Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe

Imagine the vibrant aroma of tomatoes, garlic, and paprika wafting through your kitchen as a pot of fluffy, perfectly seasoned Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe simmers on your stovetop. This classic side dish brings a touch of Spanish-inspired comfort to any meal with its beautiful red-orange hue and complex flavor profile. Whether you’re serving it alongside enchiladas or using it as a base for a hearty burrito bowl, this authentic Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. You’ll learn how to achieve the perfect texture, balance the seasonings just right, and customize this versatile dish to complement your favorite meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe stands out from store-bought versions with its authentic flavor and perfect texture. Unlike bland boxed mixes, this homemade version offers a delightful contrast between the tender rice grains and the slight crunch from perfectly sautéed onions and bell peppers.

The beauty of Spanish rice lies in its versatility—it pairs wonderfully with everything from Mexican-inspired dishes to grilled meats and seafood. The rich tomato base carries hints of garlic, onion, and spices that elevate the humble rice into something truly craveable.

Best of all, this recipe comes together in just one pot, meaning fewer dishes and simpler preparation. The hands-off cooking time allows you to focus on preparing the rest of your meal while the rice absorbs all those magnificent flavors. Even novice cooks can achieve perfect results with this foolproof traditional Spanish rice preparation.

Ingredients

For this authentic Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe, you’ll need:

• 2 cups (370g) long-grain white rice
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion (about 1 cup/150g), finely diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper (about 1 cup/150g), finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic (about 1 tablespoon/9g), minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz/227g) tomato sauce
• 3 cups (710ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon (6g) paprika (preferably Spanish)
• 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• ½ teaspoon (1g) black pepper
• ¼ cup (4g) fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

The long-grain rice is essential for achieving the perfect separate grains in your Spanish rice bowl. Spanish paprika (pimentón) provides that authentic earthy flavor, though regular paprika works in a pinch. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of your finished dish.

Pro Tips

Toast the rice properly: The secret to exceptional Spanish rice starts with properly toasting the grains. Heat your oil until shimmering before adding the rice, then stir continuously until the grains turn opaque and slightly golden—about 3-4 minutes. This crucial step develops nutty flavors and prevents the rice from becoming mushy during cooking.

Control the liquid ratio: For perfectly tender rice that’s never soggy, maintain a ratio of 1 part rice to 2 parts liquid. While the recipe calls for chicken broth, the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes contribute to this liquid calculation. If your tomatoes seem particularly watery, you might reduce the broth by ¼ cup.

Perfect the simmer technique: After bringing everything to a boil, the most critical technique is achieving the right simmer. Reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover tightly with a lid, and resist the urge to peek! Each time you lift the lid, you release steam and disrupt the cooking process. Set a timer for 20 minutes and let the magic happen undisturbed for consistently perfect Spanish rice.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by measuring all ingredients and having them ready beside your cooking area. Dice your onion and bell pepper into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Mince the garlic finely. Having everything prepped beforehand makes the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Toast the Rice
Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the rice and stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until it turns opaque and slightly golden. This toasting step is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring each grain maintains its integrity during cooking.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the toasted rice. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, chicken broth, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—these contain tremendous flavor! Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer undisturbed for 20-25 minutes. The rice will absorb the flavorful liquid and become tender. Remove from heat and let stand, still covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish the cooking process.

Step 6: Fluff and Serve
Uncover the pot and fluff the rice gently with a fork, being careful not to crush the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving your perfect Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe alongside your favorite main dishes.

Variations

Vegetarian Spanish Rice Bowl: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding black beans, corn, and diced avocado. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese for a satisfying vegetarian bowl. This hearty variation makes excellent use of leftover Spanish rice.

Seafood Spanish Rice: For a paella-inspired dish, fold in sautéed shrimp and bay scallops during the last 5 minutes of cooking time. Add a pinch of saffron to the broth for authentic Spanish flavor, and finish with fresh lemon juice and parsley instead of cilantro. This elegant variation elevates your homemade rice recipe to special-occasion status.

Spicy Spanish Rice: For heat lovers, add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños or serranos with the bell peppers, or stir in 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle in adobo for a smoky kick. You can also include a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to create a Mexican rice variation that brings welcome heat to your meal.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle with a tablespoon of water, cover, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to restore moisture.

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serve your Spanish rice as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite Mexican entrees. For a beautiful presentation, pack the hot rice into a small bowl, then invert onto the plate for a perfect dome shape. Garnish with additional cilantro, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.

For a complete meal, use Spanish rice as a base for burrito bowls, topped with your choice of proteins, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado slices. It also makes a delicious stuffing for roasted bell peppers or as a hearty filling for burritos and enchiladas.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice for Spanish rice?
Yes, brown rice works beautifully in this Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe, though it requires approximately 10-15 minutes additional cooking time and an extra ¼ cup of broth. The nutty flavor of brown rice complements the tomato and spices nicely while adding extra fiber.

Why is my Spanish rice mushy?
Mushy rice typically results from using too much liquid or stirring during cooking. Ensure you’re using the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid lifting the lid during the simmering process. Additionally, properly toasting the rice before adding liquid helps maintain grain integrity.

Can I make Spanish rice in a rice cooker?
Absolutely! Toast the rice and sauté the vegetables in a skillet first, then transfer to your rice cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Use the white rice setting and let the machine do the work—perfect for busy weeknights.

Is Spanish rice actually Spanish?
Despite its name, what Americans call “Spanish rice” is actually more similar to Mexican rice (arroz rojo). Authentic Spanish rice dishes like paella use different techniques and seasonings. This Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe follows the Mexican-inspired tradition popular in the United States.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Spanish rice reheats beautifully and sometimes tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make it up to two days ahead, refrigerate, and reheat with a splash of broth to restore moisture before serving.

Print