This easy Spanish rice recipe is made by toasting long-grain rice in olive oil, then simmering it in tomato sauce and chicken broth until fluffy and flavorful. Also called Mexican rice or arroz rojo, it’s the perfect side dish for tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and other Mexican-inspired meals.
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What is Spanish Rice?
Spanish rice, also called Mexican rice or arroz rojo, is a flavorful side dish made by toasting long-grain rice in oil and then simmering it with tomato sauce and broth until tender and fluffy.
It’s commonly served with tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and other Mexican-inspired meals. Its reddish-orange color and savory flavor make it a favorite side dish for both weeknight dinners and restaurant-style meals at home. Try it with my fish tacos, chicken tacos, beef enchiladas, chicken enchiladas, or chicken fajitas.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes, Swaps & Substitutions
- Rice: I use plain long-grain white rice for this recipe. If you’d rather use brown rice, try my Spanish Brown Rice recipe instead.
- Tomato Sauce: We like this rice with regular tomato sauce, but you can use a spicy variety such as El Pato or Tapatío for a little heat.
- Chicken Broth: This gives the rice a richer, savory flavor. Beef broth also works well, especially if you’re serving it with beef tacos, enchiladas, or taco meatloaf.
- Oil: I like olive oil, but canola, vegetable, avocado, or corn oil are all great options.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and cumin are perfect for Spanish rice. You can use your favorite seasonings.
Toast the rice in olive oil over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until some of the grains turn lightly golden as shown above.
Tips for Making the Best Spanish Rice
- Toast the rice: Don’t skip this step. Toasting the rice adds depth of flavor that makes a difference.
- Use a tight-fitting lid: A well-fitting lid helps the rice cook evenly and absorb the liquid properly.
- Keep the heat low: Turn the burner to its lowest setting so the rice doesn’t cook too quickly or scorch.
- Leave the lid on: Resist the urge to peek during the 18-minute cook time so the steam can do its job.
What to Serve with Spanish Rice
Spanish rice pairs perfectly with tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and other Mexican-inspired meals. For an easy dinner, serve it with my Taco Meatloaf and Black Beans.
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Easy Spanish Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rice and toast, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, 3-5 minutes.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup long grain white rice
- Add the broth, tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir until combined.1 ½ cups chicken broth, ½ cup tomato sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon cumin
- Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 18 minutes. Do not stir or lift the lid.
- Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve immediately.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.