Welcome to the most flavorful and straightforward Spanish Rice Recipe you’ll ever need. If you’re searching for that authentic, restaurant-quality side dish that perfectly complements any meal, you’ve found it. This one-pot wonder delivers fluffy, savory rice with a rich tomato and spice-infused flavor that will transport you straight to a Spanish kitchen. Forget bland, mushy rice; we’re making a vibrant dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This recipe is designed for the enthusiastic home cook who loves creating memorable meals for family and friends.
Whether you’re pairing it with tacos, grilled chicken, or making it the star of a vegetarian meal, this easy Spanish rice will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. We’re using simple, accessible ingredients to create a dish that is bursting with complex flavors.
What Makes This The Best Spanish Rice Recipe?
The secret to an exceptional Spanish rice lies in the technique. It’s not just about boiling rice with tomato sauce. We start by toasting the long-grain white rice in oil, which gives each grain a nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming sticky. This crucial step ensures a perfectly fluffy texture every time. Then, we build layers of flavor by sautéing onions and garlic before simmering the rice in a savory blend of chicken broth, tomato sauce, and a carefully selected mix of spices.
Is Spanish Rice the Same as Mexican Rice?
This is a common question! While they are often used interchangeably and share many similarities, there’s a subtle difference. Traditionally, authentic Spanish rice (or arroz rojo) gets its signature yellow color from saffron. Mexican rice, on the other hand, typically uses cumin and chili powder for a slightly different, earthier flavor profile. This recipe leans into the more common, cumin-spiced “Mexican” style that many in the US know and love as Spanish Rice, giving you that familiar restaurant taste.
Ingredients for Success
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already. We focus on quality basics to create a truly memorable dish.
- Long-Grain White Rice: The key to a fluffy texture. Avoid using short-grain or instant rice.
- Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation of our dish.
- Chicken Broth: Adds a rich, savory depth that water alone can’t provide.
- Tomato Sauce: For that classic color and tangy flavor.
- Spices: A warm blend of cumin, oregano, and a touch of chili powder provides the perfect flavor.
How to Make This Easy Spanish Rice Recipe Step-by-Step
Making this dish is a simple, three-step process. First, we toast the rice. Second, we build the flavor base. Third, we let it simmer to perfection. This method ensures every grain of rice is infused with flavor and cooked perfectly. For a delicious weeknight dinner, consider pairing this rice with our Cilantro Lime Salmon (coming soon). The bright, zesty flavors of the fish are a perfect match for the savory rice.
Step 1: Toast the Rice
In a large skillet or pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and stir frequently until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant. This step is non-negotiable for fluffy, flavorful rice!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and add the cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time!
Step 4: Rest and Fluff
After 20 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice. Finally, uncover the pot and use a fork to gently fluff the rice. This separates the grains and creates that perfect texture.
Tips for Perfect, Fluffy Spanish Rice Every Time
Achieving the perfect texture is easy if you follow these simple rules. First, always rinse your rice to remove excess starch, which helps prevent stickiness. Second, toasting the rice before adding liquid is a game-changer. Finally, and most importantly, resist the urge to peek while the rice is simmering. Keeping the lid on traps the steam, which is essential for even cooking.
What to Serve with Your Rice
This Spanish Rice Recipe is an incredibly versatile side dish. It’s a natural fit for any Mexican or Tex-Mex meal, like tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats. For a unique and satisfying meal, try it alongside our flavorful Greek Chicken Gyros (coming soon). You could also make it a complete meal by adding black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Looking for another great one-pan meal idea? Check out these amazing Sausage and Cheese Sheet Pan Pancakes (coming soon) for a savory breakfast!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Spanish rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water, cover, and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over low heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. Brown rice requires more liquid (about 2.5 cups per cup of rice) and a longer simmering time, typically 40-45 minutes.
Yes, we highly recommend it. Rinsing the rice removes excess surface starch, which is a primary cause of sticky or gummy rice. It’s a quick step that makes a big difference in the final texture.
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the chicken broth with a high-quality vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making it an easy and delicious vegan side dish.
While very similar, traditional Spanish rice is often colored with saffron, giving it a yellow hue. Mexican rice, or ‘arroz rojo,’ typically gets its flavor and color from cumin, chili powder, and a tomato base. This recipe is closer to the Mexican style that is popularly known as Spanish rice in the U.S.
Mushy rice is usually caused by too much liquid or not using the right kind of rice. For fluffy results, use long-grain white rice, measure your liquid accurately (a 2:1 ratio of liquid to rice is standard), and do not lift the lid while it’s simmering to avoid releasing steam.
The Perfect Side Dish Awaits
You now have the keys to making an absolutely irresistible Spanish Rice Recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s simple, flavorful, and the perfect accompaniment to countless meals. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Spanish Rice Recipe
Spanish Rice Recipe: Authentic Flavor in One Pot
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet or pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed and drained rice. Cook, stirring frequently for about 3-5 minutes, until the rice is lightly golden and has a nutty aroma.
- Add the finely chopped yellow onion to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Add the ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during the cooking process.
- After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it stand, still covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the residual steam to finish cooking the rice perfectly. Remove the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the rice. Serve warm.
Notes
Make it Spicy: Add a finely chopped jalapeño along with the onion for a spicy kick.
Veggie-Packed: Stir in a cup of frozen peas and carrots during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
