Red Rice

About This Recipe

Red Rice is THE side dish of Chamorro cuisine in Guam and Saipan. Regular long-grain rice is simmered with achiote (annatto) powder, onion, and garlic, turning a vibrant orange-red colour. It appears at every fiesta, barbecue, and family gathering.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 2 cupslong-grain white rice
• 1 tbspachiote (annatto) powder
• 1 mediumonion, finely diced
• 3 clovesgarlic, minced
• 2.5 cupswater or chicken broth
• 1 tspsalt

Instructions

1. 1

   Sauté aromatics

   Cook onion in a little oil in a medium pot over medium heat until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.

2. 2

   Toast achiote

   Stir in achiote powder and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add rice and liquid

   Add rinsed rice, water or broth, and salt. Stir and bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Steam

   Reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover tightly, and cook 18 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Variations

• •

  Add diced spam or bacon for extra richness.

• •

  Use jasmine rice for a softer texture.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of water.

Frequently Asked Questions