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A bowl of fluffy Spanish rice with a vibrant red color and fresh cilantro garnish.

Spanish Rice

Fluffy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal, this authentic Spanish rice recipe is a staple in Mexican cuisine. Made with simple ingredients like tomatoes, broth, and spices, it's easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with tacos, grilled meats, or burritos!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Saucepan
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed and drained
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 0.5 cup diced onion
  • 0.5 cup diced bell pepper optional, for extra flavor
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option

Seasonings

  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • 0.25 tsp paprika
  • 0.25 tsp oregano optional

Final Touches

  • 1 tsp lime juice for a fresh touch
  • fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown (about 5 minutes).
  • Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Pour in the tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes) and stir well to coat the rice. Let it simmer for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  • Add the chicken broth, salt, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  • Once the rice has absorbed all the liquid, remove it from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the lime juice, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

For extra flavor, try using fire-roasted tomatoes or adding a pinch of chili powder for a bit of heat. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for later use.
Keyword Fluffy Rice, Mexican Rice, Spanish Rice