Get ready to transform your weeknights with a truly delicious and easy Spanish rice recipe! This classic side dish is also known as Mexican rice or Arroz Rojo. Explore the historical and culinary distinctions between Spanish and Mexican rice to better understand this beloved dish. It brings vibrant flavors and beautiful color to any meal. You’ll love making this homemade version that tastes just like your favorite restaurant’s. It’s the perfect, comforting accompaniment to so many wonderful dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Spanish Rice Recipe
This incredible spanish rice will quickly become a cherished recipe in your kitchen for many reasons:
- Authentic, restaurant-style flavor: Enjoy the rich, savory taste you crave without leaving home.
- Incredibly easy to prepare: Simple steps make this a perfect recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
- Quick weeknight dinner side: It comes together efficiently, ideal for busy evenings.
- Made with simple pantry staples: You likely have most of these ingredients on hand already.
- Perfectly fluffy, never sticky: Follow our tips for a perfectly textured batch every time.
- Versatile for many meals: This flavorful side complements a wide array of main dishes.
Ingredients
To create this delightful restaurant-style spanish rice, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in developing its signature taste and vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 cube chicken-flavored bouillon
- 4 cups water (or 4 cups low sodium chicken broth – and no bouillon)
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Dash garlic pepper
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with a few ingredients. For the liquid, use either a bouillon cube dissolved in water for a robust chicken flavor, or opt for low-sodium chicken broth if preferred. Long-grain white rice is best for its fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors, but other white rice types can work. If you don’t have vegetable oil, canola or olive oil are good alternatives. For a different twist on the tomato flavor, use a mild salsa instead of tomato sauce. You can substitute garlic powder for minced garlic if needed, and consider adding finely diced white or yellow onion for extra depth.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You will need:
- A large frying pan with a tight-fitting lid
- A microwave-safe container
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A sturdy stirring spoon or spatula
Instructions
Creating this flavorful spanish rice is a straightforward process. Follow these step-by-step directions to achieve perfect, fluffy results every time. Remember, patience is key to letting the rice cook through beautifully.
- Heat the Oil: Place your large frying pan over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it warm up.
- Brown the Rice: Add the 2 cups of long-grain white rice to the heated oil. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes, allowing the rice to toast and turn a lovely golden brown color. Learn more about how toasting rice before cooking can dramatically improve both flavor and texture. This browning step adds a wonderful nutty depth of flavor to your spanish rice.
- Prepare Bouillon Mixture: While the rice browns, combine the chicken bouillon cube and 4 cups of water in a microwave-safe container. Microwave for 3 minutes, or until the bouillon cube fully dissolves into the hot water, creating a flavorful broth. If using chicken broth, simply measure out 4 cups.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Seasonings: Once the rice is golden brown, carefully pour in the hot bouillon mixture (or chicken broth) into the pan. Immediately follow with the 8-ounce can of tomato sauce. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and a dash of garlic pepper.
- Simmer and Cover: Give everything a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Place the lid tightly on the pan.
- Cook Until Absorbed: Allow the spanish rice to cook undisturbed for 30-40 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as the steam is crucial for cooking the rice evenly. The rice is done when all the liquid has been absorbed and the grains are tender.
- Fluff and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the steam to redistribute and the rice to firm up. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Spanish Rice
Achieving perfect restaurant-quality spanish rice is simple with a few smart techniques. These tips ensure your rice is always flavorful and wonderfully fluffy.
- Brown Rice Evenly: Take your time to brown the rice thoroughly and evenly. This crucial step develops a deep, nutty flavor that makes all the difference.
- Use a Tight-Fitting Lid: A tight lid traps steam effectively, ensuring your rice cooks uniformly and perfectly.
- Avoid Lifting the Lid: Resist the urge to peek during simmering. Each time you lift the lid, steam escapes, extending cooking time and potentially drying out the rice.
- Don’t Over-Stir: Once the liquid is added, stir just once to combine. Excessive stirring releases starch, leading to sticky rice.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the rice after it’s cooked and adjust salt or other seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
- Achieve Perfect Texture: Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes off the heat, still covered, after cooking. This allows the grains to steam further and become wonderfully fluffy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned cooks can make small errors that impact their spanish rice. Watch out for these common pitfalls:
- Not Browning Rice Enough: Insufficient browning means you miss out on a key layer of flavor.
- Using Wrong Rice Type: Short-grain rice can become gummy; stick to long-grain for the best texture.
- Adding Too Much/Too Little Liquid: This leads to soggy or undercooked rice. Follow the recipe liquid amounts precisely.
- Stirring Too Frequently: As mentioned, over-stirring releases starch and can make your rice sticky.
- Rushing the Simmering Process: Proper simmering time is essential for the rice to absorb all the liquid and become tender.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
This versatile spanish rice recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly adaptable. Enjoy it fresh, prepare it for later, or customize it with your favorite additions.
What to Serve with Spanish Rice
This flavorful rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. It’s the ultimate side dish for:
- Chicken Enchiladas
- Steak Fajitas
- Beef Empanadas
- Tacos (Chicken, Beef, Fish, or Veggie options)
- Burrito Bowls
Storage & Freezing
Spanish rice is excellent for meal prep. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth, or microwave until heated through. For longer storage, freeze cooked rice in individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen using the microwave.
Variations
Get creative with your spanish rice!
- Add Vegetables: Stir in diced bell peppers or onions with the rice during the browning step. You can also add corn or peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Make it Spicy: For a kick, add finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other seasonings.
- Brown Rice Option: You can use brown rice, but be aware it will require more liquid (around 5-6 cups) and a longer cooking time (closer to 45-50 minutes).
- Cheesy Rice: Stir in a handful of shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese just before serving for a creamy addition.
Nutrition Information
Understanding the nutritional value of your meals helps you make informed choices. This spanish rice offers a balanced profile for a delicious side dish.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 13 g |
| Protein Content | 1 g |
| Fat Content | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 1 g |
| Sodium Content | 447 mg |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 1 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used and is for informational purposes only. Actual values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find quick answers to common questions about preparing this delightful spanish rice.
- What is the difference between Spanish Rice and Mexican Rice? Historically, “Spanish rice” can refer to a wider range of rice dishes from Spain, often saffron-infused and yellow. However, in North America, “Spanish rice” and “Mexican rice” are terms often used interchangeably to describe the red, tomato-based rice side dish. Both typically feature similar ingredients like rice, tomato, onion, and garlic.
- How much uncooked rice per person? A general guideline is about ½ cup of uncooked rice per person. Our recipe uses 2 cups of uncooked rice, yielding approximately 6-8 servings, making it perfect for families or meal prepping.
- Can I use brown rice? Yes, you can use brown rice for a healthier, whole-grain option. Be sure to adjust the liquid amount (usually more) and increase the cooking time significantly, often by 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender.
- Why is my Spanish rice sticky? Sticky rice usually results from over-stirring, which releases too much starch, or using too much liquid during cooking. Ensure you only stir once after adding liquids and use a tight-fitting lid to trap steam for even cooking.
- Can I add vegetables to Spanish rice? Absolutely! Popular additions include diced carrots, corn, or peas. Add firmer vegetables like carrots with the rice for browning, and softer ones like corn or peas during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to create the ultimate restaurant-quality spanish rice right in your own kitchen! This recipe is proof that incredible flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can confidently prepare a side dish that’s rich, fluffy, and utterly delicious. We encourage you to try this recipe tonight; it’s sure to become a beloved family favorite. Share your creations and comments with us!
The Best Restaurant-Style Spanish Rice Recipe
Kitchen Equipment
- Large frying pan
- Microwave-safe container
Recipe Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 cube chicken-flavored bouillon
- 4 cups water or 4 cups lower sodium chicken broth (omit bouillon)
- 1 can tomato sauce 8-ounce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- dash garlic pepper
- chopped fresh cilantro optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add rice to the hot oil and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown, which takes about 5 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe container, combine bouillon and water, then microwave for 3 minutes to heat.
- Once the rice is browned, pour in the hot bouillon mixture, tomato sauce, salt, garlic, cumin, and garlic pepper into the pan.
- Stir everything, cover the pan, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked. Fluff the rice before serving and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
