Easy Spanish Rice

Easy Spanish Rice recipe is simple to make, positively delicious and it’s ready in about 25 min. Like it came straight from the restaurant!

My family loves Spanish rice so we make it with just about everything. Growing up I remember my aunt making the Mexican version of this recipe a whole lot – so it sort of became a staple in my life.

What’s great about this recipe is that not only is it easy – but you can change it up easily to make either the Spanish version or the Mexican version depending on the spices you have on hand at the time. Check it out – I know you’ll love it.

This rice recipe really is the perfect side to so many recipes. No wonder my aunt made it so often. I think the recipe was passed down from her Abuela and I’m sure she got it from hers.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on the old recipe card many years ago and we have made it so many times. Several years ago we started changing it up – making the Spanish version instead of the Mexican version. Both are so delicious – I highly recommend trying both and picking your favorite!

Spanish rice

Here are some commonly asked questions

What’s the difference between Spanish Rice and Mexican Rice

While I have seen some out there actually proclaim that there is no difference at all – they are wrong. While the two versions are quite similar, the difference is the seasonings and how they give the recipe color. Both versions contain rice, tomatoes or tomato sauce and onions. Both are cooked in broth too.

But Mexican rice uses cumin – not surprisingly since it is a common seasoning in a lot of Mexican dishes. But if you want to make the Spanish version you remove that cumin and use saffron instead.

Many people get intimidated when they see the saffron in the jar. It’s red – looks like threads and how the heck do you measure it? No worries – it’s easy.

Just pinch off a small portion of the threads and soak them in a small bowl of hot water when you get started cooking. Then just strain them out of the water when it is time to add them to the recipe. Nothing complicated and the flavor – WOW!!

One more thing to note – Mexican rice is a bit softer in texture – Spanish rice tends to be on the firmer side. I typically do a hybrid since my family loves the flavors of Spanish rice but the texture of Mexican rice more.

Variations

• use salsa instead of bell peppers or add it in addition to the peppers for additional flavor
• top with green onions, cilantro, minced onions, or more salsa
• add some heat and include a diced jalapeno
• mix in some pinto beans or black beans to make it a main dish
• shredded chicken or beef is a great addition
• this can be made using cauliflower rice too
• top with shredded cheese
• add diced avocados
• black olives are great mixed in
• try a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving

spanish rice recipe

How much rice per person?

Because rice expands as it cooks – a little goes a long way. If you want each person to have about 3/4 cup to 1 cup of cooked rice, then you would prepare 1/4 cup of uncooked rice per person.

How to reheat Spanish rice

Reheating this rice is easy. You should already be storing it in an airtight container. So just pop that lid, add a splash of water and loosely place the lid back on. Reheat in the microwave for a couple of minutes, until hot. It should keep well for up to 4-5 days.

homemade spanish rice

Can I use another type of rice?

Sure – other types of rice can be used. Just keep in mind that the white rice is fluffier in texture and doesn’t get sticky like the shorter grain versions.

You can also use brown rice – but you will need to add an additional 1/3 cup water and cook it for longer – until it reaches the desired texture.

Can Spanish rice be frozen?

Yes, actually. You can freeze this rice. Place the rice in a zip top freezer bag and push all the air out. Label with the date and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator the night before you are ready to use again and then follow the reheating instructions above.

Ingredients for Spanish Rice

• canola or vegetable oil
• yellow onion 
• red bell pepper
• garlic cloves
• long-grain rice
• chicken or vegetable broth
• tomato sauce
• chili powder
• dried oregano
• saffron for Spanish rice
• ground cumin for Mexican rice
• salt and pepper to taste

Serving

• green onions finely chopped
• cilantro

How to make Spanish Rice

1. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and red pepper and cook until slightly soft, 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and continue cooking 1-2 minutes or until garlic is fragrant and vegetables are soft.
4. Add the rice and cook until golden brown, stirring frequently for about 6-8 minutes.
5. Stir in the broth, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
6. Bring to boil over high heat, reduce to low heat, cover with a lid and cook until all liquid is absorbed, about 8-10 minutes, stirring often.
7. Remove from the heat, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
8. Season with salt and pepper and serve with green onions or cilantro if desired.
9. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

What to serve with Spanish rice

The sky is the limit when it comes to this rice recipe. We like to serve it as a side most of the time. But it is also great as a rice bowl – with the meat and veggies added on top. But here are some of the recipes we make most frequently with this rice.

• Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
• Sweet Pork Barbacoa
• Southwest Chicken Casserole
• Crockpot Chicken Tacos
• Elote Dip
• Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Easy Mexican Rice

• skillet
• canola or vegetable oil
• long-grain rice
• chicken or vegetable broth
• tomato sauce
• chili powder
• dried oregano
• saffron – Spanish rice
• ground cumin – Mexican rice
• salt and pepper to taste

Mexican Rice Recipe

If you love this Easy Spanish Rice recipe, you’re going to love these other recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

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