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Spanish rice (also known as Mexican Rice) is an easy side dish that takes less than 30 minutes to make!

The ultimate one-pot meal that can be served with Beans, Carne con Papas, or Enchiladas.

Spanish Rice is that delicious side that Tex-Mex and Mexican restaurants serve with their classic dishes like Carne Asada Tacos or Shredded Beef Enchiladas. After playing around with several different recipes, this is the one I highly recommend you give a try.

This Spanish rice recipe is super easy and there is no blending involved. Although a lot of recipes require for you to blend the onions and tomatoes in a food processor, I don’t find that step necessary. I don’t like using fresh tomatoes because it turns the rice a little watery. Tomato paste is what I prefer using.

How to Make Spanish Rice

Making Spanish rice is incredibly easy, this is all you have to do:

1. Drizzle a large skillet with high sides with some olive oil.
2. Saute the onions, garlic, tomato paste, and spices.
3. Stir in the rice and let it toast for about 1 minute.
4. Add the water and let it come up to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.

Can I add vegetables to the rice?

Absolutely. Corn, carrots, and peas are a wonderful addition to Spanish rice.

Why is my rice so sticky? 

Too much liquid and overcooking the rice can give you a sticky mess instead of a light and fluffy rice.

I also tried adding salsa and taco seasoning and was not a fan. Sometimes the easiest recipes are truly the best recipes. Fresh lime and fresh cilantro are almost mandatory here. Highly recommend adding a fresh squeeze of lime and garnishing with cilantro once the rice is fully cooked through.

More Delicious Sides You’ll Enjoy: 

• Cheese Garlic Biscuits 

• Creamed Mushrooms

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Creamed Corn

5 from 1 vote

Print

Spanish Rice

Prep Time

2 mins

Cook Time

23 mins

Total Time

25 mins

 

This easy Spanish rice recipe is the ultimate side dish and calls for only a handful of ingredients.

Course: Entree, Side

Cuisine: Mexican, Tex Mex

Keyword: Mexican Rice, Spanish Rice, Yellow Rice

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 275 kcal

Author: Julie of CookedbyJulie.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup onions
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 tsp  cumin
• 1 tsp  Chicken Bouillon Powder Caldo de Pollo en Polvo
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Add 3 tbsp of olive oil to a large skillet with high sides.
2. Add the onions and cook until translucent.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 20 seconds.
4. Add the tomato paste, chicken bouillon powder, and cumin.
5. Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the water, season with salt, and let it come up to a boil.
7. Once it starts boiling, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes.
8. 20 minutes later, use a fork to fluff the rice and serve immediately.
9. Serve with fresh lime and cilantro.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Do not use basmati rice.

Nutrition Facts

Spanish Rice

Amount Per Serving

Calories 275 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 11g 17%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Sodium 335mg 14%

Potassium 108mg 3%

Total Carbohydrates 39g 13%

Sugars 1g

Protein 3g 6%

Vitamin A 1.2%

Vitamin C 2.5%

Calcium 2.2%

Iron 4.2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.