Arroz Recipe
Make Arroz Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Rice
Aromatics & seasonings
Optional add-ins
Method
Rice
- 1
Rinse rice
Place the 2 cups of long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh sieve or bowl. Rinse under cold running water, stirring with your hand, until the water runs mostly clear (about 1–2 minutes). Drain well. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
- 2
Toast rice (optional)
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the drained rice and toast, stirring constantly, 2–3 minutes until some grains look slightly translucent and fragrant. Toasting gives a nuttier flavor but can be skipped.
- 3
Add liquid and simmer
Add 3.5 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to the rice. Raise heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil uncovered. Once boiling, reduce heat to low so the pot is at a low simmer. Cover with the lid and cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.
- 4
Steam off heat
After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice steam for an additional 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- 5
Fluff rice
Remove lid, use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains. Keep warm while you finish the aromatics if cooking them separately, or proceed to mix with aromatics as directed below.
Aromatics & seasonings
- 6
Cook onion and garlic
While the rice is simmering (or before adding water if you did not toast rice), heat a 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion (about 1 cup) and sauté 4–6 minutes until translucent and beginning to soften. Add the 3 tablespoons minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring so garlic does not brown.
- 7
Add spices
Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (or annatto/achiote paste for color), and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices.
- 8
Mix with rice
If you prepared the rice plain, gently fold the cooked aromatics into the finished, fluffed rice until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro if using.
Optional add-ins
- 9