Fiery Mexican Red Rice Recipe: A Bold Flavor Fiesta!

Steaming with vibrant flavors, this spicy Mexican red rice delivers a punch of authentic culinary magic.

Aromatic spices dance through each perfectly cooked grain, creating a side dish that electrifies your plate.

Kernels of rice absorb a rich tomato-based sauce that brings depth and complexity to every bite.

The bold blend of chili, cumin, and garlic infuses this classic Mexican red rice with unmistakable character.

Restaurants across Mexico have long celebrated this staple, and now you can recreate the magic in your own kitchen.

Each forkful promises a journey through traditional Mexican cuisine that will transport your taste buds south of the border.

Get ready to impress everyone at your next meal with this irresistible, flavor-packed recipe.

How to Make Authentic Mexican Red Rice at Home

• Purify Rice Grains

Swish rice through cool water until liquid turns crystal clear. Let excess moisture drip away completely.

• Golden Transformation

Warm oil in heavy-bottomed pan. Toss rice kernels, stirring constantly until they transform into warm golden hues.

• Aromatic Dance

Tumble chopped onions and minced garlic into pan. Stir quickly until fragrant clouds fill your kitchen.

• Liquid Magic

Pour tomato sauce and broth into pan. Sprinkle cumin, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir gently until mixture bubbles softly.

• Gentle Simmering

Lower heat, seal pan with tight lid. Allow rice to relax and absorb all flavors for about 20 minutes. When liquid vanishes, rice is ready to serve.

Add Veggies or Beans to Mexican Red Rice

• Fluff the rice gently with a fork after cooking to separate grains and avoid clumping, ensuring a light and fluffy side dish.
• Adjust the chili powder and black pepper to match your heat preference, from mild to extra spicy, making the rice adaptable to different taste profiles.
• Mix in diced bell peppers, corn, or peas during the sautéing stage to add extra nutrition and create a more colorful rice dish.
• Transform the rice into a complete meal by stirring in cooked shredded chicken, black beans, or scrambled eggs after the rice is done cooking.
• Ensure all broth and tomato sauce are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities, without compromising the authentic Mexican flavor profile.

Serve Mexican Red Rice With Tacos or Enchiladas

• Fiesta Flavor Companions: Crispy, tangy grilled chicken pairs perfectly with this zesty rice, adding protein and excitement to your meal.
• Southwestern Sidekick: Serve alongside black beans, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of creamy sour cream to enhance the Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Colorful Garnish Delight: Sprinkle chopped green onions, diced fresh tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice on top for a bright, fresh finish that elevates the rice's rich taste.
• Quick Fusion Fun: Transform leftovers into a delicious burrito filling or use as a base for a spicy rice bowl topped with grilled vegetables and salsa.

Keep Mexican Red Rice Warm and Ready Anytime

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated Mexican red rice stays fresh for 4-5 days when sealed properly.
• Pack cooled rice in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water before microwaving to restore moisture. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth for crispier texture.
• Prepare larger batches on weekends. Portion into individual containers for quick lunch or dinner sides throughout the week. Great for burrito bowls, stuffed peppers, or quick grain bowls.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s Needed for Mexican Red Rice

• Long-Grain White Rice: Versatile grain that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides perfect fluffy texture for Mexican rice dishes.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates golden toasted rice and helps distribute heat evenly during cooking.

• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth with its caramelized undertones when sautéed.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent flavor that complements Mexican cuisine's bold profile.

• Tomato Sauce: Delivers vibrant red color and tangy richness to the rice.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses extra flavor and ensures rice cooks perfectly with rich, savory undertones.
• Salt: Balances and elevates all other ingredients' flavors.
• Cumin: Introduces warm, earthy notes typical in authentic Mexican cooking.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the overall dish.
• Chili Powder: Contributes gentle spiciness and traditional Mexican warmth.

Tools to Cook Mexican Red Rice Fluffy and Flavorful

• Medium Saucepan: Essential for toasting rice and cooking the entire dish with even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring rice while toasting and preventing burning.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure rice, broth, and tomato sauce for consistent results.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Used for precise chopping of onions and garlic.
• Colander or Fine-Mesh Strainer: Helps rinse rice thoroughly and drain excess water.

Spicy Mexican Red Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Fragrant Mexican red rice brings a burst of authentic flavor to your table, creating a colorful side dish that dances with spices and tradition. Warm, hearty grains kissed with tomato and garlic promise to elevate any meal with its rich, comforting essence.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce (or 2 medium tomatoes, blended)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
• ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Thoroughly rinse rice under cool running water until liquid becomes transparent, ensuring complete drainage.
2. Rice Toasting: Activate medium heat in a saucepan, introducing oil and rice. Continuously stir until grains transform into a golden-amber hue, developing rich nutty undertones.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Incorporate finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, releasing their vibrant essence into the mixture.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour tomato sauce and broth into the pan, complementing with salt, cumin, black pepper, and chili powder. Encourage gentle boiling to marry flavors and create a harmonious base.
5. Final Cooking Stage: Reduce heat to minimal setting, securely cover the saucepan, and allow rice to simmer quietly. Let ingredients meld together until liquid completely absorbs, creating a perfectly textured Mexican red rice with concentrated flavors and tender grains.

Notes

• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy during cooking.
• Constantly stir rice while toasting to achieve golden color without scorching, which can create bitter flavors.
• Use homemade or high-quality vegetable/chicken broth instead of water to add more complex, rich taste profiles to the rice.
• Adjust chili powder and spices according to personal heat tolerance, allowing flexibility for different palate preferences.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg