Spanish rice is exactly the side dish you need with your next Mexican meal! This is a classic with all the flavors you want in a Spanish rice recipe and it’s perfectly moist every single time!
We’ve all been there…your meal arrives at your table, you take a bite of your main course and then tear into the rice and beans. The rice is dry and pasty and you can barely choke it down. Say goodbye to that scenario with this Mexican rice recipe!
This Spanish rice is so dang delicious. It makes a lot, but don’t you worry, we will be using the leftovers for pork tostadas later. The leftovers also freeze well (details below), so it’s actually awesome to have loads of leftover rice!
Make some steak fajitas, smothered chicken burritos, or the best pork carnitas with this Spanish rice for a side and prepare for a fiesta in your mouth! Ole! Cinco de Mayo anyone?!
Oh and don’t forget the refried beans to go with it!
What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Spanish Rice?
All the ingredients are exactly what you would expect in this dish. No surprises here!
- White Onion
- Tomatoes (Roma or Vine)
- Jalapeños
- Rice
- Cumin
- Canola Oil – olive oil can also be used
- Garlic
- Chicken Broth (or Vegetable)
- Tomato Paste
- Salt
- Cilantro
- Limes
How to Make Spanish Rice
Here are all the steps and tips we have for making this delicious rice recipe. For full details, see the recipe card below.
- Preheat the oven.
- Puree the tomatoes and onions in a food processor.
- Measure out 2 cups of the tomato/onion mixture and discard the excess.
- Mince the jalapeños leaving the ribs and seeds in one of the jalapeños.
- Rinse the rice through a fine-mesh strainer and shake to remove excess water.
- Pro Tip: Rinsing the rice removes all the starch on the surface of the rice which can cause the rice to clump and get gummy when cooked.
- Saute the rice and cumin in a large skillet.
- Pro Tip: This step is crucial. It adds a boost of flavor that takes this rice to the next level.
- Add garlic and seeded jalapeño.
- Add pureed tomato/onion mixture, broth, tomato paste and salt.
- Bring to boil then cover and place in oven to bake.
- Pro Tip: You can also cook it on the stove top. We just prefer the taste and tex