Here’s my go-to Spanish Rice recipe that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. It's not just delicious—it also adds a vibrant splash of color to your plate! With its fluffy texture and rich and aromatic flavors, this rice is a fantastic match for everything from chicken to fish and veggies.
What You’ll Find On This Page
This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for both hectic weeknights and special occasions. Plus, it's incredibly versatile—try it in burritos, as a side with chicken fajitas, or enjoy it by itself for a true taste of Mexican cuisine.
Let me show you how to make this restaurant-quality Spanish Rice right in your own kitchen!
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- Aguas Fresca
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need for a tasty Spanish Rice. It's all straightforward stuff, easy to find at your local grocery store:
- Long Grain Rice: Basmati is my top pick because it not only smells great but also maintains a light, fluffy texture that’s perfect for Spanish Rice. However, any long grain rice will keep those grains distinct and separate, which is exactly what you want for this dish.
- Onion and Garlic: These staples build the foundation of flavor, adding a rich depth that’s essential to the dish.
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add a lively, zesty flavor, ideal for a lighter dish. If you’re in a pinch or want a bit more convenience, canned tomatoes work wonderfully too.
- Spices (Annatto, Cumin, Turmeric Powder): Annatto powder adds a light peppery taste and a nice golden color. Cumin offers a hint of smokiness, and turmeric brings a bright yellow color and a mild earthy flavor. Together, these spices create the rich, traditional Mexican flavors that make this dish stand out.
- Serrano Pepper: Stir in some sliced serrano pepper toward the end of cooking. It adds a fresh, spicy kick that enhances the flavors. For less heat, remove the seeds or use a smaller amount. You can also replace it with jalapeño for a milder option.
How to Make Spanish (Mexican) Rice at Home?
Let's make this simple Spanish Rice together! We'll start by preparing the seasoning paste, then we'll sauté the rice, and finally cook it with the seasoning until it's perfectly fluffy. I've included step-by-step photos and a video to guide you through each stage of the process. Ready? Let’s go!
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Spanish Rice (Mexican Rice)
Enjoy this simple and delicious Spanish Rice, a classic Mexican side that combines long grain rice with rich tomato seasoning. It's perfect alongside chicken, steak, or fish, making it a favorite choice for a flavorful lunch or dinner.
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Ingredients
For Seasoning Paste
- 1 Onion, small
- 3 Garlic
- 1 Tomato, chopped
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Annatto Powder
- ½ tsp Cumin Seeds
- ½ cup Water
For Spanish Rice
- 1 cup Rice
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 1½ cups Water
- 2 Serrano Pepper, slited, reduce or remove seeds for less heat or use jalapeño instead
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Seasoning Paste
- Start by combining the onion, garlic, tomato, annatto, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, and the measured water into a blender.
- Secure the lid and blend on high speed. You're aiming for a completely smooth puree, so make sure there are no chunks or gritty bits remaining. Once smooth, remove the puree from the blender and set it aside for later use.
Making Mexican Rice (Spanish Rice)
- Begin by heating oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the rice, stirring continuously. This important step unlocks a nutty flavor and helps prevent the grains from becoming mushy later. Continue until the rice becomes aromatic and turns a pale, golden yellow.
- Add your previously prepared tomato seasoning mix into the pan. Stir well to coat the rice evenly, allowing the flavors to start combining together.
- Pour in the water and add a pinch of salt. Getting the right amount of water is key—too much will make the rice soggy, and too little means it won’t cook properly. Stir everything well to distribute the seasonings evenly for the best flavor.
- Let the rice cook uncovered so it can start absorbing the flavored water. Cook until it’s about 70% done—most of the water should be absorbed, but the rice should still be slightly firm in the center when you break a grain.
- Stir in chopped or slit serrano peppers. They add a nice heat that won’t overpower the dish but brings a nice depth of flavor. For a milder taste, feel free to reduce the amount or leave them out.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the rice gently simmer. The steam trapped inside will help the rice cook evenly and soak up all the flavors. Allow it to cook for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Once the rice is fully cooked, gently fluff it with a fork and remove the pan from heat. This helps separate the grains and prevents them from sticking together. Your delicious Spanish Rice is now ready to enjoy!
Serving
- Enjoy this delicious Mexican Rice with your favorite side dish for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Check out our Serving Suggestions section below for more pairing ideas!
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are some helpful tips to make perfect Spanish Rice right at home:
Cooking Tips:
- Rice Selection: For the best texture, I recommend using long-grain rice like Basmati or similar varieties. These types cook up fluffy and don’t get sticky, so each grain stays separate and really absorbs all the delicious flavors. Some short-grain rice can tend to clump, but varieties like sona masuri (available at Indian stores) work well—just look for aged rice for the best results.
- Rinse the Rice: Give the rice a good rinse a few times until the water runs clear. This helps wash away extra starch that can cause clumping, making your Spanish Rice light and fluffy.
- Rice-to-Liquid Ratio: If you’re using different types of rice, like basmati or sona masuri, adjust the rice-to-liquid ratio as needed. For aged rice, a 1:1.5 ratio (1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water or broth) generally works well. You can also refer to the packaging for specific guidance.
- Extra Flavor: For a flavor boost, try swapping water with chicken broth. It adds a rich, savory depth that makes a big difference. If you’re keeping it vegan, vegetable broth works great too, adding that same layer of flavor.
- Spice Level: Serrano peppers add a fresh, bright heat to the dish. You can adjust the spice by using more or fewer peppers or removing the seeds for a milder flavor. If you prefer a gentler option, try just a bit of serrano or substitute with jalapeño for a softer kick.
- Avoid Stirring Once Covered: After you cover the rice to simmer, avoid stirring it until the end. Stirring during cooking can break up the grains and make the rice mushy. Let it cook undisturbed for the fluffiest results.
- Cooked Rice Texture: If you prefer a softer texture, let the rice sit covered for an extra 5 minutes off the heat. This allows any remaining steam to soften the rice further without overcooking.
- Resting Time: Once the rice is done, let it rest for a few minutes with the lid on. This helps the grains absorb any leftover steam, making them extra fluffy, and it lets the flavors settle in.
- Vegan-Friendly & Customizable: This recipe is naturally vegan, making it super versatile! Feel free to make it your own by adding tofu, tempeh, or extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. It’s an easy way to turn Spanish Rice into a complete meal or adapt it to suit different dietary needs.
- Using Leftovers: Got leftover Spanish Rice? You can turn it into something tasty! Try stuffing it into peppers, mixing it into omelets, or tossing it into a cold rice salad—to add flavor and texture to other dishes.
Spanish Rice Variations:
- Alternative Grains: Want to switch it up? Try brown rice, quinoa, or couscous for a new texture and added nutrition. Just remember that brown rice and quinoa might need a bit longer to cook.
- With Chicken: Stir in some roasted or shredded chicken breast for a heartier meal. It adds protein and makes it a filling, complete dish. Add it during the resting time to let the flavors blend nicely.
- Beans Addition: Adding black or pinto beans is a great way to boost protein and fiber. Stir them in near the end of cooking, or use them as a topping. It gives that classic, hearty feel you get from restaurant-style Spanish Rice.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 390mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 576IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 2mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
Spanish Rice is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes to make every meal complete and delicious. Here are some of my favorite suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Grilled Chicken or Steak: The smoky flavors of grilled meats beautifully complement the rich spices in Spanish Rice.
- Shrimp Dishes: Try some lightly seasoned and grilled or sautéed shrimp. It’s a lighter option that’s still packed with flavor and goes perfectly with the rice.
- Vegetarian Fajitas: For a veggie option, wrap Spanish Rice with grilled veggies in soft tortillas. It's a colorful and tasty twist.
- Tacos or Burritos: Spoon the rice into tacos, like chicken or fish tacos or burritos for a hearty filling that adds a nice depth and texture to these popular Mexican favorites.
- Enchiladas: Serve Spanish Rice on the side with enchiladas. It's a great way to let all the flavors mingle together for a truly authentic experience.
- Beans: Combine the rice with black or pinto beans for a straightforward, protein-rich meal that’s satisfying and nutritious.
- Guacamole and Salsa: Add a side of guacamole and salsa for creamy and tangy flavors that really enhance the taste of the rice.
- Rice Salad: Cool the rice and mix it with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and a lime vinaigrette for a refreshing rice salad that can be served cold.
- Rice Bowls: Top Spanish Rice with a choice of protein like grilled chicken, beef, or baked tofu, along with a mix of fresh vegetables and a drizzle of spicy mayo or salsa verde for a customizable rice bowl.
Storage Suggestions
Enjoying Spanish Rice fresh is ideal, but it’s also well-suited for storing, both in the refrigerator and freezer, ensuring you can savor it later. Here's how to do it:
- Refrigeration: Got leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container and store in the fridge. This way, your Spanish Rice will stay fresh and flavorful for about 3 to 5 days
- Freezing for Extended Storage: If you need to store it longer, Spanish Rice freezes well. Cool the rice completely and then transfer it to freezer-friendly bags. This helps save space and makes it easy to grab just the right amount. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 to 4 months in the freezer.
- Thawing and Reheating: When you're ready to eat your frozen Spanish Rice, thaw it in the fridge first. To reheat, warm it up in a pan or microwave, adding a bit of water or broth to bring back the moisture and keep it from drying out.
Spanish Rice in Rice Cooker
Spanish Rice can be cooked in various ways to suit individual tastes. Here's a reliable method for cooking it in a rice cooker that delivers perfect results every time:
- Washing and Rinsing: Start by thoroughly washing the long-grain rice. This step is important as it removes excess starch, which can cause the rice to become sticky and clump together. A good rinse helps each grain cook more evenly and stay intact.
- Roasting in Oil: Before cooking, lightly sauté the rice in a bit of oil. This not only infuses the grains with a rich, nutty flavor but also helps to lock in moisture, improving the texture after cooking.
- Combining Ingredients: In the rice cooker, add the sautéed rice along with your seasoning paste and a pinch of salt, just as you would when cooking on the stovetop. Next, add the correct amount of water. This combination of seasonings and precise water measurement is key to achieving the rich, full flavor and perfect texture of traditional Spanish Rice.
- Cooking Settings: Use the 'white rice' setting on your rice cooker if it's available. This setting is designed to cook at the best temperature and duration for standard rice dishes, making it a good choice for Spanish Rice.
- Letting it Rest: After the cooking cycle finishes, let the rice stay in the cooker for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to blend and the rice to soak up any leftover steam, improving both the texture and taste.
- Fluffing and Serving: Open the rice cooker, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains, and it’s ready to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs or a splash of lime juice to enhance the dish with a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Spanish Rice in Instant Pot
Making Spanish Rice in an Instant Pot simplifies the process even more than using a rice cooker. You can prepare everything in one pot in less than 15 minutes. Here’s how to do it:
- Saute the Rice: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Roast the rice in oil until it becomes fragrant, which adds a nice nutty flavor to the rice.
- Spice Mix: Just like when cooking on the stovetop in the recipe above, add your seasoning blend to the sautéed rice and stir briefly to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Secure the Lid: After sautéing, add salt and water to rice and mix well. Now turn off the Instant Pot, then close and seal the lid to prepare for pressure cooking.
- Cook the Rice: Switch the device to pressure cook mode. Set it to cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. This quick cooking time is ideal for preserving the rice's texture.
- Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is up and the Instant Pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally and wait for the float valve to go down. This slow release helps the rice to fluff up evenly.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the lid, gently fluff the rice with a fork, and serve it hot. Enjoy your flavorful and perfectly cooked Spanish Rice right out of the Instant Pot.
Cynthia Thomas says
Step 1 for the seasoning paste including the addition of water. Step 3 of the rice instructions calls for the addition of water. The ingredients list has water listed once. Are there 2 additions of water? Please clarify.
Sangeetha Vel says
Hi Cynthia,
Thanks for checking and pointing this out. Yes, we need to add ½ cup for seasoning paste and 1½ cup to cook the rice. I will update the ingredients section accordingly. The video has it mentioned though.