How to Make Spanish Rice
You can elevate a plain side of rice by learning how to make Spanish rice at home. Spanish rice is flavorful and can be served with a variety of entrees like steak, grilled shrimp or fajitas, making it a great recipe to have in your repertoire. Use this guide to learn more about Spanish rice and how to make it.
What Is Spanish Rice?
Spanish rice is a Mexican side dish made from long grain rice that has been sauteed with garlic and onions, then boiled with a mixture of tomato sauce, broth and seasonings. The combination of flavors in Spanish rice makes it a perfect pairing for refried beans. Although this popular dish is typically made from white rice, brown rice can be substituted in a pinch.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPANISH RICE AND MEXICAN RICE?
Spanish rice and Mexican rice are similar dishes with only minor differences. Typically, Spanish rice is more firm and aromatic, while Mexican rice is softer and more delicate. The two dishes are so similar that they are sometimes considered interchangeable.
WHAT TO ADD TO SPANISH RICE?
Spanish rice is a flavorful and versatile base that can be paired with a variety of proteins and vegetables. You can add beans, shrimp or to make the dish more hearty, you can incorporate roasted vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes or squash to add more nutrients to your meal.
WHAT RICE IS BEST FOR SPANISH RICE?
Long grain white rice is the best type of rice to use for the most authentic flavor and texture. You can make substitutions based on preference or dietary restriction, like swapping in brown rice or cauliflower rice, though this may alter the overall texture of the dish.
HOW DO YOU MAKE SPANISH FRIED RICE?
To make Spanish rice, start by straining your rice until the cold water runs clear. Next, finely chop your ingredients and place them into a saucepan, sauteing the onions and peppers until softened. Add your rice to blend it with the vegetables while continuing to saute. Then stir in your broth, lemon juice and seasoning and bring the mixture to a boil. Finish by simmering and cooking until the liquid has been absorbed by the rice.
Continue reading below for a recipe and tips for making Spanish rice.
Spanish Rice Recipe
Learn the basics of making Spanish rice as a delicious and authentic side dish that can be enjoyed with friends and family. This recipe inspiration highlights the common ingredients in a basic Spanish rice dish, but you can easily make it your own with the addition or omission of ingredients. Substitute vegetable broth for a vegan version, add smoked spices for a robust flavor profile or toss in your favorite chillis to kick up the heat. Use the techniques below combined with your own customized Spanish rice ingredients list.
YIELDS
- 6 servings
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
COOK TIME
- 30 minutes
TOTAL TIME
- 50 minutes
TOOLS
Pot or saucepan with a lid
Rice strainer
Large cooking spoon
Kitchen knife
- Spice grinder, like this grinder from KitchenAid Brand (optional)
Ingredients
Long grain rice
Olive oil
Onion
Bell peppers
Chicken broth
Tomato sauce
Chili powder
Garlic powder
Dried oregano
Cumin
Salt and pepper
Lemon juice
Step 1: Rinse rice and prep ingredients
Place your rice in the rice strainer and rinse with cold water until the water that drains from the strainer runs clear. Then, finely chop onions and bell peppers. If you’re grinding spices yourself, grind up your spices and measure out your seasoning mix for your rice.
Step 2: Saute onions, peppers and rice
Heat olive oil in your saucepan by setting your burners to medium heat and saute the onions, peppers and any other vegetable additions until they have softened, then add in your rice and saute until the rice is lightly toasted. Sauteing your rice adds a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Step 3: Add the rest of ingredients and cook rice
Stir in your broth, tomato sauce, lemon juice and customized seasoning blend, then bring the mixture to a boil by setting your stove to medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer and cover with a lid. Continue cooking until all the liquid has been absorbed by the rice and, when finished, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
TIP: DON’T REMOVE THE LID WHILE COOKING
Avoid removing the lid from your saucepan while the rice is cooking as this can release steam and disrupt the cooking process, which may lead to undercooked rice.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH SPANISH RICE?
Spanish rice is a side dish that is best served with dishes with complex flavors such as chicken fajitas, sirloin tacos or even Cuban grilled pork chops. It can also be paired with other side dishes such as refried beans or more robust flavors like guacamole or pico de gallo.
CAN YOU FREEZE SPANISH RICE?
Spanish rice is best when served hot alongside an entree. If you want to prepare a large batch of Spanish rice ahead of time, or if you made more Spanish rice than you needed, you can store Spanish rice in the freezer using an air-tight container for up to 4–6 months.
CAN YOU REHEAT SPANISH RICE?
Yes, you can reheat Spanish rice either in the microwave or the oven. To reheat Spanish rice in the oven, place rice in a baking dish and splash with a few tablespoons of water, then cover and bake. For a microwave, add one tablespoon of water and cover with a paper towel before reheating on 80% or Level 8 power.
WHAT OTHER RECIPES USE SPANISH RICE?
The complex flavors of Spanish rice can be used as the foundation of your recipes, transforming it from a side dish to a main meal. Examples include Spanish-style stir fries and Spanish rice with chicken. Spanish rice can also be used as the filling in dishes like casseroles or stuffed peppers, or it can also be transformed into a hearty soup. In these dishes, the mixture of seasonings in the Spanish rice combines with the flavors of the protein to create a savory combination.
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