Fluffy Red Rice with Vegetables: A Perfect Mexican Side Dish

Updated at: 23/05/2025

Fluffy red rice, bursting with vibrant vegetables, is more than just a side dish; it's a fiesta on your plate! This simple yet flavorful recipe transforms ordinary rice into a culinary delight, perfect for accompanying your favorite Mexican dishes or enjoying as a satisfying vegetarian meal. The rich color of the red rice adds a touch of elegance, while the medley of fresh vegetables provides a delightful textural contrast and a boost of essential nutrients. Imagine tender rice grains infused with the subtle spice of cumin and the bright freshness of bell peppers and corn.

This recipe elevates the humble red rice to a new level of deliciousness, showcasing the beauty of simple ingredients prepared with care. Forget bland, boring side dishes; this vibrant and flavorful red rice is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Ready to transform your next meal? Let's dive into the easy, step-by-step instructions below.

Tools Needed

  • Frying pan
  • Blender
  • Strainer
  • Measuring cup

Ingredients

  • Granulated broth: 2 tablespoons
  • Frozen vegetables: 1 cup
  • Tomatoes: 3
  • Garlic: 1 clove
  • Onion: 1 piece
  • Rice: 1 cup
  • Water: 1 cup
  • Oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Sauté the Rice and Prepare the Sauce

  • Wash the rice without soap.
  • Heat oil in a thick frying pan for 5 minutes. Add the rice and fry until it turns a light creamy color, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. A thick pan is crucial to prevent burning. If using a thin pan, use a comalito underneath.
  • In a blender, combine tomatoes, garlic, onion, broth, and 1 cup of water (the same cup used to measure the rice). Blend until smooth.
  • Strain the blended mixture.
Wash the rice without soap.Heat oil in a thick frying pan for 5 minutes. Add the rice and fry until it turns a light creamy color, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. A thick pan is crucial to prevent burning. If using a thin pan, use a comalito underneath.In a blender, combine tomatoes, garlic, onion, broth, and 1 cup of water (the same cup used to measure the rice). Blend until smooth.Strain the blended mixture.
Sauté the Rice and Prepare the Sauce

Step 2. Cook the Rice with Vegetables and Broth

  • Add the strained mixture to the fried rice. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes over medium heat.
  • Add another cup of water and the frozen/canned/pre-cooked vegetables. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Check for salt and adjust accordingly.
Add the strained mixture to the fried rice. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes over medium heat.Add another cup of water and the frozen/canned/pre-cooked vegetables. Bring to a boil.Reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Check for salt and adjust accordingly.
Cook the Rice with Vegetables and Broth

Step 3. Rest and Fluff the Rice

  • After 15-20 minutes, gently stir the rice to ensure even cooking.
  • Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 5-10 minutes to allow the remaining water to be absorbed and the rice to become fluffy.
After 15-20 minutes, gently stir the rice to ensure even cooking. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 5-10 minutes to allow the remaining water to be absorbed and the rice to become fluffy.
Rest and Fluff the Rice

Step 4. Serve

  • Serve and enjoy!
Serve and enjoy!
Serve

Read more: Quick & Easy Pantry Mexican Rice with Rotel

Tips

  • Use a thick frying pan (or a thin pan with a comalito underneath) to prevent the rice from sticking.
  • Use enough oil to prevent sticking.
  • If using fresh vegetables, cook them separately before adding them to the rice.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. What type of red rice should I use?

Long-grain red rice works best for this recipe. It cooks up fluffy and doesn't become mushy.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This red rice tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


This vibrant and flavorful red rice is the perfect complement to any Mexican meal, adding both color and deliciousness to your table. Its ease of preparation makes it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. So, enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish and savor the taste of sunshine on your plate!