Mexican Arroz Rojo
Mexican Arroz Rojo is a vibrant, savory red rice dish that is a staple in Mexican cuisine, often served as a side or a base for main courses. It is typically made by sautéing long-grain white rice with onions and garlic, then simmering it in a flavorful tomato-based broth, often with peas, carrots, and sometimes corn for added texture and color.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the rice, with moderate fat from the cooking oil and minimal protein unless beans or meat are added. A standard one-cup serving provides around 200-250 calories and offers key nutrients like lycopene from the tomatoes, vitamin C, and small amounts of iron and B vitamins.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Carbs | 36 g |
| Fat | 6.5 g |
| Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Iron | 2.1 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2.5 mg |
| Folate | 60 mcg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
| Phosphorus | 85 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Arroz Rojo is a cornerstone of Mexican home cooking, with variations passed down through generations, and its red color is traditionally achieved using fresh tomatoes or achiote paste, not artificial coloring. Nutritionally, the tomato base not only adds flavor but also increases the dish's antioxidant content, making it a more nutritious alternative to plain white rice.
