Spanish Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spanish Rice, also known as Mexican Rice, is a flavorful and easy side dish that complements a wide variety of meals—from tacos and enchiladas to grilled meats. Made with simple pantry staples like rice, tomatoes, onion, and spices, this dish delivers savory, slightly tangy flavor with a tender, fluffy texture. It’s a perfect way to elevate your dinner table with minimal effort.

ingredients

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

long grain white riceolive oilyellow onion (finely diced)garlic cloves (minced)tomato sauce or diced tomatoeschicken broth or vegetable brothground cuminchili powdersaltblack pepperoptional: frozen peas or diced carrotsfresh cilantro (for garnish)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the rice and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant—about 5–7 minutes.

Stir in the diced onion and cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Pour in the tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes), chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in optional peas or carrots if desired. Let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.

Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4–6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Resting time: 5 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add jalapeños or green chiles for a spicy kick.
Use brown rice for a heartier, whole-grain version (adjust liquid and cooking time).
Stir in cooked shredded chicken for a complete meal.
Top with queso fresco or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Is Spanish rice the same as Mexican rice?
Yes, the terms are often used interchangeably and refer to a tomato-based rice dish popular in Mexican cuisine.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well and can be made a day in advance.

What type of rice works best?
Long grain white rice is ideal for fluffy, separate grains.

Can I use instant rice?
It’s not recommended for this method, as it cooks differently and may become mushy.

Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add heat with chili powder or diced chiles.

Can I use tomato paste instead of sauce?
Yes, use 1–2 tablespoons of paste and increase the broth slightly to compensate.

Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely—use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Do I need to rinse the rice first?
Rinsing helps remove excess starch and can lead to fluffier rice, but it’s optional.

How do I prevent mushy rice?
Use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid overcooking.

What goes well with Spanish rice?
It’s great with tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, or beans.

Conclusion

Spanish Rice is a delicious, easy-to-make side dish that adds color and flavor to any meal. With its toasty rice base, savory tomato flavor, and simple prep, it’s a staple you’ll come back to again and again. Perfect for pairing with your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes or enjoying all on its own.

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