Authentic Mexican Rice
This homemade Mexican rice recipe, also known as arroz rojo, is a flavorful and comforting side dish made with fluffy long grain white rice, tomato sauce, savory broth, and traditional seasonings. It’s the perfect addition to enchiladas, tacos, grilled meats, and family-style Mexican meals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2½ tablespoons tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth or broth of choice
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
- ½–1 tbsp ghee tallow, avocado oil, or cooking oil of choice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1–2 bay leaves
- Dash of garlic powder
- Dash of onion powder
- Dash of black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Toast the Rice
- Heat your cooking fat in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the long grain white rice and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until the rice becomes slightly golden.
- Toasting the rice helps develop a deeper flavor and creates the classic texture of homemade Mexican rice. Be careful not to over-brown it, as this can cause the rice to become crunchy after cooking.
Add Tomato Sauce
- Add the tomato sauce to the toasted rice and stir quickly until the rice is evenly coated.
- Coating the rice with tomato sauce before adding the liquid helps distribute the flavor and gives the rice its signature red color.
Add Broth & Seasonings
- Add chicken broth, chicken bouillon, oregano, bay leaves, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Chicken broth adds the traditional savory flavor, but you can also use vegetable broth, beef broth, or even water depending on what you have available.
Cook the Rice
- Bring the rice mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has absorbed.
- Keeping the heat low allows the rice to cook evenly and prevents the bottom from burning before the grains are tender.
Rest & Serve
- Remove the pot from heat and allow the rice to rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Resting allows the moisture to redistribute, helping create soft, fluffy grains. Remove the bay leaves before serving and enjoy.