Arroz rojo or Mexican red rice is one of the basic recipes of Mexican cuisine. It’s easy to master with my fail proof recipe. Let’s learn how to make this delicious Mexican rice for all your favorite meals.
Blend the tomatoes with garlic clove, onion and a bit of water. Blend for 1-2 minutes or until smooth to make the tomato sauce, then set aside. Measure out 1 ¼ cups of the tomato sauce and set aside.
Place a large pan with a tight-fitting lid on the stove top. Pour in some oil and heat to medium heat.
Now add the rice to the pan and “toast” or sauté until it begins to brown just a tad bit. Careful not to burn it, it will just have a golden brown color not too dark. Stir often to prevent it from burning.
Then pour in the 1 ¼ cups of the freshly blended tomato sauce — careful as the heat will cause it to splatter. Stir until well combined and allow to simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken up.
Next pour in the vegetable broth and allow it to come to a gentle boil. Then lower the heat to the low setting, place the lid on your pan and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
After 15 minutes carefully uncover and use a fork to push an area of the rice aside. You want to check that the liquid has all been absorbed. If it hasn’t then cover and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Once the liquid has all been absorbed then turn off the heat, use the fork to gently mix and fluff the rice. Making sure to reach the bottom of the pot or pan.
Cover again, remove from the heat then allow to sit for another 10 minutes undisturbed. After this you’ll have fluffy rice and be ready to serve as desired!
Instant Pot Mexican Rice Instructions
Make the tomato sauce just like above and measure out and set aside.
Set the pressure cooker to Sauté, once warm add the oil then add the rice and toast until it begins to turn slightly golden. Pour in the tomato sauce, allow to cook for 5 minutes before adding the vegetables (if using) and the vegetable broth.
Cancel sauté function, secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Set the valve to Sealing then choose Pressure Cook to Low Pressure and time to 11 minutes. Allow to come to pressure and cook and timer to go off.
After timer has gone off let sit for 5 minutes then carefully do a quick release buy moving valve to Venting. Allow for the pressure pin to drop before attempting to open the Instant Pot.
Use a fork to fluff the rice, then leave to sit for 8 minutes before serving as desired.
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Notes
You can add a small can of mixed veggies, or some frozen or fresh vegetables if desired.This delicious recipe makes 4 cups cooked.