If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort side dish that brings a pop of color and a burst of savory, tomato-infused flavor to any meal, then this Spanish Rice recipe is your new go-to. Whether served alongside a weeknight taco dinner or as a flavorful bed for grilled chicken, every forkful is fluffy, vibrant, and deeply satisfying. I absolutely love how one pot and a handful of pantry staples can transform simple rice into a fiesta-worthy dish the whole family craves. Trust me, this Spanish Rice recipe dances with zesty spices and tender grains, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Spanish Rice comes together with just a few key ingredients, each playing a starring role in the final texture, taste, and color of the dish. Don’t underestimate the magic that these simple pantry staples create when combined—every component adds something special, making the finished rice truly irresistible.
- Olive oil: Adds rich flavor and helps toast the rice for that signature nutty aroma.
- Long-grain white rice: The star of Spanish Rice, this variety cooks up light, fluffy, and never sticky.
- Finely chopped onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the rice base.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the rice with classic savory fragrance and flavor.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Bring bold color and tangy notes that define Spanish Rice.
- Chicken broth: Adds richness and gives the rice layers of savory flavor (swap with vegetable broth for vegetarian).
- Ground cumin: Lends earthy, warm undertones essential for authentic taste.
- Chili powder: Provides a gentle kick and beautiful color—just the right amount of spice.
- Paprika: Rounds out the spices with subtle smokiness and depth.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors into perfect, savory balance.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Brightens the finished dish and adds a burst of fresh, herbal flavor for serving.
How to Make Spanish Rice
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Begin by heating olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes. This step is key—the rice will start to turn golden and develop a nutty, toasty fragrance, becoming the perfect base for the flavors to come.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic straight into the pan with your toasted rice. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes soft and the garlic is wonderfully aromatic. These aromatics build the foundation of Spanish Rice’s irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Next, pour in the diced tomatoes with all their delicious juices, then add the chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the spices are evenly distributed and the rice is coated in all those fantastic flavors.
Step 4: Simmer and Steam
Bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the Spanish Rice simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the grains are tender and have soaked up almost all the liquid. Resist the urge to lift the lid—steaming is what creates perfectly fluffy rice!
Step 5: Finish and Fluff
Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from heat but keep it covered. Let it rest for 5 minutes—this allows the steam to finish working its magic. Fluff the Spanish Rice gently with a fork, and stir in fresh cilantro if using. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Spanish Rice
Garnishes
For a dazzling presentation, finish your Spanish Rice with a shower of freshly chopped cilantro and maybe a scattering of finely diced green onions or jalapeño if you love a touch of heat. A squeeze of lime right before serving really brightens things up and makes every bite sing.
Side Dishes
Spanish Rice is endlessly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many Mexican-inspired dishes. Try it alongside sizzling fajitas, refried beans, grilled shrimp, or as the perfect partner to your favorite enchiladas. It even shines next to a simple salad or tucked into a burrito bowl for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful! Spoon your Spanish Rice into scooped avocado halves for an eye-catching presentation, or use it as a colorful base for chili, taco meat, or roasted veggies. For gatherings, serve in a big, family-style bowl topped with extra cilantro and lime wedges—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spanish Rice keeps beautifully. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to keep it sealed to retain moisture and prevent any unwanted fridge flavors from sneaking in.
Freezing
If you want to extend its life, Spanish Rice freezes well. Scoop cooled rice into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen with a splash of broth to revive its fluffiness.
Reheating
To reheat, add a tablespoon or so of water or chicken broth to the rice, then warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel or lid to trap steam, ensuring each grain stays fluffy and moist.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
You absolutely can! Just keep in mind that brown rice needs a longer cooking time (about 35 to 40 minutes) and a bit more liquid. The result will be extra hearty with a subtle nuttiness—it’s a lovely twist on classic Spanish Rice.
How do I prevent Spanish Rice from turning mushy?
Be sure to toast the rice first and avoid stirring it too much while it simmers. Use precise measurements for liquid and keep the lid in place so the steam does the work. Fluff the rice gently once it rests for perfect, separate grains every time.
Is Spanish Rice spicy?
This recipe for Spanish Rice is mild, with a gentle warmth from chili powder and black pepper. If you like more heat, you can boost the chili powder, toss in a pinch of cayenne, or serve it with hot sauce on the side.
Can I make Spanish Rice vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, and make sure to use plant-based oil if needed. The rice remains every bit as flavorful without any animal products.
What else can I add to Spanish Rice for extra flavor?
This recipe is a perfect canvas for additions. Stir in sautéed bell peppers, peas, corn, or even diced carrots for color and crunch. A sprinkle of shredded cheese or a handful of cooked chorizo are delicious extras if you want to make it heartier.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough about how much joy a simple pot of Spanish Rice brings to the table—it’s always the first thing to disappear at my house! I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own with your favorite tweaks. Let me know how it turns out and don’t forget to serve it warm, with plenty of love and maybe an extra squeeze of lime.
Print
Spanish Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Spanish Rice recipe that is perfect as a side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal. This dish is packed with aromatic flavors like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, mixed with tender rice and juicy diced tomatoes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Rice: Add rice and cook until lightly golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Combine Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in cilantro if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- Enhance with sautéed bell peppers or peas for added color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¾ cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
