Spanish Rice (aka Mexican Rice) is easy to make from scratch with this quick and easy recipe for tender and fluffy rice, better than a restaurant.
A traditional side dish, Spanish rice is perfect for any Mexican food, especially enchiladas. Add it when filling burritos or tacos too.
Try adding leftover ground beef or chicken to make it a meal in a bowl. Add black beans instead, for a meatless lunch or dinner.
Recipe | Ingredients | What’s the Difference Between Spanish Rice and Mexican Rice
Spanish rice gets this moist and delicious by using both the drained liquid from the tomatoes AND the chicken stock. You can, of course, use only chicken stock, but you’re going to get more color if you use the tomato liquid too.
Ingredients
With only a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can be enjoying a delicious homemade Spanish rice in about 30 minutes or so.
Canned Tomatoes
Start off by straining the diced tomatoes into a measuring cup. If you add the entire can, you could have too much liquid.
If you strain it into the sink, you’re going to miss out on the red color on the rice. The color is the most distinctive part of the rice.
 | Have a browse at all |
Make It Spicy
If you are craving a spicy version of Mexican rice, let me introduce you to El Pato Jalapeno Sauce.
Even though this is jalapeno sauce, it’s actually jalapeno and tomato. It’s red, not green. You will get the red color but it will be spicy. Add it instead of the tomatoes, if you like.
Chicken Broth
I’ve used chicken broth, but you can also use water, if you prefer. To add the chicken flavor, add a teaspoon of granules or chicken bouillon paste.
You can keep it vegan by adding vegetable broth instead of chicken.
Cilantro
I tend to use cilantro only as a garnish on this rice. I prefer uncooked cilantro. Too much of a good thing and all that.
Long Grain White Rice
I’ve used a standard, easy to find rice for this recipe. It’s tender and fluffy. It doesn’t stick as much as other varieties.
If you’re curious, The Kitchn has an article on some different varieties of rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, Mexican rice is made with cumin whereas Spanish rice is made with saffron. They’re so similar that you see them interchangeable in the US.
I like queso fresco and a few squeezes of lime. You can also garnish with cilantro, serrano and chopped onion, as shown.
I use a long grain white rice. It turns out fluffy and delicious without being sticky.
One cup of uncooked rice will usually feed 4-6 people.
Is It Gluten Free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten free. The only thing you need to watch is your chicken seasoning, if you don’t use broth or stock. Some bouillon may not be gluten free. But, as written, this is gluten free.
Cooking the Rice
There are some things exclusive to this rice recipe that you don’t find when making plain ‘ole rice.
Infusing the Oil with Onion
Cut off the top part of the onion. I like to cut it off at the stem so I can use the stem to move it around in the oil.
You only need the top of the onion. Once you finish with the onion, set it aside. You can use it for garnish with your finished rice.
Preparing the Uncooked Rice
As with all rice, be sure to rinse it first. I usually put it in a strainer basket and run water over it with a little swishing.
When you get ready to pour the rice into the skillet, be careful. The wet rice is going to splitter, splatter.
Saute the rice, stirring frequently, until it gets a golden brown. Watch closely. You don’t want it to burn.
How to Store Your Spanish Rice
This rice will keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days if kept in an airtight container.
You can freeze it in an airtight container for 4-6 months. It seems to change texture a little, though. I really prefer it fresh so I try to use it all up as soon as possible.
It’s really not hard to eat it all. I promise. Making a rice bowl by adding leftover meat is a favorite. Or, try it in burritos with this Chipotle Barbacoa Beef
What Do You Serve with This Rice?
Mexican rice, or Spanish rice if you prefer, is delicious on its own but I usually serve it with other Mexican recipes.
Fry and mix in a batch of homemade Mexican chorizo.
I’ve served this as a side dish with my Green Chicken Enchiladas. Also try it with my recipe for Milanesa De Res Breaded Steak.
Although not technically a refried beans recipe, my recipe for Instant Pot Vegan Bean Dip will work perfectly as a side as well.
A tostada with this bean dip, rice and some black beans would be a delicious lunch treat.
Recipe
Authentic Mexican Rice from Scratch
Tap to leave a star ratingFor more information, be sure to check the recipe details in the attached 24Bite® post.
Ingredients
- 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes, canned
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- dash Cumin
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- ¼ Onion
- 1 cup Long Grain White Rice, uncooked
Instructions
- Drain tomatoes, allowing liquid to drain into a 2-cup measure. Once completely drained, add chicken broth until the total liquid measures 2 cups. Add the diced tomatoes to the chicken broth mixture. Add salt and cumin. Stir then set aside.
- Place uncooked rice in a strainer and hold it under cool water, swishing around with a spoon or your hand. Set aside to drain.
- Heat olive oil over medium heat. Cut off the top ⅛ to ¼ of an onion at the stem side. Place cut side of onion in heated oil and push it around, allowing the onion to infuse with the oil, about 3 or 4 minutes. Remove onion and set aside to be used for garnish.
- Add rice to skillet (you'll need a skillet that has a lid). Be careful because the wet rice will splatter in the oil. Saute in the skillet, stirring often, until the rice is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add tomato mixture, stir. Again, it's going to splitter and splatter so be careful. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 20 minutes, until liquid is absorbed. Don't open or stir during the 20 minutes.
- If there is liquid remaining, cover and cook on low another 5 minutes.
Note: If there is a video, it will not display while there is an adblocker.
Notes
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. All amounts are estimates and 24Bite® takes no responsibility for actual figures since calculations vary by packaging and supplier. Please calculate the amounts yourself based on package labeling if you have specific dietary requirements. 24Bite®, Kim Guzman or Christian Guzman shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on this website or actions you take as a result.
© 2019-2021 Kim Guzman and Christian Guzman. All rights reserved. Subscribe to 24Bite email newsletters.
Follow 24Bite:
Tyanne says
I never thought about adding chicken broth before! I will have to try that. I also like the display of the recipe card.
Christian Guzman says
So much extra flavor! I hope you enjoy it!
Leslie says
This is the perfect Mexican Rice recipe!
Natalie says
Delicious easy dinner option. I will definitely make this again.
Debra says
Easy and super tasty….just the way I like my recipes.
Wheat says
Prepared it as written, yum
Also learned a new word, splitter
That happens a LOT InMySmallkitchen
Christian Guzman says
Great! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Heather says
Really delicious! My family loved it.
Christian Guzman says
That’s great! Thank you for visiting.
Laura Houck says
Thank you for this. My dad was wanting some Spanish rice but he can not have garlic, salsa, peppers, chili powder etc due to his acid reflex. This was a great alternative and he loved it!
Christian Guzman says
That’s wonderful! I’m so glad your dad was able to enjoy it. Thanks so much for visiting!