Homemade Spanish Rice: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe You’ll Love
If you’ve ever enjoyed a plate of enchiladas, tacos, or fajitas at your favorite Mexican restaurant, you’ve probably noticed that one of the best parts of the meal is the side of homemade Spanish rice — fluffy, flavorful, and bursting with tomato goodness. The good news? You don’t have to go out to enjoy it. Making Spanish rice at home is surprisingly easy, and once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to the boxed kind again.
This homemade Spanish rice recipe is made with simple pantry staples — long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a few seasonings that bring authentic flavor to your table. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight family dinner or a Mexican-inspired feast, this dish is the perfect side to complement any meal.
What Is Spanish Rice?
Spanish rice, also known as Mexican rice or arroz rojo, is a beloved side dish in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. Despite its name, it actually originated in Mexico and not Spain. The dish gets its vibrant red color from tomatoes and its rich flavor from sautéed onions, garlic, and broth.
The key to its signature texture and flavor lies in toasting the rice before cooking — this step gives Spanish rice a slightly nutty flavor and keeps it from getting mushy. Once simmered with tomato sauce and broth, it becomes tender, fluffy, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe
- Authentic flavor: Made with simple ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
- Easy to make: One pan, a few ingredients, and about 30 minutes.
- Versatile side dish: Pairs beautifully with tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, or even seafood.
- Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and feeds a crowd.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels or add vegetables for your own twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best homemade Spanish rice, you’ll need a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter (vegetable or olive oil works great)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or use ½ cup tomato paste + ½ cup water)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder or paprika (optional, for color and mild spice)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup frozen peas or corn
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How to Make Homemade Spanish Rice
Follow these simple steps for perfect Spanish rice every time:
Step 1: Toast the Rice
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and stir frequently for about 4–5 minutes, until the rice becomes golden brown. Toasting gives the rice a nutty aroma and helps it stay fluffy after cooking.
Step 2: Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 3: Stir in the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
Pour in the tomato sauce, broth, salt, cumin, and chili powder (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits — they add a lot of flavor!
Step 4: Simmer the Rice
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid or stir during this time — this helps the rice cook evenly.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Once done, remove the pan from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for extra freshness.
Tips for the Best Homemade Spanish Rice
Making perfect Spanish rice takes just a bit of technique. Here are some pro tips:
- Use long-grain rice: It cooks up fluffy and separate — short-grain rice tends to get sticky.
- Toast the rice well: This step makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Use tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes: Both work, but tomato sauce gives a richer color.
- Don’t stir while simmering: Stirring breaks the grains and releases starch, making the rice mushy.
- Rest before serving: Letting the rice sit covered for a few minutes after cooking allows the steam to finish the job and keeps it light and fluffy.
Variations to Try
1. Spicy Spanish Rice
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Great for spice lovers!
2. Vegetable Spanish Rice
Mix in diced bell peppers, peas, carrots, or corn for a colorful and nutrient-packed side dish.
3. Cheesy Spanish Rice
After cooking, stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy, comforting twist.
4. Spanish Rice with Ground Beef
Turn it into a hearty main dish! Brown ½ pound of ground beef with the onions and garlic before adding the tomato sauce and broth.
5. Spanish Brown Rice
For a healthier version, substitute brown rice for white rice. Just increase the broth and simmering time (about 40–45 minutes).
What to Serve with Homemade Spanish Rice
Spanish rice is incredibly versatile and pairs well with almost any Mexican or Latin-inspired dish. Try serving it alongside:
- Chicken Enchiladas – The perfect saucy pairing.
- Beef or Chicken Tacos – A classic combination.
- Grilled Shrimp or Fish – Adds a light, fresh balance.
- Fajitas – Serve alongside sizzling steak or chicken fajitas.
- Refried Beans or Black Beans – For a complete and satisfying meal.
How to Store and Reheat Spanish Rice
Homemade Spanish rice stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead side.
To Store:
- Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4–5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat:
- Add a splash of water or broth to rehydrate.
- Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is my Spanish rice mushy?
Mushy rice usually means too much liquid or over-stirring. Stick to the 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio and avoid lifting the lid while cooking.
2. Can I make Spanish rice in a rice cooker?
Yes! Toast the rice with onion and garlic on the stove first, then transfer to your rice cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook as usual.
3. What’s the difference between Spanish rice and Mexican rice?
They’re often used interchangeably. In Mexico, this dish is known as arroz rojo (red rice). The American term “Spanish rice” simply refers to the Mexican-style version made with tomatoes and spices.
4. Can I use instant rice?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich since instant rice doesn’t toast well. If using instant rice, reduce the cooking time to about 10 minutes.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values for 1 cup serving)
- Calories: 190
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
(Values will vary depending on ingredients used.)
Final Thoughts
Making homemade Spanish rice is simple, satisfying, and brings a burst of flavor to any meal. With its rich tomato base, toasty rice aroma, and perfectly seasoned taste, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation.
Once you master the basic recipe, you can easily customize it — make it spicy, cheesy, or loaded with veggies. Whether you serve it with tacos, grilled meats, or just a side of beans, this Spanish rice will quickly become your go-to comfort side.
So grab your skillet, toast that rice, and enjoy the authentic taste of homemade Spanish rice right in your kitchen!
