Puerto Rican style red beans & rice | full recipe step-by-step

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil provides healthy fats and similar cooking properties.

red beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Pinto beans are often less expensive and can be used interchangeably.

cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

Parsley can be used for a milder flavor and is often more accessible.

lime

💰Cheaper: lemon

Lemon juice can substitute lime for acidity at a lower cost.

Add all ingredients for the sazon (cilantro, Puerto Rican peppers, garlic, onions, and salt) to a food processor or blender with a little water and blend to desired texture.

If using dried beans, boil small red beans until tender; if using canned beans, skip this step.

In a large pot, add bacon and cook until medium, not too crispy.

Add the sazon mixture to the pot and cook for about 3 minutes to soften the flavors.

Add washed rice to the pot and mix well, cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes to toast the rice.

Add the cooked beans and water to the pot, stir well, and bring to a simmer.

Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, stir the rice to mix the cooked rice from the bottom with the uncooked rice on top.

Cover the pot with parchment paper and then the lid to trap steam, allowing it to cook for an additional 10 minutes on very low heat.

Remove from heat and let sit covered for 15 to 20 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary