Authentic Mexican Red Rice Recipe: Flavorful Family Favorite

Authentic mexican red rice brings vibrant colors and bold flavors to your dinner table.

Families across Mexico have perfected this classic side dish through generations of culinary passion.

Tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic spices create a stunning palette of taste that dances on your palate.

Each grain absorbs rich, deep flavors that tell a story of traditional cooking techniques.

Small details like perfectly toasted rice and precise seasoning make this recipe shine.

Regional variations add complexity and personal touch to this beloved staple.

You’ll love how simple ingredients can create such a memorable dish that feels like a warm embrace from mexico.

Quick Answers About Mexican Red Rice

• Why do I need to sauté the rice before adding liquid?

Sautéing the rice helps develop a nutty flavor and prevents the grains from becoming mushy, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy.

• Can I substitute serrano chile with another pepper?

Yes, jalapeño or green chile work well as alternatives if serrano isn’t available, providing similar heat and flavor profile.

• What gives Mexican red rice its distinctive color?

The tomato paste combined with chicken broth creates the signature reddish-orange color and adds depth to the rice’s overall taste.

• Is Mexican red rice gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your chicken broth label to confirm no gluten-containing additives are present.

What Makes Mexican Red Rice So Special

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Sauté rice with onion and garlic to develop rich, deep taste layers that elevate this classic Mexican side dish beyond basic preparations.
• Customize Heat Level: Incorporate serrano chile for authentic spiciness, allowing home cooks to adjust intensity by removing or adding more peppers based on personal preference.
• Quick One-Pot Wonder: Streamline cooking process by using a single saucepan, minimizing cleanup and making this recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• Cultural Culinary Exploration: Introduce family and friends to traditional Mexican cooking techniques through an approachable, straightforward rice recipe that captures authentic regional flavors.

Simple Ingredients Behind Mexican Red Rice

• Rice: Long-grain white rice serves as the base of this classic Mexican side dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich flavor and moisture for cooking the rice.
• Tomato Paste: Adds deep red color and tangy tomato flavor to the rice.

• Onion, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that build a robust flavor foundation for the rice.
• Serrano Chile: Introduces a subtle heat and authentic Mexican pepper flavor.
• Cilantro Sprig: Adds a fresh, herbal note during the cooking process.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for toasting the rice and creating a golden, fragrant base.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the rice.

How to Cook Mexican Red Rice from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Sizzling Base

Heat vegetable oil in a spacious, sturdy saucepan over medium-high temperature. The goal is creating a hot environment that will transform your rice into a flavor-packed delight.

Step 2: Toast and Awaken Ingredients

• Rice
• Onion
• Garlic

Sauté these components until the rice becomes translucent and releases an enticing aroma, which typically takes around 2 minutes.

Step 3: Infuse Liquid Flavors

• Chicken broth
• Tomato paste
• Salt

Stir thoroughly to ensure every grain gets coated with the rich, savory mixture.

Step 4: Add Herbal Depth Charges

• Whole serrano chile
• Fresh cilantro sprig

These will inject complex, authentic Mexican flavor profiles.

Step 5: Slow Simmer to Perfection

Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and let the rice gently simmer.

Allow approximately 30 minutes for the rice to become tender and absorb all the incredible flavors.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Remove from heat, discard the chile and cilantro sprig.

Fluff the rice delicately with a fork, creating light, separated grains. Serve piping hot and enjoy your vibrant Mexican red rice.

Helpful Tips to Master Mexican Red Rice

• Toast rice carefully to prevent burning and enhance nutty flavors, stirring constantly during sautéing.
• Use fresh garlic and onion for maximum aromatic depth in the rice.
• Select high-quality chicken broth to boost overall taste and richness of the dish.
• For vegetarian version, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and add extra spices for depth.
• Remove serrano chile before serving if you prefer milder heat, or leave it in for more spiciness.

Tasty Variations on Mexican Red Rice

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Replace serrano chile with diced jalapeños for a milder heat level and chunkier texture.
• Green Herb Fusion: Swap cilantro sprig with fresh chopped parsley and add green onions for a vibrant herb profile.
• Smoky Chipotle Version: Incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a deep, smoky flavor that transforms the traditional rice.
• Vegetable Rich Variation: Mix in diced bell peppers, corn kernels, and zucchini to create a more nutritious and colorful rice dish.

The Best Pairings for Mexican Red Rice

• Spice Up with Margaritas: Complement the zesty Mexican red rice with a classic margarita, balancing the dish's heat with tangy lime and tequila notes.
• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Serve alongside sizzling carne asada, grilled chicken, or spicy shrimp to create a complete and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
• Cool Down with Salsa Verde: Add a fresh salsa verde on the side to enhance the rice's flavors and provide a bright, herbaceous contrast to the rich, tomato-based dish.
• Refresh with Mexican Beer: Enjoy a crisp Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the rice's spiciness and cleanse the palate between bites.

Storage Tips for Leftover Mexican Red Rice

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days, ensuring the rice stays fresh and tasty.
• Microwave Reheat: Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water, cover with a damp paper towel. Warm on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm rice in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly.
• Freeze Option: Transfer cooled rice to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 1 month.

Mexican Red Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican Red Rice brings fiery flavors straight from traditional Mexican kitchens to your dining table. Perfectly seasoned grains deliver a zesty, colorful companion that elevates your favorite dishes and transports you to authentic culinary landscapes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 serrano chile

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup finely chopped white onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 fresh cilantro sprig
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

Cooking Fat:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy saucepan at medium-high temperature until shimmering.
2. Add uncooked rice, diced onion, and minced garlic, stirring constantly until rice becomes translucent and aromatic, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pan, incorporating tomato paste and salt, ensuring thorough and even mixture.
4. Gently place whole serrano chile and fresh cilantro sprig into the rice mixture.
5. Reduce heat to low, securely cover the saucepan, and allow rice to simmer quietly for 30 minutes until grains are perfectly tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. After cooking time completes, remove pan from heat source and carefully extract serrano chile and cilantro sprig.
7. Gently separate and fluff rice grains using a fork to create a light, airy texture.
8. Transfer the vibrant red rice to a serving dish, presenting it while still steaming hot.

Notes

• Swap vegetable oil for heart-healthy olive oil to boost nutritional value and add subtle Mediterranean flavor.
• Select long-grain white rice for best texture, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy after cooking.
• Use fresh serrano chile for authentic heat or substitute with milder jalapeño if sensitive to spiciness.
• Rinse rice beforehand to remove excess starch, preventing clumpy or sticky final result and achieving perfect separated grains.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 32 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg