If you’re searching for the perfect way to upgrade any meal, you absolutely cannot go wrong with this Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe. It’s fluffy and tender, loaded with the comforting flavors of tomato, onion, and warm spices. Every bite bursts with vibrant color and aroma, making it the ideal side dish for anything from weeknight tacos to festive gatherings. Once you see how simple and delicious the Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe is, you’ll want it in your regular meal rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to pull together with just a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient is simple but plays a crucial role in creating authentic taste, perfect texture, and the gorgeous red hue that makes this rice so inviting.
- Olive oil: Adds richness, helps toast the rice for a nutty flavor, and delivers that irresistible restaurant-style texture!
- Long-grain white rice: Creates those light, separate grains that make the dish so fluffy—avoid short-grain rice for best results.
- Onion (finely chopped): Brings sweetness and depth, melting into the rice for a well-rounded flavor base.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a subtle kick and irresistible aroma, making the whole kitchen smell incredible.
- Tomato sauce: Provides tangy tomato flavor, gorgeous color, and a little bit of moisture for perfect rice every time.
- Chicken broth: Infuses every kernel with savory goodness—opt for low-sodium if you prefer to control the saltiness.
- Ground cumin: Introduces that signature earthy warmth you find in classic Spanish rice.
- Chili powder: Adds a gentle heat and depth, but not enough to overpower the other flavors.
- Salt: Essential to enhance the entire dish—taste as you go!
- Black pepper: Lends a mild, peppery backbone for extra balance.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Stirred in at the end, it brightens everything with a burst of fresh, herbal flavor.
How to Make Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your rice. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes until each grain is touched with golden color and smells delightfully nutty—this is what takes your Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe from good to absolutely amazing!
Step 2: Soften the Onions and Garlic
To the toasted rice, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the onion to soften and become translucent, blending seamlessly with the rice while the garlic infuses everything with its mouthwatering aroma.
Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Spices
Pour in the tomato sauce, followed by the chicken broth. Then, sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together gently so the rice is evenly coated, and those fabulous spices start marrying into the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Raise the heat and bring your mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, drop the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes. This is when the magic happens—the rice absorbs all that saucy, savory goodness until perfectly tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Rest and Fluff
When the timer’s up, take it off the heat but keep the lid on for an extra 5 minutes. This steam bath finishes the cooking process and ensures every grain is just right. Fluff it up with a fork, then stir in your fresh cilantro for a beautiful burst of green and a hint of brightness—your Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Take your rice to the next level with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, some sliced green onions, or even a handful of crumbled cotija cheese for extra richness. If you love heat, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or finely diced jalapeños make a wonderful final touch. It’s all about adding pops of flavor and color!
Side Dishes
This Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe is delicious with classic Mexican mains like enchiladas, tacos, or grilled chicken. Pair it with black beans or refried beans for a truly satisfying meal. It also works wonders alongside grilled veggies or as a flavorful bed for steak or shrimp fajitas.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop the rice into small bowls for an easy taco bar, stuff it inside burritos, or use it as the base for burrito bowls loaded with salsa, beans, and avocado. For parties, try filling bell pepper halves with the rice and baking until warm—always impressive, and just as tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to four days. Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe makes terrific leftovers for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
This rice freezes really well! Portion cooled rice into freezer-safe bags, press out as much air as possible, and label the date. It’ll stay fresh for up to three months, making it simple to thaw and reheat anytime you need a quick side dish.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated or thawed rice, sprinkle a little water over the top, cover, and pop it in the microwave until hot, fluffing with a fork halfway through. You can also warm it on the stovetop in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to revive that just-cooked texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook and will need more liquid—plan on simmering for 40 to 45 minutes and keeping an eye on the texture. The result is a wholesomely nutty twist on this classic Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe.
Is it okay to skip the cilantro?
Of course! While cilantro adds a special burst of freshness, the recipe is delicious even without it. Feel free to substitute chopped parsley or simply leave it out for a simpler flavor.
What can I use instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version?
Vegetable broth works perfectly here and will still give you rich, savory flavor. You can even use water in a pinch, though the final dish will be a bit less robust—so season generously.
Can I make this Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! The rice can be cooked in advance and reheated just before serving. It actually develops even more flavor as it sits, so it’s ideal for gatherings and potlucks.
How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?
The key is to toast the rice well at the beginning, simmer gently, and avoid stirring while it cooks. Measuring your liquid accurately and letting it rest at the end will keep your grains separate and perfectly fluffy every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to make your meals shine, give this Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe a try. With its bold flavors, easy method, and endless versatility, it’s a dish I turn to again and again. I hope it becomes a favorite at your table, too!
Print
Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make flavorful Homemade Spanish Rice with this easy-to-follow recipe! This classic Mexican side dish features fluffy rice cooked in a delicious blend of tomato sauce, spices, and aromatics. Perfect for serving with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Aromatics:
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the rice and cook until lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
- Saute Aromatics: Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Broth: Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Customize with additions like peas, tomatoes, or bell peppers.
- Leftovers reheat well and are great for burrito bowls.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¾ cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
