One-Pan Skillet Red Rice: A Delicious Southern Dish
Well now, howdy y’all! Today I’m gonna share with you a good ol’ recipe for Skillet Red Rice, also known as Arroz a La Mexicana. This little side dish is packed full of flavor and spices that’ll make you feel like you’re south of the border in no time!
Now some of you might be worried ’bout cookin’ up an authentic Mexican red rice recipe, but fear not my friends! With the right ingredients and followin’ the directions carefully, you’ll be able to make this skillet red rice recipe like a true pro.
Trust me, this ain’t no ordinary rice dish – it’s got bold flavors and a deep red color that’ll have your taste buds dancin’ the salsa. So let’s get cookin’, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, let me tell you about a recipe that will take your taste buds on a joy ride to Mexico without ever leaving your kitchen. I am talking about the Skillet Red Rice (Arroz a La Mexicana) Recipe – a sensational meal that is sure to satisfy your hunger and craving for authentic Mexican cuisine.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple yet packed with flavor. The combination of long-grain rice, tomato sauce, and bold spices like ground cumin and hot chili powder create an explosion of taste in your mouth that’ll leave you wanting more. And let’s not forget the onions and garlic that give it the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
The texture of the rice is another reason you’ll love this recipe; it’s soft yet has an ideal chewiness that’ll make you want to keep on munching. Plus, the beautiful red color of the rice adds a stunning visual appeal to any dining table and is sure to impress even the fussiest eaters.
But wait, there’s more! Skillet Red Rice (Arroz a La Mexicana) Recipe is versatile too. You can use it as a side dish or make it the main event by adding peas, chicken or shrimp for added protein.
If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican meal without all the fuss, Skillet Red Rice (Arroz a La Mexicana) Recipe is for you. So why not bring some heat to your kitchen and give it a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious skillet red rice (arroz a la mexicana) recipe. You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store or international market.
For the Rice:
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon hot chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
For the Garnish:
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Chopped fresh parsley
Get ready to cook an authentic Mexican red rice recipe with a bold color and flavor!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Toast and Cook the Rice
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once hot, add 1 cup of long-grain rice (preferably long-grain Mexican red rice) to the skillet and toast for a few minutes, stirring constantly until the rice turns golden brown.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add 1/2 onion, chopped and 1 garlic clove, minced to the skillet with the toasted rice. Sauté the onions and garlic until they turn translucent in color, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Spices
Now add 2 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth, 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, and a pinch of salt to the skillet while stirring continuously. Add in two teaspoons of ground cumin, one teaspoon of hot chili powder, and mix together. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low.
Step 4: Cook for Approximately 20 Minutes
Allow the ingredients to simmer for approximately 20 minutes until the rice is cooked. If you find that there is still excess liquid and your rice has already cooked through, leave it uncovered for 5 minutes to allow moisture to evaporate.
Enjoy your delicious Skillet Red Rice (Arroz a La Mexicana) which is a perfect side dish as it suits many dishes such as grilled meats or stews!
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Substitutions and Variations
Folks, if you want to put a little spin on this skillet red rice recipe, I’ve got some tips that’ll make your taste buds sing! First up, let’s talk about the rice. While long-grain white rice is the traditional choice for this Mexican-style recipe, you can substitute it with brown rice or even quinoa for a more nutritious option.
If you don’t have tomato sauce or tomato paste in your pantry, no hombre, don’t worry. You can also use canned diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes pureed in a blender – just make sure to remove the skin and seeds before pureeing.
For those who love it spicy, add some hot pepper sauce or chipotle peppers in adobo to the mix. Or if you want a milder kick, use mild chili powder instead of hot chili powder.
To make it more protein-packed, you can toss in some cooked chicken breast cubes, chorizo sausage slices or ground beef into the skillet while the rice is cooking. If you’re feeling extra fancy and adventurous, try adding some peas or corn kernels when stirring in the cooked rice at the end.
Lastly, my personal favorite variation is to drizzle in a little bit of mole sauce during the last minute of cooking for an extra layer of flavor that’ll send your taste buds on a joyride.
No matter which substitution or variation recipe use, rest assured that these easy modifications will still deliver authentic Mexican red rice deliciousness!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Skillet Red Rice (Arroz a La Mexicana) is ready, it’s time to serve and impress! This bold and flavorful Mexican-style rice makes for an excellent side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or spicy stews. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of dishes to find out what works best for you.
For a perfect pairing, I recommend serving this authentic Mexican Red Rice alongside some sizzling fajitas or juicy grilled chicken. The savory seasoning and red color of the rice make it a great addition to any Mexican-themed dinner party.
Another great way to enjoy this Skillet Red Rice is by adding some black beans and corn for a quick and easy vegetarian meal. You can also top it off with sliced avocados, fresh cilantro, or some hot sauce to give it an extra kick.
This simple Mexican-style rice provides a versatile foundation for salads, burritos, tacos, and many other dishes. It can also make for a satisfying main course if served with a delicious salad.
So go ahead and get creative when it comes to serving and pairing your Skillet Red Rice (Arroz a La Mexicana). With its rich flavor and vibrant color, this dish is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning to make this Skillet Red Rice (Arroz a La Mexicana) Recipe in advance, you’re in luck! This dish is perfect for make-ahead meals, and it’s easy to store and reheat.
To make this dish ahead of time, cook the rice according to instructions and set aside. Stirring occasionally will keep it from clumping together excessively. Once the rice is cooked, use a fork or spoon to fluff it so that each grain separates from the others.
To store the rice, allow it to cool down completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to two weeks.
Reheating red rice is fairly straightforward. I prefer microwaving it in 30-second intervals until heated through, stirring between each interval. Make sure there are no cold spots that could cause the bacteria to grow.
If you want your red rice warm while making other dishes simultaneously, keeping it on medium heat on the stove top with medium flame under skillet or wok works best.
One common issue with reheating red rice is that it can become dry or clumpy if not reheated correctly. To avoid this problem altogether, I recommend adding some liquid like broth, water or tomato sauce before reheating.
So whether you’re prepping for a party or just looking for an easy lunch option throughout the week, this Skillet Red Rice recipe is perfect for those looking for an authentic Mexican taste with less hassle.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making a dish as flavorful and aromatic as Skillet Red Rice (Arroz a La Mexicana) requires attention to details, timing, and steps. Here are some tips to achieve perfect results with this authentic Mexican rice recipe.
Firstly, make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking. This will remove excess starch and prevent the grains from sticking together. Use a fine-meshed strainer and rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Secondly, toast the rice before adding it to the skillet. Toasting the grains will bring out their nutty flavor and give them a firmer texture. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the rinsed and drained rice. Stir constantly for about 3-5 minutes or until the rice turns golden brown.
Thirdly, let the tomato sauce cook for at least 5 minutes before adding the rice. This will bring out its natural sweetness and infuse it with garlic and onion flavors.
Fourthly, use long-grain rice for this recipe. Long-grain rice has distinct grains that don’t clump together when cooked, resulting in fluffy and separated rice. Short-grain or medium-grain rice may become sticky or mushy when cooked.
Fifthly, resist the temptation to lift the lid during cooking time. The steam created inside the skillet is necessary for even cooking, lifting the lid will release some of that steam and may cause uneven cooking of the rice.
Lastly, do not overcrowd or stir the rice too much while it’s on high heat. Overcrowding may result in uneven cooking while too much stirring may break down the grains of rice causing it to form into clumps or turn mushy.
By following these tips, you will be able to make Skillet Red Rice (Arroz a La Mexicana) like an expert chef – deliciously fragrant with each grain of red-rice shining with a beautiful red color.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, folks! My recipe for skillet red rice, or Arroz a La Mexicana, is the perfect addition to any meal. With its vibrant color and bold flavors, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests.
Not only is it a delicious side dish, but it’s also a simple yet authentic Mexican recipe that you can easily make at home. By following my step-by-step instructions and tips for perfect results, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make this crowd-pleasing dish.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and head to the kitchen to make this delicious Skillet Red Rice recipe. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why Arroz a La Mexicana is a staple in Mexican homes all over.
I hope you enjoyed this article and found my tips and recommendations helpful. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations of this recipe to make it your own! And always remember, cooking is an art form – so feel free to add your own special touch.
Happy cooking!
Skillet Red Rice (Arroz a La Mexicana) Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup raw long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 pinch pure hot chili powder
- 2 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock or 1 1/2 cups broth
- 1/3 cup peas, fresh or frozen
Instructions
- Heat oil in 10" skillet over medium heat until hot.
- Add rice, cook and stir rice until it turn opaque white, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add onion, saute approximately 1 minute.
- Stir in garlic, salt, cumin, and chili powder.
- Add tomatoes, constantly stirring for approximately 2 minutes.
- Add chicken stock or broth, stir well. Increase heat to high until boiling then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer until rice is almost tender approximately 15 minutes.
- Stir in peas, cover, and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes or until all liquid has been absorbed. Rice will be firm and will separate, not like steamed rice.
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.