Red rice is a flavorful side dish made with rice, tomato and chicken bouillon, garlic powder and onion powder, perfect to add to any meal!
This easy Mexican red rice recipe is simple, delicious and super versatile in terms of what to serve it with. We LOVE serving it with black bean soup and mahi tacos.
Red Rice
Red Rice
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Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 Quick and easy to whip up, ready in less than 30 minutes.
📌 Full of the perfect savory flavors to compliment whatever main dish you are serving.
📌 8 simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
Mexican Red Rice Ingredients
- Oil – Olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Rice – White or brown long grain rice.
- Water – Cold, filtered.
- Bouillon – Tomato and chicken bouillon.
- Seasonings – Garlic powder and onion powder. Optional: parsley for topping.
How do you make red rice? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, combine oil and rice in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir the rice and oil together until the rice is golden brown.
⭐ Next, add in the water, tomato bouillon, chicken bouillon, garlic powder and onion powder.
⭐ Then, turn the heat to medium high and bring to a boil.
⭐ Finally, reduce heat, place the lid on the pan and heat until rice is cooked through and fluffy. Fluff rice with a fork and garnish with parsley if desired and serve!
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can I make red rice ahead of time?
Yes, this can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store in the fridge until ready to use and reheat in the microwave.
What kind of rice for red rice?
Long grain rice works best for this recipe and will give you the fluffiest result. We used white long grain rice but you can also use brown rice if that is what you have on hand.
Why does the rice need to be toasted/browned before cooking?
Toasting the rice helps keep the rice from getting mushy when cooked and it also adds a ton of flavor to your finished dish.
What if I don’t have tomato bouillon?
In place of tomato bouillon you can use tomato paste. We find the bouillon has more depth of flavor so you might want to also taste and add some seasonings as needed if you swap them.
Leftovers and storage
How long does red rice last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze red rice?
You can freeze rice but the texture or consistency might be a little mushy after thawing. However the flavors will still be there! Allow the rice to cool and store in an airtight container in the freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips and tricks
✅ Try adding some chopped onion or minced garlic to the pan when you are browning the rice for an extra pop of flavor!
✅ If you’d like to add a little kick of heat, add some green chiles or jalapenos.
✅ This rice is fantastic served with a little bit of shredded cheese on top. Freshly grated colby jack would be perfect!
✅ Garnish with parsley or even some cilantro for added color and flavor.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mexican red rice spicy, and can I adjust the heat level?
As prepared this dish is not inherently spicy. However, if you prefer some heat, you can customize the dish by adding chopped green chiles, jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your taste.
Can I make Mexican red rice using a rice cooker or Instant Pot?
While this recipe is primarily designed for stovetop preparation, you can adapt it for a rice cooker or Instant Pot. Simply follow your appliance’s instructions for cooking rice and incorporate the same ingredients and seasonings for a delicious result.
You will want to toast the rice before adding it to your rice cooker.
How can I use the leftover Mexican red rice?
If you have leftover Mexican red rice, consider turning it into a filling for burritos or tacos, using it as a base for a rice bowl with grilled chicken or vegetables, or incorporating it into a frittata for a tasty breakfast or brunch dish.
Is it gluten free?
This Mexican red rice recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken and tomato bouillon, which are widely available in stores. Double-check the labels to ensure they are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
What to eat with Mexican red rice (serving suggestions)
Red rice is such a versatile side dish option. We like to serve it with any of our tex mex dishes but it’s flavorful enough to add to any meal! Try serving it with some Mexican cornbread casserole, Mexican street corn, and corn fritters!
More of our favorite rice recipes
- Instant pot rice pudding
- Instant pot rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Chicken fried rice
- Coconut rice
- Cheesy chicken and rice casserole
- See all our easy rice recipes!
Other awesome Mexican inspired dishes
- Taco casserole
- Mexican lasagna
- White chicken enchiladas
- Stuffed pepper casserole
- Mexican corn salad
- Beef enchiladas
- Try our other Mexican recipes!
Tools we love
- Enameled cast iron pot – This is a great and super versatile pot that can be used in both the oven and on the stove top.
- Bulk spices – It’s amazing how much money you can save by buying spices in bulk and making your own mixes!
- Rice cooker – This Presto 16 cup rice cooker is one of the best things that’s ever happened in my life.
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How to Make Red Rice
Red Rice
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup oil
- 2 cups rice
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons tomato bouillon
- 1 cube chicken bouillon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- fresh parsley for topping optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet with a lid combine the oil and rice. Cook the rice and oil together over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the rice is golden brown.
- Once the rice is golden add the water, tomato bouillon, chicken bouillon, garlic powder and onion powder. Turn the heat up to medium high and bring to a boil.
- Place a lid on the pan and reduce heat to low for 15-17 minutes until rice is cooked through and fluffy.
- Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
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Red Rice
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Paula K says
Just perfect! We served this with our favorite garlic chicken and it was a hit with the entire family!
Natasha says
This easy Mexican red rice recipe is so full of flavor and so quick to make. It only took me 30 minutes and it was a huge hit with my family!