Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires 45-50 minutes to cook and about 25% more liquid. The nuttier flavor of brown rice works well with these spices, though the texture will be slightly different.

Why is my Spanish rice coming out mushy?

Mushy rice usually indicates too much liquid or overcooking. Make sure you're using the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking. Different brands of rice may require slight adjustments to the liquid amount, so make notes for next time.

Can I make this recipe in a rice cooker?

Absolutely! First toast the rice in a pan, then transfer it to your rice cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Use the regular white rice setting. The convenience of a rice cooker means you don't have to monitor the cooking process.

What's the difference between Spanish rice and Mexican rice?

They're essentially the same dish with regional naming differences. Both feature rice cooked with tomato and spices. Some variations might include different vegetables or spice levels, but the foundation is identical. In Mexico, this dish is often called "arroz rojo" (red rice).

Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe

Name: Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cups long-grain white rice; 1 cube chicken-flavored bouillon; 4 cups water (or 4 cups lower sodium chicken broth – and no bouillon); 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; dash garlic pepper; chopped fresh cilantro

This authentic Spanish Rice is the perfect sidekick to your Mexican-inspired meals, bringing vibrant flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Beautifully toasted rice simmers with rich tomato sauce and aromatic spices, creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing side that complements everything from tacos to grilled meats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-Fuss Cooking: The cooking process is wonderfully straightforward—toast, simmer, and serve. Perfect for those nights when you want something special without complicated techniques.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand, this recipe delivers tremendous flavor without breaking the bank.
Versatile Side Dish: This Spanish rice pairs beautifully with virtually any Mexican main course, from enchiladas to fajitas, or stands confidently on its own as the base for a burrito bowl.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance for busy weeknights or meal prep—it reheats beautifully and the flavors actually improve with time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Long-grain white rice: The star of the show that provides the perfect texture—each grain stays distinct and fluffy after cooking. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly if you want even fluffier results.
Vegetable oil: Used for toasting the rice to golden perfection, which develops a nutty flavor foundation for the entire dish.
Chicken bouillon: This concentrated flavor bomb infuses the rice with savory depth. It’s the secret ingredient that makes restaurant-style Spanish rice so addictive.
Water: The cooking liquid that transforms the hard rice grains into tender perfection. You can substitute chicken broth for even more flavor.
Tomato sauce: Gives the rice its signature reddish hue and adds a gentle tanginess that balances the savory elements.
Minced garlic: Provides that essential aromatic base—fresh is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch when you’re short on time.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.
Ground cumin: Adds an earthy, warm depth that’s characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
Garlic pepper: This seasoning blend adds complexity and a hint of heat without overwhelming the dish.
Fresh cilantro: An optional garnish that adds bright color and a fresh, herbal finish that lifts the entire dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Version

Transform this side into a more complete dish by adding diced bell peppers, corn, and peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The vegetables add color, texture, and nutritional value.

Protein-Enriched Spanish Rice

Add cooked, seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken when the rice is nearly done for a heartier one-pot meal that can serve as a main course.

Vegan Adaptation

Skip the chicken bouillon and use vegetable broth instead. Add a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of nutritional yeast for that umami depth.

Spicy Spanish Rice

Kick up the heat by adding a diced jalapeño when toasting the rice, or stir in some chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky heat that transforms the dish.

How to Make Spanish Rice

Step 1: Toast the Rice

Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently until it turns a beautiful golden brown, about 5 minutes. This toasting step is crucial—it develops a nutty flavor that makes this recipe special.

Step 2: Prepare the Cooking Liquid

While the rice is toasting, combine the chicken bouillon cube and water in a microwave-safe container. Microwave for about 3 minutes until the bouillon is completely dissolved. If using chicken broth instead, simply warm it slightly.

Step 3: Combine Everything

When the rice is perfectly toasted, carefully add the hot bouillon mixture, tomato sauce, minced garlic, salt, cumin, and garlic pepper to the pan. The mixture might bubble up initially, so be cautious.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Stir everything well, then cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Let the rice simmer for 30-40 minutes, checking occasionally and giving it a gentle stir. The rice is done when all liquid is absorbed and the grains are tender.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the moisture to distribute evenly. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, then serve hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

The Browning Step Matters: Don’t rush the toasting process—properly browned rice creates the foundation of flavor. You want a golden color, not pale or burnt.
Keep the Lid On: Resist the temptation to frequently check the rice while it’s simmering. Each time you lift the lid, steam escapes and can result in unevenly cooked rice.
Adjust Liquid as Needed: Different brands of rice may require slightly more or less liquid. If the rice seems too firm near the end of cooking time, add a few tablespoons of hot water and continue simmering.
Let It Rest: The 5-minute rest after cooking makes a significant difference in the final texture. The rice continues to steam and absorb flavors, resulting in perfectly fluffy grains.

How to Serve

Spanish rice shines as a versatile side dish that elevates any Mexican-inspired meal. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

Main Course Pairings

Serve alongside grilled chicken, beef fajitas, or enchiladas for a complete meal. The rice soaks up sauces beautifully, making it perfect with saucy dishes.

Build-Your-Own Bowl

Use this Spanish rice as the base for a customizable bowl. Top with black beans, grilled vegetables, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream.

Stuffed in Peppers

Spoon the Spanish rice into halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender for an impressive stuffed pepper dish.

Burrito Filling

This rice makes an excellent base for burritos—just add your favorite protein, beans, cheese, and roll it up in a warm tortilla.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Spanish rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.

Freezing

Portion cooled rice into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. The texture remains remarkably good after thawing, making this perfect for meal prep.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, add a tablespoon of water per cup of rice, cover, and warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet with a splash of water and a drizzle of oil, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires 45-50 minutes to cook and about 25% more liquid. The nuttier flavor of brown rice works well with these spices, though the texture will be slightly different.
Why is my Spanish rice coming out mushy?

Mushy rice usually indicates too much liquid or overcooking. Make sure you’re using the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking. Different brands of rice may require slight adjustments to the liquid amount, so make notes for next time.
Can I make this recipe in a rice cooker?

Absolutely! First toast the rice in a pan, then transfer it to your rice cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Use the regular white rice setting. The convenience of a rice cooker means you don’t have to monitor the cooking process.
What’s the difference between Spanish rice and Mexican rice?

They’re essentially the same dish with regional naming differences. Both feature rice cooked with tomato and spices. Some variations might include different vegetables or spice levels, but the foundation is identical. In Mexico, this dish is often called “arroz rojo” (red rice).

Final Thoughts

This Spanish Rice recipe transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. With its perfect balance of savory flavors and fluffy texture, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether serving it alongside your favorite Mexican dishes or enjoying it as a satisfying base for a weeknight bowl, this versatile side brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home table with minimal effort. Give it a try—your family will be asking for seconds!