Spanish Rice

While I love the convenience of prepackaged Spanish rice mix, sometimes the flavor can be a bit underwhelming. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Spanish rice without reaching for a box at the grocery store, this recipe is for you. The genius shortcut in this Spanish rice recipe is that is uses instant rice, which means it cooks in about the same amount of time as the boxed variety.

A flavorful combination of tomatoes and basic aromatics turns plain instant rice into a flavorful side you can pair with baked fish, simple seared chicken or chorizo recipes.

What’s the difference between Spanish rice and Mexican rice?

In the United States, the terms Spanish rice and Mexican rice are often used interchangeably. In general, a Spanish or Mexican rice dish is a type of rice pilaf that is cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic and spices. Technically, to make a true Spanish rice (that is, the kind at the base of a paella recipe), you would include a pinch of saffron, which gives the dish its signature yellow color. In contrast, a true Mexican rice often has a reddish hue from the addition of tomatoes.

Spanish Rice Ingredients

• Butter: Toasting uncooked rice in butter deepens its flavor. It also gives the grains a chewier texture and helps to prevent the rice from sticking together after it’s cooked.
• Instant rice: Using instant rice in this recipe means it cooks in a snap. You can use instant brown or white rice.
• Diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes are a key ingredient in Spanish rice recipes. For deeper flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes. If you’re watching your salt intake, be sure to use low-sodium canned tomatoes.
• Beef bouillon cubes: Beef bouillon cubes are dissolved in boiling water to make a rich beef stock, which enhances the flavor of this homemade Spanish rice recipe. Instead of using 1 cup boiling water and beef bouillon cubes, you can easily substitute 1 cup of beef stock. For a vegetarian-friendly rice, use vegetable broth.
• Onion: A chopped onion helps to deepen the flavor of this dish. Several types of onion work well in this easy Spanish rice recipe, including white and yellow varieties.
• Garlic clove: A freshly minced garlic clove enhances the savory flavor of the Spanish rice. You can use 1/2 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic if you don’t have a fresh garlic clove on hand.
• Bay leaf: A bay leaf adds a little something extra to the flavor of this dish. Just be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving!
• Sugar: A tiny bit of sugar balances the acidic flavors from the tomatoes.
• Seasonings: A little salt and pepper round out the seasonings in this easy Spanish rice.

Directions

Step 1: Toast the rice

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the rice. Cook and stir until it’s lightly browned.

Step 2: Boil then simmer the rice

Add the tomatoes, water, bouillon cubes, onion, garlic, bay leaf, sugar, salt and pepper to the rice, and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat.

Cover the rice and simmer it until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

Remove the bay leaf before serving the rice.

Spanish Rice Variations

• Add protein: For additional protein, stir in cooked black beans or pre-cooked chorizo, ground beef or cubed chicken.
• Spice it up: Add a little heat by stirring in a seeded and chopped jalapeno pepper. Or add a pinch of chili powder or crushed red pepper to the seasonings. For that pop of yellow, add 1/4 teaspoon of saffron if you have it in your spice rack.
• Garnish it with fresh herbs: Top the rice with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

How to Store Spanish Rice

Any leftover Spanish rice should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

How long does Spanish rice last?

Spanish rice can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you freeze Spanish rice?

Yes, you can freeze Spanish rice. After allowing it to cool, transfer the rice to an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it.

How do you reheat Spanish rice?

You can reheat leftover Spanish rice in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave. Or you can reheat the rice in a pan on the stovetop; stir in a splash of water or broth as it warms to compensate for any lost moisture and prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Spanish Rice Tips

What’s the best kind of rice to use to make Spanish rice?

Long-grain white rice like basmati rice is ideal for Spanish rice recipes. To mimic the speed of boxed Spanish rice, this recipe uses instant rice. Instant rice has been precooked and then dehydrated, helping it to cook faster than regular rice.

What can you serve with Spanish rice?

Spanish rice is a great accompaniment to any Mexican meal, such as steak fajitas, vegetarian enchiladas or chicken tacos. It’s also great to pair with Southwestern pork chops or cumin chicken.

How else can you use Spanish rice?

This homemade Spanish rice would make an extra-flavorful filling in this rice-and-bean enchiladas recipe. It would also be delicious as a filling for stuffed peppers. Use it as a tasty base for a burrito bowl if you want to amp up your typical white or brown rice.