Print

Easy One-Pot Spanish Rice (Arroz Rojo): Restaurant-Style Side Dish

A perfectly molded mound of fluffy, orange-red Spanish rice mixed with bright green peas and diced carrots.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make authentic, fluffy Spanish Rice (Arroz Rojo) in one pot. This easy recipe delivers the flavorful, vibrant side dish you expect from your favorite Mexican restaurant, perfect for tacos or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 to 7 minutes until the grains turn light golden brown. This step is key for fluffy rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, cumin, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, stir in the frozen peas and carrots, if using.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this resting time.
  8. Fluff the Spanish Rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • To achieve restaurant-quality flavor, do not skip toasting the rice in oil until it is golden.
  • For a richer color, you can substitute 1/2 cup of water for 1/2 cup of the broth and add 1/2 teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder.
  • This recipe works well as a side dish for tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/easy-spanish-rice-arroz-rojo-one-pot-side/