Spanish Rice Recipe – Authentic, Flavorful, and Easy to Make
Looking for the perfect Spanish rice recipe to serve as a side or main dish? This simple, flavorful dish is a staple in many kitchens for good reason. Also known as Mexican rice or arroz rojo, Spanish rice is a delicious blend of long-grain rice, tomato sauce, aromatic spices, and sautéed onions and garlic.
Whether you’re pairing it with tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, or enjoying it on its own, this one-pot recipe will become your go-to for weeknight dinners and festive gatherings alike.
What Is Spanish Rice?
Despite the name, Spanish rice is not actually from Spain. It’s a beloved dish in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, typically served as a flavorful side. The rice is lightly toasted before simmering with tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices like cumin and chili powder. The result is fluffy, reddish-orange rice with bold savory flavor and a hint of spice.
Why You’ll Love This Spanish Rice Recipe
✅ Easy to make in one pot
✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Versatile and pairs with almost any protein
✅ Naturally vegan and gluten-free
✅ Tastes just like what you’d get at a Mexican restaurant
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for this homemade Spanish rice recipe:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or use 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped cilantro or lime wedges for garnish (optional)
How to Make Spanish Rice – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent clumping. Drain well.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is golden and slightly toasted.
🔥 Pro Tip: Toasting the rice adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps it stay fluffy after cooking.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomato Sauce
Pour in the broth and tomato sauce. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Cover and Cook
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18–20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid to let the steam work its magic.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, remove from heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Tips for the Best Spanish Rice
- Use long-grain white rice – It yields the fluffiest results.
- Don’t skip the toasting – That’s key to flavor and texture.
- Adjust heat levels – Add a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicier.
- Make it vegetarian – Just swap in vegetable broth.
- Avoid soggy rice – Use the correct ratio of liquid to rice (about 2:1).
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to make this Spanish rice recipe your own? Here are a few fun variations:
🌽 Spanish Rice with Corn and Peas
Stir in ½ cup of frozen corn and peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
🌶 Spicy Spanish Rice
Add 1 minced jalapeño along with the garlic for a spicy twist.
🫘 Spanish Rice with Beans
Stir in 1 cup of canned black or pinto beans (rinsed and drained) after cooking.
🧀 Cheesy Spanish Rice
Mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese just before serving.
What to Serve with Spanish Rice
Spanish rice is incredibly versatile. Here are some tasty ideas for what to pair it with:
- Grilled Chicken or Steak Fajitas
- Tacos or Burritos
- Enchiladas or Tamales
- Grilled Vegetables
- Shrimp or Fish Tacos
- Chili Rellenos or Quesadillas
How to Store and Reheat
🍱 Storage
Let the rice cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheating
Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can also warm it in a skillet over low heat.
❄️ Freezing
This Spanish rice recipe freezes well! Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Spanish rice the same as Mexican rice?
They’re often used interchangeably. Both refer to rice cooked with tomato sauce and spices. Some people reserve “Spanish rice” for versions that include saffron or bell peppers.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes and add a bit more liquid (2¼ to 2½ cups broth for every 1 cup rice).
Why is my Spanish rice mushy?
Too much liquid or overcooking can make rice mushy. Be sure to use the right ratio and avoid stirring too much while cooking.
Spanish Rice Recipe (Printable Version)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken or veggie broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions:
- Rinse rice thoroughly and drain.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add rice and toast until golden.
- Add onion, cook 2–3 minutes. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in broth, tomato sauce, and spices. Bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve.
Final Thoughts
This easy and authentic Spanish rice recipe is the perfect side dish for any Mexican meal. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a weeknight win every time. Try it with your next taco night or meal prep it for delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Have fun customizing it to your taste—and don’t forget the lime!
