This homemade Spanish rice recipe is an easy, delicious side dish! Fluffy and flavorful, it pairs perfectly with Mexican mains like tacos and enchiladas.
This Spanish rice recipe is one of my favorite side dishes for Mexican food like enchiladas and tacos. Easy to make with 10 basic ingredients, this homemade Spanish rice is moist, flavorful, and aromatic. My family can nearly finish a pot in one night, but if we have any leftovers, I love wrapping them up in a burrito for lunch the next day.
In case you’re not familiar, Spanish rice is a type of rice pilaf cooked with onions and garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and spices. Also called Mexican rice or arroz rojo, it’s commonly eaten throughout northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. I’ve always loved ordering it at Mexican restaurants in Austin—so much so that I had to develop my own recipe to make at home!
I’m sharing my go-to method for how to make Spanish rice below. Try it the next time you need a side for tacos or other Mexican fare. I think you’re going to love it!
Spanish Rice Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy Spanish rice recipe:
- Rice, of course! Long-grain white rice, such as basmati, works best in this recipe. You can also use brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the broth measurement to 2 cups. Simmer the rice for 45 minutes instead of 15.
- Onion and garlic – For savory depth of flavor.
- Extra-virgin olive oil – It adds richness to the rice and helps all the flavors meld. Feel free to sub a neutral cooking oil, such as avocado or canola oil, if you prefer.
- Tomato paste, plus diced fresh tomatoes or canned tomato sauce – They give the rice its signature red color and add tangy tomato flavor. Feel free to use either diced fresh tomatoes or the canned tomato sauce. Both options work great! You could even use your favorite jarred tomato salsa for extra depth of flavor.
- Jalapeño pepper – For subtle heat and appealing flecks of green. If you don’t like spicy food, replace the jalapeño with 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper.
- Dried oregano – I use this dried herb in many of my favorite Mexican dishes. It adds earthy depth to the rice.
- Vegetable broth – You could sub water, but cooking the rice in broth makes it that much more flavorful. Many recipes call for chicken broth, but I use vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian.
- And sea salt – To make all the flavors pop!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make Spanish Rice
My method for how to make Spanish rice is super simple. Here’s how it goes:
First, rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer. This is my first step whenever I’m cooking rice, as it removes starches that can cause the rice to clump.
Next, sauté the onion and toast the rice. Once the onion is soft, add the rice and cook for about 2 minutes, until fragrant. This quick step adds nutty depth of flavor.
Then, add the remaining ingredients. Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic, followed by the tomatoes, jalapeño, salt, and oregano.
Pour in the broth, and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer the rice for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Finally, let the rice steam. Remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
You’re ready to serve! Fluff with a fork and enjoy.
What to Serve with Spanish Rice
This Spanish rice recipe is a delicious side dish for Mexican-inspired meals. Try it with any of these recipes:
I also love it in a burrito or burrito bowl with black beans, fajita veggies, and chopped cilantro. It’s a great filling for stuffed peppers too. Try it in this stuffed peppers recipe!
Storing and Freezing Instructions
Leftover Spanish rice will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat it, warm it in the microwave or on the stove with a small splash of water or vegetable broth.
The rice also freezes well. Stash it in an airtight container or bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the microwave or overnight in the fridge.
More Favorite Rice Recipes
If you love this Spanish rice recipe, try one of these simple rice dishes next:
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Wild Rice Pilaf
- Coconut Rice
- Instant Pot Rice
- Easy Fried Rice
- Or any of these 25 Easy Rice Recipes!
Spanish Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup diced fresh tomatoes or canned tomato sauce
- 1 jalapeño pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1½ cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium Dutch oven or pot. Add the onion and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until softened. Add the rice and cook for 2 minutes, or until fragrant and toasted.
- Stir in the tomato paste and garlic, then add the fresh tomatoes, jalapeño, salt, oregano, and broth. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 10 more minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Delicious recipe! This was super easy to make and I will be saving it to make again!