Description
Learn how to make authentic, flavorful Spanish Rice (Arroz Rojo) that is perfectly fluffy every time. This simple, one-pot recipe is the ideal Mexican side dish for tacos or enchiladas.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the long-grain white rice to the pot. Stir constantly and toast the rice for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns a light golden brown color. This step is key for fluffy Spanish Rice.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, cumin, and oregano. Stir well to combine everything.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid. Do not stir during simmering.
- After 18 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix.
- Keep the pot covered and let the rice steam off the heat for an additional 10 minutes.
- Fluff the Spanish Rice gently with a fork before serving.
Notes
- Toasting the rice properly gives this dish its signature nutty flavor and helps keep the grains separate.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the cumin and oregano.
- This recipe makes a fantastic Restaurant Style Rice that pairs well with any Mexican Fiesta Sides.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 28 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 0