Published Mar 19, 2022 Updated Aug 19, 2024
Spanish Rice Recipe
Spanish rice, also known as Mexican rice, is a quick and easy side dish recipe made with white rice, minced garlic, chopped onion, tomato (or tomato sauce) and a handful of spices. Simply make the rice with other ingredients in one pot and you will get the most flavorful and authentic meal in less than 30 minutes. It is quick, easy and sinfully delicious. Spanish rice is delightful to enjoy with beef, chicken fajita, or fish as a side dish and it also makes a mouthwatering filling for homemade tacos or burritos. If you are a fan of Mexican rice, this is a must-try.
Why This Recipe Works
This one-pot recipe will save you a lot of time on preparing and cleaning. Throw everything in a pot and make a quick dinner in less than 30 minutes. It is the perfect recipe for busy moms and anyone who loves easy and quick recipes.
The ingredients of this recipe are easy to be found from your local grocery stores and substitutions are available.
It is freezer-friendly and good for big portions.
Spanish Rice Ingredients
To make this easy recipe, you will need the following main ingredients:
White rice Butter Onion Garlic Boiling water Chicken bouillon powder (you can also use readymade chicken broth or chicken stock) Sugar Salt Ground white pepper Fresh tomatoes (if you don’t have fresh tomatoes, you can also use canned diced tomatoes) Bay leaves
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
How To Make Spanish Rice
First, melt the butter in a saucepan and toss onion, garlic and rice until brown. Then, add the rest ingredients to the pot. Reduce the heat and simmer the rice for 20 minutes with the lid covered. The meal is ready once the rice is tender, fluffy and soft. Remove bay leaves and give the rice a light stir. Serve immediately.
Cooking Tips
For the best result, please follow my tips below:
Cooking Spanish rice with tomato sauce or tomato paste is also a good substitute for fresh tomatoes. If using tomato sauce instead of fresh tomatoes, add one can of tomato sauce (about 8 oz) to the rice. If using the tomato paste, you will only need 1 to 2 tablespoons.
Follow the instruction on the pack of the rice you are using. This recipe is made with short-grain white rice, so it is cooked with two cups of boiling water (or chicken broth). If using long grain rice, you may cook two cups of rice with four cups of boiling water.
What To Serve With Spanish Rice
Serve Spanish Rice with chicken, fish or shrimp. For a wholesome Mexican-style meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
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