Spanish Rice

Spanish Rice, also known as Mexican Rice, is a flavorful and colorful side dish made by simmering long-grain rice with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. It’s the perfect accompaniment to tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, or beans. With its bold, savory flavor and fluffy texture, Spanish Rice is a staple in any Tex-Mex or Mexican-inspired meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and just one pan required.
• Versatile: Pairs well with almost any main dish, from tacos to grilled chicken.
• Flavorful: Toasted rice infused with tomato and spices gives it a bold and comforting taste.
• Customizable: Add veggies or protein to make it a meal on its own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce (or 1 large ripe tomato, blended)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or diced carrots
• Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

this recipe

1. Rinse the rice
   Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch for fluffier rice.
2. Sauté the rice and vegetables
   In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden. Add chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 2 more minutes.
3. Add remaining ingredients
   Stir in tomato sauce, broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add peas or carrots if using. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer
   Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
5. Let it rest
   Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff gently with a fork.
6. Serve
   Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, and serve warm with your favorite main dish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño with the onion for extra heat.
• Veggie Loaded: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for more vegetables.
• Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken, ground beef, or beans to make it a full meal.
• Brown Rice: Use brown rice and simmer for 40–45 minutes, adding extra broth as needed.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase the cooking time to about 40–45 minutes and use a bit more broth.

Why do I need to rinse the rice?

Rinsing removes excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky or mushy.

Can I use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, use 1–2 tablespoons of tomato paste and increase the broth slightly to balance the liquid.

What’s the difference between Spanish rice and Mexican rice?

The terms are often used interchangeably, though Spanish rice can sometimes include saffron and be more yellow, while Mexican rice is typically tomato-based.

Can I make this in a rice cooker?

Yes! Sauté the onion, garlic, and rice separately, then transfer everything to the rice cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook as you normally would.

How do I keep the rice from sticking to the pan?

Use a non-stick or heavy-bottomed pan and avoid stirring during simmering. Rinsing the rice beforehand also helps.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pot and keep the rice-to-liquid ratio the same. Cooking time may be a few minutes longer.

Can I add cheese?

While not traditional, sprinkling some shredded cheddar or Cotija on top can be a tasty twist.

What dishes go well with Spanish rice?

Tacos, enchiladas, burritos, grilled chicken, fajitas, or black beans all pair beautifully.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, Spanish rice reheats well and can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge.

Conclusion

Spanish Rice is a delicious and easy-to-make side that adds vibrant flavor to any meal. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a festive spread, this rice dish is a dependable crowd-pleaser that comes together in one pan with simple ingredients.

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