The 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.
