Name: Spanish Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

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Spanish Rice is one of those comforting, flavor-packed dishes that instantly brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. With vibrant tomato, delicate spices, and perfectly nutty rice, every bite is like a sunny afternoon at grandma’s house. This recipe gives you an easy, foolproof way to create authentic Spanish Rice at home, using pantry staples and a couple of clever tricks for maximum flavor. Whether you serve it as a side or enjoy it as the main event, Spanish Rice brightens any meal with its gorgeous color, irresistible aroma, and hearty satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a peek at just how simple the ingredient list really is. Each component does a small but mighty job: from the savory base to the zesty, colorful highlights, every item builds on the last for an unforgettable dish.

Olive oil: Gives the rice a lovely golden color and adds subtle, fruity flavor—it’s the perfect base for sautéing everything together.
Long-grain white rice: This is the heart of Spanish Rice; it cooks up fluffy and never sticky, soaking in all the delicious taste.
Onion: Finely chopped onion brings mellow sweetness and depth, letting the other flavors shine through.
Garlic: Just one clove adds a wonderful savory note that rings throughout the dish.
Diced tomatoes with juice: This is where you get the gorgeous color and tang—choose good-quality canned tomatoes for the best results.
Chicken broth: It amplifies the overall savoriness, cooking the rice with a richness you just can’t get from water alone; swap for veggie broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Ground cumin: Essential for adding earthy, slightly smoky undertones that make Spanish Rice sing.
Chili powder: Packs gentle warmth and color, making every bite lively but not too spicy.
Paprika: Sweet or smoked, either way, it’s key for that signature depth and vibrance.
Salt: Just enough to wake up the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Brings background heat and a gentle sharpness that balances the tomato.
Fresh cilantro (optional): Sprinkle at the end for a fresh, bright finish that ties it all together.

How to Make Spanish Rice

Step 1: Toast the Rice

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes until it turns lightly golden and some grains look toasty. This step is the secret behind grains that are fluffy and separate—it brings out a gentle nuttiness that makes your Spanish Rice irresistible.

Step 2: Build Flavor With Aromatics

Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and just starting to soften. This layer of flavor sets the stage for everything else to build on, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Pour in the diced tomatoes (don’t forget the juices!) along with the chicken broth, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a thorough stir to marry the flavors. The liquid is what helps the rice cook up tender and packed with flavor, while the spices turn that liquid into a dreamy, seasoned bath.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover your skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes. This is when the Spanish Rice soaks up all that rich, tomatoey goodness. Avoid peeking or stirring so your rice stays light and fluffy!

Step 5: Rest and Fluff

When the rice is done and the liquid is fully absorbed, remove the pan from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This short resting time lets the grains finish steaming and firm up just right. Grab a fork and gently fluff the rice, so every serving is perfectly separated and inviting.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

If you love the burst of freshness that cilantro brings, sprinkle it over the rice just before serving. Spoon onto plates while warm and watch everyone come running!

How to Serve Spanish Rice

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped cilantro is the classic go-to, adding color and zing to Spanish Rice. For extra flair, scatter on rings of green onion, a squeeze of lime juice, or even a dusting of crumbled queso fresco. Each garnish brings out a new side of the dish and makes it even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Spanish Rice is a side that plays well with others! Pair it alongside grilled chicken, beef tacos, or saucy enchiladas for a true Mexican feast. It also complements black beans, refried beans, grilled veggies, or a crisp, tangy slaw—anything with bold, fresh flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it a meal by turning Spanish Rice into a vibrant rice bowl with corn, black beans, avocado, and charred peppers. For a party, serve it in colorful tortilla cups or as part of a fajita bar. Spanish Rice even makes a fantastic filling for burritos, stuffed peppers, or tacos. Get creative—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spanish Rice keeps beautifully! Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen as it sits, making next-day lunches a real treat.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze Spanish Rice in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible and label with the date. It can stay delicious in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice before microwaving or gently warming in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps restore moisture and prevents the rice from drying out, so it tastes just as good as when it was freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a great option if you’re looking for extra fiber and nuttiness. Just remember, brown rice takes longer to cook and may need a bit more liquid—adjust the simmering time to around 40-45 minutes, checking for tenderness.

Is Spanish Rice the same as Mexican rice?

They’re very similar and often used interchangeably! Both feature rice simmered with tomato and spices. The names sometimes reflect regional traditions, but this Spanish Rice recipe delivers classic flavors found in Mexican kitchens.

What can I add for extra vegetables or color?

You can toss in peas, corn, chopped bell peppers, or even finely diced carrots alongside the onion and garlic. These add bursts of color, texture, and nutrition—plus, they make your Spanish Rice even more festive.

Can I make Spanish Rice ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Cook the rice as directed, cool it completely, and store in the fridge. Right before serving, reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to bring back its original softness and flavor. It’s a great dish for entertaining since it reheats so well.

What’s the best pot or pan to use?

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for making Spanish Rice. This helps cook the rice evenly and prevents burning on the bottom. Nonstick or cast-iron works well, just make sure it’s roomy enough to stir comfortably.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this easy, homemade Spanish Rice, you’ll want to make it for every gathering, taco night, or busy weeknight meal. Its cheerful color, rich aroma, and utterly comforting taste make it a staple you’ll turn to again and again. So grab your skillet and let’s make dinner extra delicious—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

Spanish Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Spanish Rice Recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic dish that’s packed with flavor. With just a few staple ingredients, you can whip up this comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. Follow these easy steps to cook like Grandma and savor the authentic taste of homemade Spanish rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup long-grain white rice

Additional Ingredients:

1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
Cook the rice: Add the rice to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
Add aromatics: Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
Combine ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Rest and serve: Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with cilantro if desired and serve warm.