, cool the rice to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the rice overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

When reheating Mexican Red Rice, be careful not to overheat it, as this can make it dry and crunchy. Instead, reheat it gently, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through and fluffy. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the rice if it seems dry, to help it retain its moisture and flavor.

It's also a good idea to label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored. And, as with any leftover food, make sure to check the rice for any signs of spoilage before serving, such as an off smell or slimy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice is best for Mexican Red Rice?

A high-quality medium-grain or short-grain rice is best for Mexican Red Rice, as it holds its shape well and cooks evenly

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice, but keep in mind that it will have a slightly different flavor and texture

How do I toast the spices and chiles?

To toast the spices and chiles, simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the spices and chiles. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned

Can I make Mexican Red Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Mexican Red Rice ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Simply reheat it gently before serving

What's the best way to reheat Mexican Red Rice?

The best way to reheat Mexican Red Rice is to reheat it gently, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through and fluffy. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the rice if it seems dry

Can I use different types of broth?

Yes, you can use different types of broth, such as vegetable or beef broth, to add a unique flavor and texture to the dish

How do I add flavor to the dish?

You can add flavor to the dish by using a variety of spices and seasonings, such as cumin and chili powder, and by adding aromatics, such as onion and garlic

Can I serve Mexican Red Rice as a main course?

Yes, you can serve Mexican Red Rice as a main course, topped with diced chicken or beef, and served with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad

The Full Recipe

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