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This easy Spanish Rice Recipe — also known as Mexican rice — is a flavorful, vibrant side dish made with sautéed onions, long-grain rice, Mexican spices, and fresh tomato sauce. This is the best Spanish rice recipe and is so easy to make!
This is our go-to Spanish rice recipe anytime we need a Mexican side dish. It pairs with so many Mexican dishes and has layers of flavor. The rice is toasted along with sauteed onions and then cooked in rich chicken broth, tomato sauce, and Mexican spices so the rice is infused with authentic Mexican flavor. This captures the essence of Mexican comfort food!
The best part of this Spanish rice recipe is that it is quick and easy to whip up and is perfect to make ahead of time and makes delicious leftovers.
If you love Mexican rice, you can also check out my Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe which is so vibrant and fresh.
Mexican Rice Ingredients:
This Authentic Spanish Rice Recipe is super easy to whip up and uses ingredients you may already have in your pantry. Are you wondering what type of rice to use? What spices to add? Here’s what you need to make perfect Mexican rice:
- Long-Grain Rice: Use a long-grain rice or jasmine rice. See the reasons below…
- Butter and Oil: I like to use a combination of both — butter for flavor.
- Onion: Use a white or yellow onion. White onions are sharper and yellow onions are sweeter.
- Chicken Broth: Adds rich, savory flavor to the rice as it cooks. Gives depth that water alone can’t provide. You may also use chicken bouillon mixed with water to get 4 cups.
- Tomato Sauce: This gives Spanish rice its signature red-orange color and tangy-sweet flavor. Use plain tomato sauce with nothing added to it (not pasta sauce).
- Mexican Spices — Cumin and Chili Powder
- Garlic or Garlic Powder — Use fresh garlic or garlic powder, depending on preference and availability.
- Salt: Add more salt, to taste, as needed. Rice soaks up the salt!
Why should I use long-grain rice?
It has a fluffy texture and grains stay separated when cooked. Also, it doesn’t get overly sticky or mushy which is important for the light, fluffy texture of Mexican rice.
Even though it isn’t traditional, you can also use jasmine rice (but it may have a tendency to stick together).
How to make Easy Spanish Rice:
How to make fluffy, flavorful, and the perfect textured rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water and drain until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent clumping. It usually takes about 5-6 times to get it completely clear. This is an important step!
- In a skillet or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- If using fresh garlic, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the rinsed and drained rice. Stir to coat with the oil and lightly toast for 2–3 minutes. The rice should smell nutty.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and spices. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, stir, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let it rest with the lid on for 5–10 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and serve! Taste for seasonings and add more salt, cumin, or chili powder, if needed. Top with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Why should I saute the onion first? Sautéing the onion before adding rice adds depth and sweetness. Cooking it in oil and butter until softened allows the natural sugars to develop and infuse the oil, which coats the rice and helps it toast evenly. It also softens the onion, so you don’t end up with raw bits in the final dish.
Substitutions and Variations:
To make it vegetarian, use vegetable stock or water instead of chicken broth.
To make it spicier, add diced jalapenos in with the onions and saute until softened.
To make it fresher, add finely diced fresh tomatoes in at the end and top with fresh cilantro.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — just keep the rice-to-liquid ratio, cooking time consistent, and make sure you are using a large enough skillet or pot.
My rice came out mushy. What happened?
Most likely there was too much liquid, not rinsing the rice, or over-stirring the rice as it is cooking.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! This easy Mexican rice reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
What to serve with Spanish Rice:
- Tacos (Shredded Beef Tacos or Chipotle Chicken Tacos or Ground Beef Tacos)
- Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken or Tri-Tip Steak Marinade
- Easy Chicken Enchiladas
- Chicken Fajitas
- Barbacoa Beef
If you love Beef, rice, and cheese all together, you will love my Taco Beef and Rice Skillet Recipe.
Popular Side Dish Recipes:
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Spanish Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 Onion (finely diced)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 cups Long-Grain Rice (rinsed and drained)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (or water)
- 8 ounces Tomato Sauce (plain, no seasonings)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- Cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water and drain until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent clumping. It usually takes about 5-6 times to get it completely clear. This is an important step!
- In a skillet or saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- If using fresh garlic, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the rinsed and drained rice. Stir to coat with the oil and lightly toast for 2–3 minutes. The rice should smell nutty.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, and spices. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, stir, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes.Turn off the heat and let it rest with the lid on for 5–10 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and serve! Top with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
