Homemade Spanish Rice
Spanish/ Mexican Rice Recipe – A staple side dish filled with color and flavor.
Dress up your dinner table with this easy and appetizing tomato-based dish! Light easy and flavorful, it pairs perfectly with any type of protein.
Spanish rice, also known as Mexican rice or arroz rojo, is a mandatory garnish to your favorite Mexican entrees, like tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. It also pairs well with chicken, beef, or fish.
I love making quick, easy, and flavorful recipes. This homemade Spanish rice recipe delivers color and bold flavors in a dash.
Ingredients:
2 cups uncooked Basmati rice (rinsed)
1/8 cup of standard vegetable oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
8 ounces of tomato sauce
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
A dash of cumin (1/8 of a teaspoon)
A dash of garlic pepper
6 Cilantro stems (optional)
4 cups of water
1 cube chicken flavored bouillon (you can use instead 4 cups of chicken broth – but no water and no bouillon cube)
How to make Spanish/ Mexican rice
First, you need to rinse the rice. Place your rice in a fine mesh strainer, cover the grains with cool water, use your hand rinse gently. Repeat this until the water turns clear. (probably about 3 to 4 rinses)
Next, put your vegetable oil in a medium pan set over medium heat. Brown the rice in the oil.
Add the minced garlic to your pan and cook for a minute.
Then, add your tomato sauce, chicken broth (or chicken flavored bouillon cubes and water) and spices.
Turn down your heat to low, cover your pan and let your rice simmer for 30-40 minutes.
Fluff up the cooked rice with a fork before serving. Enjoy!
Vibrant color, fragrant aroma, and exceptional flavor! Transport your taste buds overseas with this quick and simple recipe.
Homemade Spanish Rice – THE perfect side dish to master!
Loaded with color and flavor, this homemade Spanish rice recipe is a dang delicious side dish to various Mexican inspired dishes thanks to the perfect combination of chicken broth, tomato sauce, and a few seasonings.
You can never go wrong with this easy one pot Spanish rice. It’s made with fresh ingredients, available in every house, it’s the perfect side for many Mexican dishes. What’s more? The rice leftovers can be stored, frozen, or repurposed in many other recipes.
Tips, tricks, and variations:
What rice should I use?
Basmati rice works best for this Spanish Rice recipe, but you can definitely use long grain white rice, or brown rice (Add 1/3 more water per cup for brown rice and let simmer longer)
Can I substitute tomato sauce with salsa? Sure thing! If you prefer your rice to have a little more spice and flavor, then go for it. You can also swap your canned tomato sauce for some freshly diced tomatoes.
Which toppings are best for this recipe?
Toppings are all about preference! Make sure to add what you love most. Chopped cilantro, green onions, and chopped peppers are considered great toppings for this dish.
What’s the best broth to use in this recipe?
Adding broth to your rice can have a huge impact on your recipe. It gives your rice so much more flavor. I prefer to use chicken broth with this recipe, but you can always swap it for vegetable broth or beef broth.
Can I add other components to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add, remove, or substitute ingredients based on your preference. You can other herbs and seasonings to your liking. For a slightly different version of this dish, I sometimes add some Jalapeno chili peppers for extra heat and depth of flavor.
What can I do with any rice leftovers?
Of course! You can repurpose this homemade Spanish rice for other recipes, such as, burritos or burrito bowls, or stuffed peppers. You can also scramble some eggs on it, throw in some shredded cheese and enjoy it for breakfast.
How can I store this recipe?
Make sure to properly store your rice your leftovers in an airtight container. It remains good for 4-5 days in the fridge. To reheat your dish, just warm it in the microwave or reheat on the stove for a few minutes.
Can I freeze any rice leftovers?
Big yes! Your rice leftovers can be frozen to be used when needed. It can last in the freezer for up to 4-5 months.
What can I serve with this Homemade Spanish Rice recipe?
Pair this easy, light, and fluffy rice recipe with your favorite Mexican dishes. I personally love to serve this recipe with some beef enchiladas, chicken enchiladas, Quesadillas, beef Empanadas, steak fajitas, and finally with different types of tacos.
Homemade Spanish Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked Basmati rice rinsed
- 1/8 cup of standard vegetable oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- A dash of cumin 1/8 of a teaspoon
- A dash of garlic pepper
- 6 Cilantro stems optional
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cube chicken flavored bouillon you can use instead 4 cups of chicken broth – but no water and no bouillon cube
Instructions
- First, you need to rinse the rice. Place your rice in a fine mesh strainer, cover the grains with cool water, use your hand rinse gently. Repeat this until the water turns clear. (probably about 3 to 4 rinses)
- Next, put your vegetable oil in a medium pan set over medium heat. Brown the rice in the oil.
- Add the minced garlic to your pan and cook for a minute.
- Then, add your tomato sauce, chicken broth (or chicken flavored bouillon cubes and water) and spices.
- Turn down your heat to low, cover your pan and let your rice simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Fluff up the cooked rice with a fork before serving. Enjoy!
