Easy Spanish Rice Recipe: Best Spanish Rice & Easy Mexican Rice
Discover the best Spanish rice recipe that’s easy to make! With chicken broth, onion, and salsa, this Mexican rice is a delicious side dish for any meal.
Easy Spanish Rice Recipe: Best Spanish Rice & Easy Mexican Rice
I recall the first time I tried Spanish rice at a friend’s party. The fluffy, colorful grains smelled amazing, and he joked it was like I love you in spanish for everyone at the table. That memory drove me to master it at home and explore mexican rice (aka mexican rice) by gathering spanish rice ingredients, experimenting with stock and tomato paste, and testing methods. Now, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about this classic rice dish along with a Spanish rice recipe that uses a rice pilaf approach to make this dish extra flavorful.
Ingredients in This Recipe ⬇️
What is the Best Spanish Rice Recipe?
I discovered that many chefs see the best spanish rice recipe as a rice pilaf with a twist. They sauté onion, bell pepper, spices, toast white rice, then pour in stock. Some use tomato sauce; others add tomato paste, or even salsa for an extra ton of flavor. The key is balancing the amount of stock and spices so it’s the best it can be.
Why is Homemade Spanish Rice Better?
I’ve often wondered why homemade food differs from what you might get at a Spanish restaurant near me. Control of ingredients is key: pick fresh veggies, adjust pepper, and tweak cumin or extra onion to suit your taste. Plus, homemade lets you use substitute vegetable stock if you like. You can also add your style, like extra tomato paste or a dash of cilantro.
Chef’s Tip: 🏺 Toasting your rice in oil before adding liquids deepens its flavor—think of it like “locking in” that nutty essence.
What Ingredients Do You Need for Spanish Rice?
You’ll need a handful of staples for a tasty side dish:
- uncooked rice (preferably long grain)
- onion
- bell pepper
- chicken broth or vegetable broth
- tomato sauce or paste
- cumin
- pepper
- cilantro, salsa, or black beans (optional for added color)
- For brightness, stir in cilantro lime rice or follow parts of a cilantro lime rice recipe
How to Make the Best Spanish Rice Recipe?
- Sauté: Warm oil over medium heat. Add onion, and you can also add bell pepper until fragrant.
- Toast the Grains: Stir in the uncooked rice to coat it with oil—crucial for a pilaf texture.
- Spice it Up: Add cumin, some pepper, and salt. Chili powder makes it spicier.
- Liquids: Pour in chicken broth or vegetable broth. For deeper color, add tomato sauce or a spoonful of tomato paste.
- Simmer: Let it bubble, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- Fluff: When the rice is done, fluff it with a fork. It becomes a delicious side dish full of aroma.
Quote: “Homemade Spanish rice is the best way to say I love you in spanish through cooking,” a friend once told me, and I couldn’t agree more.
How to Make Easy Mexican Rice?
Sometimes referred to as a mexican rice recipe, this approach is similar to Spanish styles but often relies on extra seasonings like garlic powder or chili powder. I see it as a perfect side for tacos or enchiladas. If you explore any mexican restaurant, you’ll notice both recipes used alongside popular meals. That’s why many home cooks feel this staple is a perfect side dish for mexican food.
Pro Advice: 🍅 For a richer color, stir in a small spoonful of tomato paste with your broth; it boosts the savory depth without making the rice too saucy.
What is the Difference Between Spanish Rice Recipe and Mexican Rice?
| Characteristic | Spanish Rice RECIPE | Mexican Rice RECIPE |
|---|---|---|
| Color and Flavor | Often uses saffron or paprika for a more orange/yellow hue; the flavor is milder, sometimes lightly sweet. | Emphasizes spices like cumin or chili; the color usually comes from tomato sauce or tomato paste, giving it a reddish tone. |
| Key Ingredients | Onion, garlic, often chicken broth, sometimes saffron for coloring. | Onion, garlic, pepper, chicken or vegetable broth, plus cumin or even salsa or chilies for extra zest. |
| Cooking Method | Typically sautéed in olive oil with spices before adding broth, following a pilaf approach. | Also toasts the rice first, but focuses on cumin and often includes tomato sauce. It still follows a pilaf style but tends to be more robustly seasoned. |
| Texture and Use | Yields a looser grain, perfect as a side for milder dishes or white meats. | Features bolder flavors, commonly paired with dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or well-seasoned Mexican mains. |
| Frequent Variations | Might include bell pepper, peas, or even seafood (depending on the region in Spain). | Commonly adds cilantro, salsa, chili powder, or veggies like corn or green bell pepper for extra color. |
| Main Difference | Leans toward a Mediterranean tradition, highlighting the rice with mild spices and saffron notes. | Focuses on stronger spices and tomato elements, creating a vibrant and slightly spicy profile typical of Mexican cuisine. |
Are There Simple Ingredients for Easy Mexican Rice?
Yes. For easy mexican rice, cook onions and garlic with a dash of cumin, tomato sauce, and chicken stock or veggie broth. Some add salsa for extra zest. Despite minimal items, this side dish remains aromatic.
What is a Quick Method to Cook Mexican Rice?
Use a quick rice pilaf style by toasting uncooked grains, then adding seasonings and broth. Let it simmer until the rice is tender. A rice package labeled southwestern can speed things up, but a homemade spanish rice recipe is often fresher. It’s similar to how we make spanish rice; adjust the spices if you want more heat.
What Makes a Great Side Dish?
A side dish should enhance your main course without overshadowing it. Serving homemade spanish rice pilaf beside rotisserie chicken or tacos and enchiladas complements your meal. A mild version lets a spicy main dish shine, while a bolder, tomato-infused style can elevate more straightforward plates. Think of it as the unassuming hero tying everything together.
How to Pair Spanish Rice Recipe with Other Dishes?
It goes well with cooked chicken, steak, or fish. Pair it with black beans for a vegetarian meal. For more variety, serve green onions or a bowl of cilantro lime rice recipe alongside. This pilaf style handles intense flavors easily, becoming a favorite side dish for mexican nights.
Is Spanish Rice a Versatile Side Dish?
Swap in brown rice or replace water with vegetable broth. Toss in cilantro or tomatoes for extra color, or stir in ground beef, tacos seasoning, or salsa for a heartier base. It’s incredibly flexible to suit your family’s tastes.
What are Some Easy Side Dish Recipes to Try?
If you’re looking for variety, try these ideas alongside your Spanish or Mexican rice:
- Delicious Arroz Con Leche Recipe | Classic Mexican Rice Pudding
- Homemade Gorditas Recipe: Make Authentic Mexican Gorditas at Home
- Authentic Carne Asada Recipe: the Best Carne Asada You’ll Ever Make!
- Fresas con Crema: Authentic Mexican Strawberries and Cream Dessert
These options make a perfect side or sweet finish.
How to Reheat Leftover Spanish Rice?
Sometimes, you have leftover spanish rice you don’t want to toss. A quick reheat strategy can save the day. Dish latino cooks often jazz it up with peppers or green bell pepper for variety.
What is the Best Way to Reheat Rice Without Drying It Out?
I place cooked rice in a pan with a splash of broth or water. Let it warm over medium and simmer for 3 minutes in one pot. You can also microwave it with a damp towel on top.
How Can You Store Leftover Spanish Rice?
Cool the rice thoroughly, then keep it in an airtight container to avoid sticking to the bottom. Freezing is an option, too—thaw and reheat for a speedy meal later.
Expert Trick: 🍃 Fold in chopped cilantro or parsley only at the end so it keeps its bright color and fresh aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Rice
| Common Questions | Tips and Suggestions |
|---|---|
| People wonder if it’s “food in spanish” or if there’s a trick to use salsa. | A dash of salsa can boost flavor. Nonetheless, it’s still Spanish or Mexican rice—salsa merely adds an extra zing. |
| Some ask about rotisserie chicken or preventing the rice from burning. | Shred rotisserie chicken into your dish for extra protein. To avoid burning, stir regularly and keep heat moderate. |
| Others want more flavor with green bell pepper or onions and garlic. | Sauté these first to build a bolder base for your Spanish rice. |
| People look for a lighter option, swapping chicken broth with homemade vegetable broth. | This change cuts down on richness, making the dish suitable for vegetarian or lower-fat preferences. |
Can You Use Brown Rice for Spanish Rice Recipe?
Yes. You can make spanish rice with brown rice, but expect a longer cooking time and extra broth. Watch it so you cook the rice pilaf through without it getting mushy.
What Can You Add to Spanish Rice for Extra Flavor?
Try bell pepper or onions and garlic for extra punch. Lime juice or a cilantro lime rice recipe can brighten it further. Chili powder or oregano helps, too. Stir in shredded beef or cheese for a more prosperous outcome.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Spanish Rice?
Bring it to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Check if the rice is tender and cook longer if needed, keeping the lid on so steam doesn’t escape.
What is the Best Restaurant-Style Spanish Rice Recipe?
Many people love a restaurant-style spanish rice recipe that’s richly colored and balanced. You might find it at plaza azteca, la tolteca, or mi ranchito, or even a chain like chuy’s. If you want a rice pilaf feel, add steps from a cilantro lime rice recipe to create those bright notes—making it taste like it came from a mexican restaurant.
How Does Restaurant-Style Spanish Rice Differ from Homemade?
Restaurants often use big batches of chicken stock or unique blends. They may toast the grains evenly in large pans or use tomato bouillon and tomato paste instead of tomato sauce or tomato paste for a deeper color. It pairs nicely with tacos or enchiladas at places like plaza azteca or la tolteca.
What Techniques Do Restaurants Use for Spanish Rice?
Some stir in cilantro at the end or add diced green onions, tomato paste for color—i love you in spanish as a nod to vibrant seasoning. Meanwhile, others fry grains with onion and tomato paste before adding broth. Local spots like lil bill or mi ranchito each have their subtle twist, which is part of the appeal.
Can You Recreate Chuy’s Spanish Rice at Home?
Yes! Use long grain rice, carefully measure the amount of broth, add a bit of pepper and cumin, and always toast the grains first. That yields a side dish for mexican meals that stands out. Serve it with tacos, enchiladas, or even a mexican main dish like Easy Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe: Delicious and Flavorful Tips or Chile Relleno Recipe: Authentic Mexican Chiles Rellenos. It might be so good you’ll say i love you in spanish to anyone who tries it.
Quote: “Rice goes with almost any meal, but when it’s Spanish rice, I find myself saying my love in spanish to each bite,” a friend once joked, and I understood the sentiment completely. It’s almost like saying i love you in spanish with every flavorful spoonful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Spanish Rice
❓ How to make Spanish rice?
To make Spanish rice, sauté onions and garlic in oil, add rice, then cook with tomato sauce, broth, and seasonings until fluffy and flavorful.
❓ How to cook Spanish rice?
Cook Spanish rice by toasting it in oil, then simmering it with broth, tomatoes, and spices. Let it absorb the liquid until tender and fluffy.
❓ How to say rice in Spanish?
The word for rice in Spanish is “arroz.” It is a staple ingredient in many Spanish and Latin American dishes.
❓ What does “rico” mean in Spanish?
“Rico” in Spanish means “delicious” when referring to food, or “rich” when talking about wealth or abundance.
❓ What is Spanish rice?
Spanish rice is a flavorful dish made by cooking rice with tomatoes, broth, garlic, and spices. It is commonly served as a side dish in Mexican and Spanish cuisine.
❓ How to make Spanish rice in a rice cooker?
To make Spanish rice in a rice cooker, add rinsed rice, tomato sauce, broth, and seasonings. Stir, close the lid, and cook on the normal rice setting.
❓ How to make Spanish yellow rice?
Spanish yellow rice gets its color from saffron or turmeric. Cook rice with broth, garlic, onions, and spices for a vibrant and aromatic dish.
❓ How to make Spanish rice and beans?
To make Spanish rice and beans, cook rice with broth, tomatoes, and spices, then stir in cooked beans like black beans or pinto beans for a hearty dish.
❓ Is Spanish rice healthy?
Spanish rice can be healthy depending on the ingredients. Using brown rice and reducing oil makes it a nutritious, fiber-rich side dish.
❓ Can you freeze Spanish rice?
Yes! Let the rice cool, store it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth for best texture.
© 2025 Spanish Rice
🔥 Quick Tip: 🍋 A light squeeze of lime juice over the finished rice can instantly perk up the overall taste, especially for spicier Mexican-style versions.
Conclusion
I’ve spent lots of time perfecting spanish rice and mexican rice, each with a unique appeal. Whether you aim to make the best spanish rice for a potluck or a quick side dish for tacos and enchiladas, these recipes fit any need. Sometimes, you’ll follow classic broth and pilaf steps, or you might include a cilantro lime rice recipe or add leftover cooked chicken for heartiness. No matter what, each version fills your kitchen with tempting aromas that make your family say i love you in spanish at first bite.
Garnishing and Pairing Your Spanish or Mexican Rice
- You could garnish with sliced green onions or cheese for a personal touch. Additionally, serve it with your favorite meals for a complete spread.
- Try crowd-pleasers like Tacos Al Pastor Recipe: A Flavorful Guide to Perfection or Churro Cheesecake Bars Recipe | Delicious Bar Recipe to Try.
- If you want a new spin, check out Fresas con Crema: Authentic Mexican Strawberries and Cream Dessert or Homemade Gorditas Recipe: Make Authentic Mexican Gorditas at Home.
- You’ll discover a world of side dish Spanish Rice Recipe that pair beautifully with Spanish or Mexican-style rice.
Keep an eye on places like plaza azteca, la tolteca, or even lil bill’s diner if you want to compare your dish to restaurant-level techniques. Each tweak to broth, onion, and rice can elevate the meal. I hope you try these methods and love this recipe—because it’s a beautiful way to express love in spanish right in your kitchen.
Consequently, following this mexican rice recipe is a perfect side dish for any mexican food meal, as it’s essentially a rice pilaf with extra flair; moreover, just cook it for another 3 minutes to achieve the ideal texture.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to make your spin on spanish rice or mexican rice by toasting grains and using flavorful broth
- Use long-grain varieties like long-grain white rice for the fluffiest results
- You can choose chicken broth or vegetable broth for the chicken if you want a lighter option
- For tangy brightness, follow a cilantro lime rice recipe or use salsa
- Pilaf is the basic style: toast grains, add broth, cover, and simmer
- Want restaurant flavor—like chuy’s, plaza azteca, or la tolteca—focus on seasoning and plenty of simmering time
- A pinch of cumin or pepper adds depth, whether aiming for mi ranchito flair or a homey feel
- Meanwhile, leftover rice transforms rapidly if you reheat it with extra liquid so it doesn’t dry out.
- With these tips, rice becomes a perfect side for any mexican dish or a way to say i love you in spanish in your cooking
- Enjoy the warm simplicity of a fine rice pilaf in every bite
I love this recipe for my favorite Mexican dinner: first, add the onion and cook it to bring out the tomato flavor, then add the rice and rice and cook with broth for the chicken broth, or substitute vegetable broth for a lighter feel. The rice also benefits from a gentle simmer. When you rice and let it rest, cook for another few minutes, and enjoy how the rice is cooked to perfection. See how each step ensures rice makes a hearty, comforting dish. ¡Buen provecho!
Spanish Rice Recipe Two Ways: Mexican & Spanish-Style
Ingredients
- Mexican-Style Rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder optional for extra spice
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Salt to taste
- Handful of chopped cilantro optional
- Spanish Spain–Style Rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pinch saffron threads soaked in 1 tablespoon warm water
- 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable
- 1 small tomato finely diced or 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Mexican-Style Rice
- Sauté Vegetables: Warm oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper; cook until softened and aromatic.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice (uncooked), ensuring each grain is coated with oil. This step creates a delightful rice pilaf texture.
- Season: Add cumin, chili powder (if desired), pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to distribute flavors evenly.
- Combine Liquids: Mix tomato paste with the chicken broth, then add the rice and liquid together. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer & Cook: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the rice cook for about 18–20 minutes. Check occasionally, adding a bit more broth if needed.
- Fluff & Serve: Once the rice is tender, remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Top with chopped cilantro for extra brightness.
- Spanish (Spain)–Style Rice
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Toast the Grains: Stir in the uncooked rice. Let it toast slightly, ensuring it picks up the olive oil’s flavor.
- Infuse with Saffron: Pour in the soaked saffron threads (including the water) along with the tomato or sauce. If using sweet paprika, add it here for extra color.
- Add the Stock: Stir in chicken stock (or vegetable broth). Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook Through: Lower the heat, cover, and let the rice simmer for about 18–20 minutes until grains absorb the liquid.
- Garnish: Turn off the heat. Fluff gently with a fork, and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Video
Notes
Tips, Variations, & Advice
- Swap the Broth: For a lighter dish, substitute vegetable broth instead of chicken.
- Add the Onion and Cook: Ensure you thoroughly sauté onion or garlic before adding rice for better depth of flavor.
- Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to the Mexican version.
- Seafood Twist: For the Spanish rice, toss in shrimp or mussels for a paella-inspired vibe.
- Leftover Rice? Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out. This leftover rice transforms easily into fried rice or a quick lunch side.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chef Marcy is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
