Easy Spanish Rice Recipe – Authentic, Flavorful & Foolproof

If you ask me what makes a good taco night go from tasty to truly special, it’s a big spoonful of fluffy, flavorful Spanish rice on the side. I still remember the first time I learned to make an authentic Spanish rice recipe from scratch.

I was standing in my friend’s kitchen while her mom, who grew up in Texas, showed me how to toast the rice until golden, stir in simple spices and tomato sauce, and steam it just right so every bite came out tender and delicious.

It’s the perfect side dish for any Mexican meal — enchiladas, tacos, grilled chicken, you name it. And the best part? It uses pantry staples like long grain white rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. No boxed rice mix needed! I’ll walk you through every step, plus give you my tips for fluffy rice, swaps you can make, and fun ways to customize it. Trust me, this Spanish rice recipe will become your go-to for Taco Tuesday and beyond!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy & Reliable: This is a foolproof rice recipe that works every time.
• Fluffy & Flavorful: Each grain is coated in savory tomato flavor with a hint of warm spices.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This classic Mexican dish is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Pantry Staples: Uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish with any Mexican meal or even on its own.

If you love an easy Mexican rice that tastes just like your favorite restaurant, this one’s for you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s exactly what you’ll need for this Spanish rice recipe — nothing fancy, all delicious.

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
• 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

📌 Tip: Use long grain white rice for the fluffiest results. Short grain rice can get sticky!

Ingredient Substitutions

• Rice: Try jasmine rice if you like extra fragrance. Avoid sticky or short-grain rice.
• Tomato Sauce: Use canned diced tomatoes blended smooth or a few tablespoons of tomato paste + water.
• Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth works if you want a meatless side dish.
• Oil: Any neutral oil is fine — vegetable, canola, or olive oil.
• Spices: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for extra depth and heat.

How to Make Spanish Rice

This is the real secret to fluffy Spanish rice — toasting the rice and simmering low and slow. Here’s how I do it:

1. Heat oil & toast rice:

In a medium skillet or saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5–7 minutes or until the rice is golden brown and smells nutty. (5–7 minutes)

2. Add aromatics:

Stir in the diced onion and cook another 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. (3 minutes)

3. Stir in liquids & seasoning:

Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. (2 minutes)

4. Bring to a simmer:

Raise the heat to medium high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid. (1 minute)

5. Cook & steam:

Let the rice simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Don’t lift the lid while it cooks! (20 minutes)

6. Fluff & serve:

Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 more minutes. Fluff gently with a fork. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. (5 minutes)

📌 Total Cooking Time: About 35 minutes start to finish.

Expert Tips for Success

✅ Toast the rice well: This step is what gives the rice its signature flavor and keeps it from getting mushy.

✅ Use a tight lid: It traps the steam to cook the rice evenly. A loose lid means uneven rice!

✅ Don’t peek: Keep that lid on while the rice cooks — it’s tempting, but worth the wait.

✅ Fluff with a fork: A spoon can break up the grains and make the rice sticky.

✅ Add broth warm: Warm broth speeds up cooking and helps the rice steam perfectly.

Variations & Add-Ons

Want to put your own spin on this Spanish rice recipe? Here are some tasty ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the onion.
• Cheesy Version: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack just before serving.
• Veggie Packed: Add frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or corn for extra color and nutrition.
• Vegan: Use vegetable broth and skip any toppings with cheese.
• Fresh Herbs: Finish with chopped green onions or a squeeze of lime juice.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Spanish rice alongside tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.
• Pair it with beans for an easy vegetarian meal.
• Spoon leftover rice into burritos for meal prep.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of queso fresco on top.
• Present in a warm serving bowl with fresh cilantro for a pop of color.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge:
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze cooled rice in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Reheat in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to keep it fluffy, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: ~350 mg

Prep, Cook, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

And there you have it — my favorite Spanish rice recipe, so fluffy and flavorful that you’ll never want the boxed stuff again. I hope this becomes your new go-to for taco nights, potlucks, or whenever you want a classic Mexican side dish that brings comfort and a little nostalgia to the table.

If you try this recipe, drop me a comment below — I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your twists too. Happy cooking and buen provecho! 🇲🇽

Spanish Rice Recipe

This Spanish rice recipe is fluffy, flavorful, and better than any boxed mix. Make this classic Mexican side dish step by step! It’s the perfect side dish for any Mexican meal — enchiladas, tacos, grilled chicken, you name it. Uses pantry staples like long grain white rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. No boxed rice mix needed!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

• Heat oil & toast rice:
• In a medium skillet or saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5–7 minutes or until the rice is golden brown and smells nutty. (5–7 minutes)
• Add aromatics:
• Stir in the diced onion and cook another 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. (3 minutes)
• Stir in liquids & seasoning:
• Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. (2 minutes)
• Bring to a simmer:
• Raise the heat to medium high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid. (1 minute)
• Cook & steam:
• Let the rice simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Don’t lift the lid while it cooks! (20 minutes)
• Fluff & serve:
• Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 more minutes. Fluff gently with a fork. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. (5 minutes)

Notes

• Toast the rice well: This step is what gives the rice its signature flavor and keeps it from getting mushy.
• Use a tight lid: It traps the steam to cook the rice evenly. A loose lid means uneven rice!
• Don’t peek: Keep that lid on while the rice cooks — it’s tempting, but worth the wait.
• Fluff with a fork: A spoon can break up the grains and make the rice sticky.
• Add broth warm: Warm broth speeds up cooking and helps the rice steam perfectly.

Keyword Spanish rice recipe, easy Mexican rice, perfect side, rice recipe, Mexican dish, long grain white rice, tomato sauce, chicken broth