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Spanish Rice Recipe

July 25, 2014 by Sandra Shaffer 31 Comments

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This basic Spanish Rice is fluffy and full of flavor, a delicious side dish for Latin meals. Keep it plain or add chopped green peppers or tomatoes.

Mexican rice in a white bowl with wooden spoon

Spanish Rice

In my last post I shared Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas served with Spanish Rice.

Have you noticed that the two are twinsies when you eat Latin food? A side dish of rice is very common when you order a lunch or dinner plate at a Mexican Restaurant.  

One can not be served without the other!

Rice is economical to make, and once you master making your own Spanish rice you’ll be adding it to your burritos too.

I’ll also warn you that you will never be able to eat it at a restaurant again without judging the the way their rice tastes.

You just won’t be able to help it because your rice is going to be SOOO flavorful!

Spanish rice in a white bowl with wooden spoon

Mexican Rice Made Perfectly Every Time!

Spanish rice is also known as Mexican rice. It should be called Latin rice! This is another dish that I watched my mom make without a recipe. 

After a lot of trial and error as well as taste testing, I can finally make fluffy and perfectly cooked Spanish Rice aka Mexican rice (if I do say so myself).

It did take a few mushy rice dishes to get to this point. That’s ok. Soooo worth every trial.

Once you look at the recipe you’ll be wondering what was the challenge.

The key to this simple recipe is to make sure you add the right amount of broth. 

The rice you use also makes a difference. Use long grain. It absorbs the liquid quite nicely.

Spanish rice in a white bowl with orange napkin

Mexican Rice Variations

There are so many variations to this side dish. You may have had it with a few vegetables added.

I’ve cooked it with diced tomatoes and green or red peppers.

Experiment with those ingredients too, but start with this basic recipe and get pro-ish, then start putting in ingredients you love!

SPANISH RICE RECIPE – INGREDIENTS & UTENSILS

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)

Utensils/Other Items

  • 10 inch skillet with tight fitting cover
  • measuring spoons and cups
  • cutting board and sharp knife

SPANISH RICE RECIPE – INSTRUCTIONS

  1. On medium-high heat add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to a 10 inch skillet. Add rice and diced onion.
  2. Stir constantly until rice begins to lightly brown. Stir in garlic and reduce heat to medium.
  3. Add tomato sauce.
  4. Stir until the rice pieces are coated.
  5. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth. With a spoon push the rice around the skillet forming an even layer.
  6. Return the heat to medium-high and when the rice begins to boil, cover and reduce the heat to simmer.
  7. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed in the rice.
  8. Fluff with fork before serving.
  • Sautéing spanish rice and onion in a skillet.
  • Browning rice to make Mexican rice.
  • Tomato sauce added to Spanish rice recipe.
  • Mixing tomato sauce into rice mix.
  • Adding vegetable broth to Mexican rice recipe.
  • Cover skillet with clear lid to cook Spanish Rice

WHAT TO SERVE WITH SPANISH RICE

You might enjoy these recipes with a side of Mexican rice:

  • Mexican Shredded Beef – This shredded beef recipe in made in an Instant Pot.
  • Pork Carnitas – Easy dish that is perfect for a crowd. This recipe is made in a slow cooker.
  • Chili Colorado – This simple traditional Mexican stew is made in a red chili sauce.

And more rice dishes you might like to try:

  • Easy Cauliflower Fried Rice – Low carb alternative to the traditional fried rice recipe.
  • Coconut Rice – Simple four ingredient recipe.
  • Veggie Rice – A simple pilaf recipe with zucchini and carrots.

SPANISH RICE RECIPE – FAQS

Just some answers to comments you may be wondering…

Is Spanish rice vegetarian?

If you use the vegetable broth instead of the chicken broth, then Spanish rice is a vegetarian approved dish.

Why is my Spanish rice mushy?

Mushy rice is the result of too much liquid that isn’t able to evaporate. To remedy, after cooking lower heat and remove the lid so the liquid is able to evaporate.

Is Spanish rice low carb?

1/4 of cup of Spanish rice is approximately 53 calories and 9.5 grams of carbohydrates. Depending on your macronutrient goals this is suitable for some people on a low carb diet.

Is Spanish rice keto friendly?

No. Spanish rice is not make with a lot of healthy fats and the carbohydrates in the rice may not allow some people to stay in ketosis.

Can Spanish rice be frozen?

Yes! Let the cooked rice cool at room temperature, then place in freezable containers or bag. Freeze for up to a month.

Continue to Content
Yield: 6 servings

Spanish Rice

Spanish rice in a white serving bowl with a wooden spoon

Simple Mexican rice recipe that you can customize by adding additional vegetables. This 20 minute side dish accompanies all your Latin dishes.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)

Instructions

On medium-high heat add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to a 10 inch skillet. Add rice and diced onion stirring constantly until rice begins to lightly brown. Stir in garlic and reduce heat to medium.

Add tomato sauce and stir until the rice pieces are coated. Stir in chicken or vegetable broth and with a spoon push the rice around the skillet forming an even layer. Return the heat to medium-high and when the rice begins to boil, cover and reduce the heat to simmer. Let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed in the rice.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1/2 cup

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 107Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 164mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 3g

Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.

Did you make this recipe?

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© Sandra Shaffer
Cuisine: Mexican / Category: Side Dish
Spanish rice with salad and enchiladas

PIN to your Side Dishes and Mexican Recipe Boards

Easy Spanish rice recipe made in a skillet in 20 minutes!  Enjoy with all your Latin dishes #rice #spanish #Mexican #sidedish #easyrecipe
Hugs Sandra Signature

 

Filed Under: Side Dish Tagged With: gluten free, mexican, rice, side dish, Spanish

Previous Post: « Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
Next Post: Frosty Iced Cappuccino Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef

    July 25, 2014 at 8:44 pm

    I haven’t had Spanish rice in such a long time. It’s not a bit thing over here in Australia but I grew up with it. I’m going to try this.

    Reply
    • Sandra Shaffer

      July 28, 2014 at 9:49 pm

      Oh good, glad I peaked your interest to give it a try!

      Reply
  2. Priya

    July 27, 2014 at 12:40 am

    I’m a rice eater and this looks nice! will try soon..

    Reply
  3. Choc Chip Uru

    July 27, 2014 at 2:41 am

    Mmm, yum, love me some exotic rice 😀

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    Reply
  4. Sarah @ the magical slow cooker

    July 27, 2014 at 7:13 am

    Spanish rice is a must for any Mexican meal! Thanks for the great recipe!

    Reply
    • Sandra Shaffer

      July 28, 2014 at 9:46 pm

      Thank you Sarah! I have to concur. You can’t have a Mexican meal without the Spanish rice 🙂

      Reply
  5. Robin (Masshole Mommy)

    July 27, 2014 at 2:19 pm

    That sounds absolutely wonderful!! I would love to make this sometime soon!!

    Reply
    • Sandra Shaffer

      July 28, 2014 at 9:46 pm

      Thanks, Robin! It’s so tasty. I think you’ll love it!

      Reply
  6. Stacie D Wyatt

    July 27, 2014 at 4:00 pm

    I love spanish rice. Haven’t had any in a minute. Never tried to make it before but I may now.

    Reply
    • Sandra Shaffer

      July 28, 2014 at 9:45 pm

      Oh, I hope you do give it a try Stacie! Let me know what you think. Won’t you 🙂

      Reply
  7. Onica {MommyFactor}

    July 27, 2014 at 4:30 pm

    We love Spanish rice. It just has more flavor then plain white rice. It tastes good with everything.

    Reply
    • Sandra Shaffer

      July 28, 2014 at 9:44 pm

      You are so right, Onica! You really can add it as a side dish to any meal. I definitely prefer Spanish rice over plain rice.

      Reply
  8. Meagan

    July 27, 2014 at 7:30 pm

    Spanish rice is definitely a favorite in our household.

    Reply
    • Sandra Shaffer

      July 28, 2014 at 9:43 pm

      The little bit of flavor really makes this rice stand out!

      Reply
  9. Stephen S.

    July 27, 2014 at 9:23 pm

    I wanna try to make this at home.

    Reply
    • Sandra Shaffer

      July 28, 2014 at 9:39 pm

      Let me know how it goes Stephen!!

      Reply
  10. Debi

    July 28, 2014 at 7:00 am

    I love spanish rice. It is one of my favorite side dishes.

    Reply
    • Sandra Shaffer

      July 28, 2014 at 9:37 pm

      Excellent! My family always hopes there will be some left over to eat for a few days!

      Reply
  11. Rosey

    July 28, 2014 at 7:07 am

    My husband can’t eat Mexican food at home without Spanish rice being on the table too. He loves it!!

    Reply
    • Sandra Shaffer

      July 28, 2014 at 9:36 pm

      Isn’t that funny! The meal is not complete without the rice!!

      Reply
  12. krystalskitsch

    July 30, 2014 at 10:47 am

    I’d love to give this one a try. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Sandra Shaffer

      July 30, 2014 at 9:07 pm

      I hope you like Spanish rice as much as we do!

      Reply
  13. Karen (Back Road Journal)

    July 30, 2014 at 1:03 pm

    Your rice looks perfectly cooked. Too many times it can be gloppy and overcooked.

    Reply
    • Sandra Shaffer

      July 30, 2014 at 9:05 pm

      Thanks, Karen! Yes, once you practice a bit, you’ll never have that clumpy rice again 🙂

      Reply
  14. Anyonita

    August 15, 2014 at 8:04 am

    I LOVE Spanish rice & your recipe sounds fantastic! I never use chicken broth in mine, I like the idea of this, so I”m going to have to try it out!

    Reply
  15. Eileen Kelly

    September 17, 2019 at 2:35 pm

    This is the best rice recipe! So easy to follow and the results are perfect! We love Spanish rice and this is so tasty. The family loves it.

    Reply
  16. Lathiya

    September 18, 2019 at 2:32 pm

    Rice is a staple food in our home. But never tried Mexican rice. Looks delicious and flavorful.

    Reply
  17. Bhawana

    September 21, 2019 at 12:34 am

    wow Spanish rice looking so flavorful and delicious. I am sure they make a perfect combo with any curry recipes. will make it with vegetable stock once for sure. Love your logo.

    Reply
  18. Jocelyn

    August 6, 2020 at 5:15 pm

    No seasonings??

    Reply
    • Sandra Shaffer

      August 7, 2020 at 5:28 pm

      Hi Jocelyn! No, nothing extra. The flavor is mild. It comes from the chicken broth and tomatoes. Spanish rice is like bread accompanying Latin dishes.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Mexican Shredded Beef | Easy 35 Minute Instant Pot Recipe says:
    September 24, 2018 at 1:19 pm

    […] with Spanish rice and refried […]

    Reply

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Hi! My name is Sandra. I’m a health enthusiast, a recipe tweaker, and a wine sipper!! On my website I share my favorite family dishes… some are healthy low carb recipes, some are sinful, but all are delicious!

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