The Best Puerto Rican Rice Recipe – Easy and Flavorful Guide

Puerto Rican rice, or arroz amarillo, is the perfect combination of fluffy grains, rich colors, and mouthwatering flavors. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s served at a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday meal, or a lively celebration. With its vibrant yellow hue and irresistible aroma, this dish has become a treasured staple in Puerto Rican cuisine.

The secret to Puerto Rican rice recipe lies in its simplicity and its incredible depth of flavor. It’s seasoned with a mix of herbs, spices, and a magical ingredient called sofrito, which creates a delicious base. At the same time, a touch of sazón gives the rice its signature yellow color and savory taste. Each bite delivers a comforting, flavorful experience that feels like a warm hug from the island itself.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to make a traditional yet authentic Puerto Rican rice recipe. From the exact measurements of each ingredient to easy step-by-step instructions, I’ll cover everything you need to know. Plus, I’ll share helpful tips, common variations, and serving suggestions to suit any preference. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, this recipe will help you create a perfect pot of Puerto Rican rice recipe every time.

What Makes Puerto Rican Rice Recipe Special?

Puerto Rican rice stands out for its beautiful, bright yellow color and its incredible depth of flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying. Every spoonful carries the essence of the island, blending simplicity with tradition. What makes this dish truly special is sofrito, a magical combination of garlic, onions, peppers, and cilantro. This fragrant mix creates a flavor-packed foundation that turns plain rice into something extraordinary. The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell like a Puerto Rican home.

But that’s not all—Puerto Rican rice recipe gets its signature yellow hue from sazón, a popular seasoning blend that often includes annatto, cumin, and other savory spices. Alongside a touch of tomato sauce, sazón adds richness and depth without making the dish overly spicy. While Mexican rice tends to bring the heat with chili peppers, Puerto Rican rice is mild yet flavorful, making it perfect for everyone at the table. This balance of bold seasonings and subtle heat makes the dish versatile and easy to pair with a variety of main courses.

If you love simple, hearty dishes like Puerto Rican rice recipe, you’ll also enjoy exploring other quick and healthy options. For inspiration, check out this guide on one-pot meals to find more easy, flavorful recipes for busy days.

Ingredients for Puerto Rican Rice Recipe

Here are the exact measurements for an authentic Puerto Rican rice recipe:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
2 ounces salted pork (tocino) or bacon, diced (optional)
1/4 cup sofrito (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 packet Goya Sazón seasoning
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
4 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water with 2 teaspoons bouillon)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

How to Make Puerto Rican Rice Recipe (Step-by-Step)

1. Rinse the Rice

Place the 3 cups of rice in a large bowl.
Cover it with water, swirl, and drain.
Repeat until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

2. Sauté the Base Ingredients

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a caldero (wide, heavy-bottomed pot).
Add the 2 ounces of salted pork and cook for 2 minutes until golden. (Optional)
Stir in the 1/4 cup sofrito and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
Add 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1 packet of sazón, and 1 teaspoon oregano. Stir well.

3. Combine and Simmer

Add the rinsed rice and stir until it’s well-coated with the sofrito mixture.
Pour in 4 1/2 cups of chicken broth.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer.

4. Steam the Rice

Let the rice cook uncovered for 12-15 minutes, or until the liquid evaporates.
Stir gently, cover the pot, and reduce heat to low.
Cook for 20 minutes without uncovering the pot.

5. Let It Rest and Fluff

Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 10-15 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

This simple process ensures your Puerto Rican rice recipe comes out fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

What to Serve with Puerto Rican Rice Recipe

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a range of mains and sides. Here are some suggestionThis versatile dish pairs beautifully with a range of mains and sides, making it a must-have on any dinner table. Here are some tried-and-true pairings to elevate your meal:

Pernil (roasted pork) – This slow-roasted, seasoned pork is a classic Puerto Rican pairing. The tender, juicy pork and flavorful rice create an unforgettable combination that’s perfect for holidays and celebrations. The crispy edges of the pernil balance beautifully with the softness of the rice.
Shrimp Stew – Adding protein to your meal is always a great idea, and shrimp stew pairs seamlessly with this rice. The rich, tomato-based broth of the shrimp stew complements the sofrito flavors in the rice, making for a complete, satisfying meal.
Puerto Rican Potato Salad – If you want a refreshing twist, this creamy potato salad with a unique Puerto Rican touch (sometimes featuring apples or olives) balances the warmth of the rice. It’s especially popular at barbecues, family picnics, and festive gatherings.
Stewed Beans (Habichuelas Guisadas) – This comforting side dish of stewed beans with tomato sauce, sofrito, and vegetables is a popular pairing with Puerto Rican rice. The beans add extra protein and flavor, making the meal heartier and more filling.
Roasted Vegetables – For a lighter option, serve Puerto Rican rice with a medley of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. The caramelized sweetness of the veggies enhances the savory flavors of the rice.

If you’re looking for more hearty and easy meal inspirations, don’t miss this collection of one-dish dinners.

Tips to Perfect Puerto Rican Rice

To achieve the perfect Puerto Rican rice, following a few simple tips can make all the difference. These tricks will ensure your rice is fluffy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection every single time:

Rinse Your Rice Thoroughly – Always rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes the excess starch that causes rice to clump together or become mushy. Rinsing helps the grains stay light, fluffy, and separate during cooking. It’s a small effort that delivers big results, so don’t skip it!
Use a Caldero for Even Cooking – A caldero is the preferred pot in Puerto Rican kitchens because it distributes heat evenly, ensuring consistent cooking without burning the rice.
Don’t Uncover the Pot While Steaming – This is perhaps the most important tip for achieving perfectly cooked Puerto Rican rice. Once you cover the pot, resist the urge to peek! Lifting the lid allows steam to escape, which interrupts the cooking process and may result in unevenly cooked rice. Keep the lid on tight and let the steam work its magic.
For Added Flavor, Use Chicken Broth or Vegetable Stock – Water works fine for cooking rice, but swapping it out for chicken broth or vegetable stock can take your rice to the next level. The broth adds a layer of savory, rich flavor that plain water simply can’t provide. For an extra boost, try adding a teaspoon of bouillon powder or a dash of adobo seasoning to the broth before cooking.
Let the Rice Rest Before Fluffing – After steaming, it’s important to let the rice sit for about 10-15 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This allows the steam to redistribute, giving the rice its light, fluffy texture.
Store Leftovers Safely – If you’re meal prepping or saving leftovers, make sure the rice has completely cooled before storing it. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. This meal prep container guide offers helpful tips for storing and organizing your leftovers.

Variations of Puerto Rican Rice Recipe

You can tweak the traditional Puerto Rican rice recipe to suit different tastes. Here are a few delicious ideas:

Puerto Rican Rice with Corn – Add 1/2 cup sweet corn during the simmering step.
Arroz con Gandules – Stir in 1 can of pigeon peas (drained) after adding broth.
Arroz con Pollo – Use chicken broth and add browned chicken pieces for a hearty meal.

Why Use Sazón and Sofrito?

The combination of sazón and sofrito is what gives Puerto Rican rice its iconic taste and Color is one of the most iconic features of Puerto Rican rice, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. That bright yellow hue isn’t just for looks—it reflects the bold and vibrant flavors infused into every grain. The key ingredients responsible for this color and incredible depth of flavor are sofrito and sazón, both staples in Puerto Rican cooking.

Sofrito: This flavorful base is a must-have in many Puerto Rican dishes. Made from a blend of garlic, bell peppers, onions, and cilantro, sofrito adds an aromatic, savory richness to the rice. Think of it as the heart of the dish—it’s where all the flavor begins. You can find pre-made sofrito in most stores, but homemade sofrito always delivers a fresher, more authentic taste. If you have a blender or food processor, making it yourself is easy. Simply combine equal parts of garlic, peppers, onions, and fresh cilantro, and you’ll have a flavorful sofrito ready to go.
Sazón: This seasoning blend gives Puerto Rican rice its beautiful yellow hue while adding layers of savory flavor. Traditionally, sazón includes ingredients like annatto (achiote), cumin, garlic powder, and coriander. The annatto seeds provide the vibrant yellow color naturally, while the other seasonings enhance the overall taste of the dish. If you don’t have sazón on hand, you can easily make a homemade version by mixing 1 teaspoon of ground annatto with 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, cumin, and coriander.

Both sofrito and sazón are widely available in stores, especially in the international or Latin food aisles. However, if you have the time, homemade versions are well worth the effort and allow you to customize the flavors to your liking. In addition to these two ingredients, a touch of tomato sauce contributes to the richness of the rice, while chicken broth or vegetable stock enhances its depth of flavor.

Storing and Reheating Puerto Rican Rice

Leftover Puerto Rican rice can be just as tasty! Follow these tips for the best results:

Storage: Place rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Add a splash of water, cover, and microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Need tips on reheating leftovers efficiently? Explore this guide on meal prepping ideas.

FAQs About Puerto Rican Rice Recipe

Q: Why Is My Rice Sticky?
A: Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.

Q: Can I Use Brown Rice?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to add extra water and cook it for 10-15 minutes longer.

Q: How Do I Add More Flavor?
A: Use chicken broth instead of water, and add diced vegetables or a protein of your choice.

Conclusion

This Puerto Rican rice recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its vibrant yellow color, bold flavors, and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether paired with pernil, tostones, or served as a standalone dish, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Now that you know how to make authentic Puerto Rican rice, don’t hesitate to try it for your next meal. Enjoy this flavorful tradition, and explore new variations to suit your taste!