If you have been on the hunt for an irresistibly flavorful and comforting rice dish, you have just found it! The BEST Spanish Rice Recipe (Mexican Rice) Recipe combines the bright essence of fresh tomatoes, the subtle kick of garlic and onion, and the satisfying texture of fluffy rice, all coming together in a one-pan wonder. This dish not only elevates your mealtime but also brings a warm and vibrant touch of Mexican-inspired comfort right to your kitchen table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right is all about simplicity and quality. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the boldness of fresh tomatoes to the rich aroma of perfectly toasted rice.
- 2 tomatoes (stemmed and quartered): These provide a fresh, tangy base that gives the rice its signature vibrant color and bright flavor.
- 1/2 yellow onion (peeled and quartered): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled): Brings a warm, aromatic punch that livens every bite.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring the dish is perfectly seasoned.
- 1 tablespoon canola oil: Ideal for toasting the rice and giving it that irresistible golden color and slightly nutty aroma.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: The heart of the dish, long grain rice cooks up light and fluffy—nothing sticky here!
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory depth and richness, making the rice wonderfully moist and flavorful.
How to Make The BEST Spanish Rice Recipe (Mexican Rice) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Mixture
Start by placing the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and kosher salt into a blender or food processor. Blend everything until you get a smooth, vibrant sauce. This fresh tomato puree serves as the flavor base and gives the rice its beautiful red hue and lively taste profile.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the uncooked rice. This step is crucial—toast the rice for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The rice will turn a gorgeous golden brown, developing a toasty, nutty flavor that is essential for authentic Spanish rice.
Step 3: Cook with Tomato Mixture
Carefully add the tomato puree to the skillet—it will sizzle and might splatter, so watch out! Stir the rice and cook the mixture together for 2 minutes. This melds the flavors beautifully and lets the rice absorb some of the tomato goodness right away.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the rice cook undisturbed for about 30 minutes until the liquid is completely absorbed and the rice is tender. When done, fluff the rice with a fork—this is when those delightful tomato bits distributed on top get perfectly mixed back in.
How to Serve The BEST Spanish Rice Recipe (Mexican Rice) Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up your dish even more, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top. A squeeze of lime juice gives it a fresh zing, and a few slices of avocado add creamy richness. These simple touches turn your Spanish rice into a feast for the eyes and tastebuds.
Side Dishes
This rice pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, savory carnitas, or your favorite black beans. It’s the ideal companion for any Mexican-inspired meal or a standalone star when you add some sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Spanish rice stuffed inside roasted bell peppers or alongside crispy tacos for texture contrast. You can even shape it into little rice cakes to pan-fry as a playful appetizer. The possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spanish rice keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before storing, make sure it cools down completely to maintain the fresh flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked rice in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Portion it out in serving sizes for easy thawing. To avoid freezer burn, press out any excess air before sealing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth and cover to help restore moisture, keeping the rice as moist and fluffy as when freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it fully vegetarian or vegan without sacrificing any flavor.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Long grain white rice is ideal for this recipe because it stays light and fluffy. Avoid short grain rice as it tends to be stickier, which changes the texture of the dish.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh tomatoes give the brightest flavor and color, you can use canned tomatoes as a convenient alternative. Just look for plain, whole or diced tomatoes without added seasoning.
Is it necessary to toast the rice first?
Toasting the rice is a key step—it locks in that rich nutty flavor and keeps the grains separate. Skipping this step could result in a mushier texture and less depth in taste.
How spicy is this Spanish rice?
This particular recipe is mild and focuses on fresh, savory flavors. If you want a bit of heat, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder during cooking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a homemade rice dish that is as comforting as it is flavorful. I encourage you to dive in and try The BEST Spanish Rice Recipe (Mexican Rice) Recipe yourself. Not only is it straightforward to prepare, but it also brings a lovely, authentic taste of Mexican cuisine to your home table. Your family and friends will thank you—this is one recipe that’s destined to become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
PrintThe BEST Spanish Rice Recipe (Mexican Rice) Recipe
This BEST Spanish Rice Recipe, also known as Mexican Rice, is a flavorful and vibrant side dish made by blending fresh tomatoes, onion, and garlic with aromatic spices, then cooking it with long grain white rice in chicken broth until perfectly tender and infused with a rich tomato flavor. It’s a comforting, versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with Mexican and Tex-Mex meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tomatoes, stemmed and quartered
- 1/2 yellow onion, peeled and quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
Seasonings & Liquids
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredient
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
Instructions
- Prepare the tomato blend: Place the tomatoes, quartered onion, peeled garlic cloves, and kosher salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and set aside.
- Toast the rice: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the long grain white rice. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes or until the rice turns golden brown and fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook with the tomato blend: Carefully add the blended tomato mixture into the skillet with the toasted rice. Be cautious as it will sizzle and splatter. Stir the mixture and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for about 30 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff and serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, mixing in any tomato bits that have settled on top. Serve the Spanish rice warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- To add extra flavor, consider sautéing a small chopped jalapeño with the rice.
- If you prefer spicier rice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the tomato blend.
- Keep an eye on the rice while toasting to prevent burning, stirring constantly is key.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
