How to Make Chamorro Red Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Chamorro Red Rice– a highlight of Guam cuisine which stands out due to its rich colour and appealing taste. Chamorro red rice is served as a side dish with stews, barbecued meat, and other island delicacies. If you’re looking to recreate this traditional red rice recipe at home, you have landed on the right resource. In this guide, we will provide some tips and insightful measures on making the red rice recipe from scratch.

This recipe is designed for everyone regardless of their cooking skill level or experience with Chamorro cuisine. There golden pieces of advice provided within this guide will help you master the dish. Let us dive into the cooking of Chamorro red rice.

What is Chamorro Red Rice?

Chamorro red rice is one of the island of Guams’s traditional dishes made with rice, beans and various other spices. It is famous in Latin and Southeast Asian cuisine due to its achiote or annatto seeds, which give the rice its distinct red colour.

Chamorro red rice is well known in Guam for its explosive flavours. It is relatively simple, and because of this, it can be specially crafted to one’s liking. Cooks can add their touch while staying true to the core people of rice, achiote, onions, salt, and garlic. This dish is perfect alongside grilled proteins of any kind and makes it easy to incorporate into any meal.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make Chamorro red rice, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Here’s a list of the key ingredients:

Key Ingredients

1. White Rice – Typically, long-grain white rice is used, but you can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a slightly different flavor and texture.
2. Annatto Seeds – These tiny red seeds give the rice its characteristic color. Annatto can usually be found in Latin grocery stores or online.
3. Garlic – Fresh garlic adds depth and richness to the rice.
4. Onion – Yellow or white onions are commonly used for their sweetness and aromatic quality.
5. Chicken or Vegetable Broth – The broth adds extra flavor to the rice, making it more savory. You can also use water if you prefer a lighter flavor.
6. Salt – For seasoning.
7. Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil – Used for sautéing the garlic and onions.

These ingredients work together to create the classic chamorro red rice recipe that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything we need, it’s time to cook! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect batch of Chamorro red rice.

Step 1: Prepare the Annatto Oil

The first step in making red rice Guam is to prepare the annatto oil, which will give the rice its vibrant red color.

1. Heat a small pan over medium heat.
2. Add about 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan.
3. Once the oil is hot, add 1 tablespoon of annatto seeds and stir gently for about 2-3 minutes until the oil turns a rich red color. Be careful not to burn the seeds.
4. Once the oil is ready, remove it from the heat and strain out the annatto seeds, leaving the red oil behind. This is the base for your rice.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot that you’ll be cooking the rice, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil. Add 1 finely chopped onion and 3-4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the onions and garlic over medium heat until they become fragrant and the onions are soft (about 3-5 minutes).

This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your chamorro red rice recipe.

Step 3: Add the Rice

Once your onions and garlic are ready, add 2 cups of washed rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice in the aromatic oil. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Add the Annatto Oil and Broth

Now, it’s time to add the annatto oil you prepared earlier. Pour the oil over the rice and mix well. Add 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to the pot, along with a pinch of salt. Stir everything together, ensuring that the rice is fully coated in the vibrant red oil.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let the rice cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid stirring the rice too often to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. Serve your Chamorro red rice as a side dish with your favorite grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Chamorro Red Rice

Making the perfect red rice Chamorro recipe is all about attention to detail. Here are a few tips to ensure your rice turns out fluffy and flavorful every time.

Top Tips for Cooking Chamorro Red Rice

1. Rinse the Rice: Remember to wash your rice before cooking it, as this helps to get rid of the additional starch. This washing step is essential or else the rice may end up too sticky or gummy.
2. Adjust the Liquid: On the other hand, use a little less broth if you like it a little drier or fluffier. Also, use more liquid if you prefer a creamier consistency.
3. Annatto Oil Quality: Source matters when it comes to the quality of your Annatto seeds. If you need brighter colours and deeper flavour, then try to get them from a good store. Fresh seeds promise better quality.

Chamorro Red Rice From DelishDish!

Chamorro Red Rice

This spicy twist on the classic Chamorro red rice combines the traditional rich flavors of Guam’s famous dish with a fiery kick from fresh chili peppers or cayenne. It’s the perfect side dish to elevate your meals, especially when paired with grilled meats or seafood.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

40 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Medium saucepan or pot
• Small pan (for preparing annatto oil)
• Strainer (for annatto seeds)
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups white rice long-grain
• 1 tablespoon annatto seeds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic minced
• 2-3 fresh red chili peppers or 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a milder heat
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for sautéing peppers and aromatics

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Annatto Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small pan. Add the annatto seeds and cook for 2-3 minutes until the oil turns red. Remove from heat and strain the seeds.
• Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped chili peppers (or cayenne pepper). Sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
• Toast the Rice: Add the washed rice to the saucepan and stir for 2-3 minutes to toast the rice.
• Add Annatto Oil and Broth: Pour the prepared annatto oil over the rice. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and salt, stirring to combine.
• Cook the Rice: Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
• Fluff and Serve: Once the rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and serve as a side dish.

Notes

Adjust Heat: For a milder version, remove the chili seeds or reduce the amount of cayenne.

Annatto Substitute: If you can’t find annatto seeds, paprika can be used as an alternative for color.

Flavor Boost: You can add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice for an extra layer of flavor before serving.

Keyword Chamorro red rice, red rice Guam, spicy rice recipe, spicy Chamorro rice, Guam side dishes, spicy side dish, traditional red rice

Conclusion: Give This Chamorro Red a Try!

With your newly learned recipe for Chamorro red rice, you are ready to test out your skills. This aromatic, red-hued rice of captivating appearance complements virtually every meal and will soon earn a cherished spot in your kitchen.

Try this red rice Chamorro recipe and put a smile on your family’s and friends’ faces with the flavours of Guam! This recipe is ideal for any celebration as well as a casual dinner when you’re in the mood for something with bold flavors. Enjoy the cooking!

Share Your Twist!

Add some heat to your Chamorro red rice recipe by incorporating chopped fresh chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a more intense flavor, sauté the peppers along with the garlic and onions. This fiery version of the red rice Guam dish adds a bold, spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and seafood. Enjoy this elevated version of a classic favorite!

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References :

Rose’s Chamorro Red Rice

Longhorn Steakhouse stuffed mushroom recipe

Candida Recipe Ideas