About this recipe

A classic, foolproof Mexican rice (arroz rojo) with a rich tomato base, toasted long-grain rice, and warm spices. This stovetop staple is deeply flavorful, fluffy every time, and pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. The key is toasting the dry rice in oil first — it's the step that makes all the difference.

Instructions

1. 1

   Add the chopped roma tomatoes, white onion, and garlic to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. You should have about 1 cup of tomato purée. Set aside.

2. 2

   Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over ^[medium-high heat] until shimmering. Add the dry, unrinsed long-grain white rice and stir constantly to coat every grain in oil.

3. 3

   Toast the long-grain white rice, stirring frequently, until it turns a deep golden-brown color — like the color of light caramel. This takes about 6–8 minutes and is the most important step for flavor. Don't rush it.

4. 4

   Pour in the blended tomato purée (it will sizzle loudly — that's normal). Stir to combine with the long-grain white rice, then add the chicken broth, tomato paste, kosher salt, cumin, and chili powder. Stir everything together until the tomato paste is dissolved.

5. 5

   If using, nestle the whole serrano or jalapeno pepper into the long-grain white rice — this adds a gentle warmth without making the dish spicy. Bring the mixture to a boil over ^[medium-high heat].

6. 6

   Once boiling, reduce the heat to ^[the lowest setting], place the lid firmly on the saucepan, and cook for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time — the trapped steam is what cooks the long-grain white rice evenly.

7. 7

   After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat (keep the lid on) and let the long-grain white rice steam off-heat for 10 minutes. This resting step is essential for perfectly fluffy, non-mushy rice.

8. 8

   Remove and discard the whole pepper (if used). If adding peas, scatter them over the top now — the residual heat will warm them through in 2–3 minutes.

9. 9

   Fluff the long-grain white rice gently with a fork, taste and adjust kosher salt if needed, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.