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Restaurant-Style Authentic Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo)

A close-up of fluffy, orange-hued mexican rice recipe served in a white bowl, mixed with green peas and carrots, topped with fresh cilantro.
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Make fluffy, flavorful Mexican rice at home that tastes just like your favorite restaurant. This easy, one-pot recipe uses a rich tomato broth base for authentic Arroz Rojo flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium tomato, pureed or finely diced
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the long-grain white rice to the pan. Toast the rice, stirring frequently, until it turns light golden brown. This step is key for fluffy rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens.
  4. Stir in the pureed tomato, tomato sauce, ground cumin, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat the rice.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid. Do not stir during simmering.
  7. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix.
  8. Keep the pan covered and let the rice steam for an additional 10 minutes off the heat.
  9. Fluff the Mexican rice gently with a fork before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • Toasting the rice properly before adding liquid prevents sticking and creates a better texture.
  • Use chicken broth for the deepest flavor, which helps achieve that restaurant-style taste.
  • For a slightly spicier version, add a pinch of chili powder with the cumin.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/mexican-rice-recipe-fluffy-restaurant-style/