Welcome to the ultimate guide to making the perfect Spanish rice recipe. If you’ve ever craved that vibrant, fluffy, and flavorful rice you get at your favorite Mexican restaurant, you’re in the right place. This one-pan wonder is incredibly simple to master and delivers a side dish that will elevate any meal. Forget bland, mushy rice; this recipe guarantees a show-stopping result every single time. It’s the perfect companion for tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, making it a versatile staple you’ll turn to again and again.
We’re breaking down the simple secrets to achieving that authentic color and deep flavor. Using basic pantry ingredients like long-grain rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Let’s dive in and make the best Spanish rice you’ve ever had.
Why This Is the Best Spanish Rice Recipe
There are countless recipes out there, but this Spanish rice recipe stands out for its simplicity and authentic flavor. It’s designed for home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without complicated steps.
Perfectly Fluffy Texture: The key to great Spanish rice is toasting the rice in oil before adding any liquid. This step coats each grain, preventing them from becoming sticky and ensuring a light, fluffy finish.
One-Pan Simplicity: Everything comes together in a single skillet or pot, making cleanup an absolute breeze. It’s the ideal side dish for a busy weeknight.
Completely Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic base. You can add vegetables, proteins, or different spices to make it your own. For a different but equally comforting one-pot meal, you might also enjoy this classic lentil soup recipe.
Each bite is packed with authentic, savory flavor.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its reliance on simple, accessible ingredients. You probably have most of what you need in your pantry right now.
Long-Grain White Rice: This is crucial for achieving the right texture. Varieties like Basmati or Jasmine work well. Avoid short-grain rice, which has more starch and can become sticky.
Yellow Onion & Garlic: These create the foundational aromatic base that gives the rice its savory flavor.
Chicken Broth: Use a quality chicken broth for the best flavor. You can substitute vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
Tomato Sauce: This provides the signature color and tangy, rich tomato flavor.
Spices: A simple blend of cumin, chili powder, and oregano is all you need. A pinch of salt and pepper balances everything out.
How to Make Spanish Rice Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect batch of this easy Spanish rice recipe. The most important part is the initial toasting of the rice—don’t skip it!
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and stir frequently for about 3-4 minutes, until the grains are lightly golden and smell nutty. This step is essential for fluffy rice.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
The secret to perfect Spanish rice is all in the technique.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Spices
Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Add the cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a boil, then 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 this time! The steam is what cooks the rice.
Step 5: Rest and Fluff
After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice rest for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the grains and distribute moisture evenly. Finally, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Tips for Foolproof Spanish Rice
Even a simple recipe can benefit from a few expert tips. Here’s how to guarantee your Spanish rice recipe turns out perfectly every time.
Use the Right Pan: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet with a tight lid works best. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents the rice from scorching.
Don’t Skip the Toasting: I can’t say it enough! Toasting the rice in oil is the secret to preventing a mushy, sticky texture. It creates a barrier around each grain.
Resist the Urge to Peek: Keep the lid on while the rice is simmering. Lifting the lid releases steam, which disrupts the cooking process and can lead to unevenly cooked or hard rice.
Let It Rest: The final resting period off the heat is just as important as the cooking time. It allows the rice to absorb the last bit of moisture and firm up.
Delicious Variations and Add-Ins
While this classic Spanish rice recipe is fantastic on its own, it’s also a great canvas for customization. Try some of these popular variations!
Spicy Spanish Rice: Add a finely diced jalapeño along with the onion for a kick of heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.
Vegetable Spanish Rice: Stir in a cup of frozen mixed vegetables (like corn, peas, and carrots) along with the broth and tomato sauce.
Spanish Rice with Chicken: Add 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken at the end when you fluff the rice for an easy all-in-one meal. It’s a perfect pairing, much like our famous butter chicken recipe (coming soon).
Cheesy Spanish Rice: Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the rice before the final resting period. Cover and let it melt into deliciousness.
What to Serve with Spanish Rice
Spanish rice is the ultimate side dish for a wide variety of meals. Its savory, tomato-infused flavor complements so many dishes, particularly those with Mexican or Southwestern profiles.
It’s an essential component for any taco night, pairing perfectly with everything from ground beef tacos to grilled fish tacos. This rice is also the perfect partner for saucy dishes, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Consider serving it alongside our tender and flavorful crock-pot birria tacos for an unforgettable meal. You can also serve it with enchiladas, fajitas, grilled chicken, or steak. For a complete plate, add a side of refried beans and a simple salad.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Spanish rice makes for fantastic leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly to maintain its texture and flavor.
To Store: Allow the rice to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: The best way to reheat Spanish rice is in the microwave. Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the top to add moisture, and cover. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Fluff with a fork before serving.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, traditional Spanish rice gets its yellow color from saffron, whereas Mexican rice (which this recipe is closer to) gets its reddish-orange color from tomatoes or tomato sauce and cumin.
The most important step is to toast the long-grain white rice in oil before adding any liquids. This creates a protective layer around each grain. Also, ensure you use the correct liquid-to-rice ratio and do not lift the lid while it simmers.
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. Brown rice typically requires more liquid (about a 2.5:1 ratio of liquid to rice) and a longer simmering time, usually around 40-45 minutes.
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like corn, peas, and carrots. For extra protein, stir in cooked shredded chicken, ground beef, or black beans at the end. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños.
To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply substitute the chicken broth with a high-quality vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based.
Your New Favorite Side Dish
This Spanish rice recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a game-changer for your weekly meal rotation. With its fluffy texture, authentic flavor, and incredible versatility, it’s sure to become a family favorite. We hope you love making it as much as we do!
If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below with your thoughts or share your beautiful creations on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow.
Get ready for the best Spanish rice of your life with this easy one-pan recipe!
FL Recipes
Spanish Rice Recipe: Authentic, Fluffy, and Easy
This Spanish rice recipe is fluffy, flavorful, and foolproof! Learn how to make this authentic, restaurant-style side dish in one pan with simple pantry ingredients. The perfect side for any Mexican-inspired meal.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium heat. Add the rice and stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden and toasted.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5-10 minutes. Uncover, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 220kcalProtein: 5gFat: 5gFiber: 2g
Notes
Do not lift the lid: Keeping the skillet covered is essential to trap steam and cook the rice evenly. Let it rest: The final rest period allows the rice to absorb all the liquid and become perfectly fluffy.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
