Welcome back, my friend! Today, I’m so excited to share with you a Puerto Rican classic that’s not only delicious but also super easy to make, Arroz con Salchichas, or rice with hot dogs. This dish is a beloved staple in many Puerto Rican households, especially as a quick and satisfying meal for busy weekdays.
Arroz con Salchichas is one of those yellow rice dishes that bring so much nostalgia. Many families traditionally make it with Vienna sausages, though hot dogs are also a popular choice. Growing up, my mom would sometimes use Vienna sausages, other times hot dogs—it really depends on what’s on hand. Today, I’ll be using hot dogs because I love how their firmer texture holds up in the rice, but if you prefer Vienna sausages, that works just as beautifully and keeps it extra traditional.
This dish is perfect for families because it’s simple, budget-friendly, and can be ready in under an hour. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to introduce children to Puerto Rican flavors, from the sofrito to the achiote oil that gives the rice its signature golden hue.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 tablespoons aceite de achiote (achiote oil) – gives the rice a beautiful golden color
- 4 sliced hot dogs (or 2 cans Vienna sausages)
- 2 tablespoons sofrito
- 2 tablespoons diced pimentos (pimientos)
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 4 cups short-grain rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 packet Goya ham seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons adobo
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
*Feel free to adjust seasonings to suit your family’s taste!
How to Make Arroz con Salchichas
- Heat the oil: In a medium-high pan, add the achiote oil and let it warm. This oil is what gives the rice its iconic yellow-orange color. If you’d like to learn how to make achiote oil from scratch, check out my .
- Cook the hot dogs: Add your sliced hot dogs to the pan. If you’re using Vienna sausages, two cans will do. Let them brown slightly for extra flavor.
- Sauté aromatics: Stir in the sofrito and diced pimentos, letting everything sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant. This step is key—it infuses the rice with that classic Puerto Rican aroma.
- Add tomato sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well. The sauce adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the rice.
- Add rice and water: Stir in the rice, followed by the water, making sure everything is evenly mixed.
- Season the rice: Sprinkle in the ham seasoning, paprika, turmeric, oregano, onion powder, adobo, and salt. Give it a taste and adjust if needed. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Simmer: Let the rice come to a simmer and absorb the liquid. This usually takes about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the rice slowly turning a beautiful golden color and absorbing all the flavors.
- Finish cooking: Once most of the liquid has absorbed, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for another 15 minutes on low heat. This ensures the rice finishes cooking evenly and becomes fluffy.
- Serve and enjoy: Once done, fluff the rice and serve it hot! The vibrant golden color, tender rice, and flavorful hot dogs make this dish a true family favorite.
Why We Love Arroz con Salchichas
This dish isn’t just about food, it’s about memories. It’s the kind of recipe that makes a house feel like home. Whether it’s a weekday dinner, a weekend family meal, or a potluck with friends, Arroz con Salchichas is always a hit. Kids love it because of the familiar hot dogs, and adults love it for the comforting, nostalgic flavors of Puerto Rico.
Pro tip: You can pair this rice with chuletas asadas, a fresh salad, or even fried plantains for a complete Puerto Rican feast.
I hope this recipe inspires you to bring a little taste of Puerto Rico into your home. Your family is going to love it, and who knows, it might just become a new favorite! 🤗
💖Yessi
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Arroz con Salchichas (Puerto Rican Rice with Hot Dogs)
Equipment
- 4qrt Pot
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons aceite de achiote achiote oil
- 4 sliced hot dogs or 2 cans Vienna sausages
- 2 tablespoons sofrito
- 2 tablespoons diced pimentos pimientos
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 4 cups mediumgrain rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 packet Goya ham seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons adobo
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a medium-high pan, add the achiote oil and let it heat up.
- Add sliced hot dogs (or Vienna sausages) and lightly brown.
- Stir in the sofrito and diced pimentos; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix in the tomato sauce until well combined.
- Stir in rice and water, mixing everything evenly.
- Add ham seasoning, paprika, turmeric, oregano, onion powder, adobo, and salt. Taste and adjust if needed.
- Let the rice come to a simmer for about 10 minutes to absorb most of the liquid.
- Give everything in the pot a nice mix.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until rice is fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot, paired with your favorite Puerto Rican dishes.
Video
Notes
- Vienna sausages can be used instead of hot dogs for a traditional version.
- Adjust seasonings to taste for a milder or more flavorful dish.
- Perfect paired with chuletas guisadas, fried plantains, or a fresh salad.
- Save left-over in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 3 days.
