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How to make Homemade Spanish Rice/Mexican Rice. whatever you call it, we’ve got the best and Easiest Spanish Rice Recipe you can find. It tastes like it came straight from the restaurant!
It’s our go-to side dish when serving Mexican food! Not only is it simple and takes under 10 minutes to prep, but it’s perfect served with our tacos and enchiladas!
Easy Mexican Rice
I LOVE Spanish Rice (aka MexicanRice)! As previously mentioned, I’m 1/2 Mexican. I love this family heritage so much, and am especially grateful that my family has taught me to make delicious Mexican food.
My mom has been making today’s Spanish Rice recipe for as long as I can remember and first showed me how to make it several years ago (along with empanadas, enchiladas and tacos). Now, we make it on a weekly basis because my kids are obsessed and it’s just so easy.
This recipe isย actually the Spanish Rice recipe of a popular Mexican Restaurant in Mesa called Mango’s (down on Main). If you’ve ever been down there and liked their rice,ย then you’ll love this recipe. It really is simple, delicious and the perfect side to any Mexican dish!
How to Make spanish Rice
One of the main reasons we love this recipe (other than the fact that it’s simple), is because we always have the ingredients on hand. Here are the Spanish rice ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious side dish:
- long grain rice
- oil
- tomato sauce
- minced garlic
- chicken broth
- cumin
- garlic pepper + salt
Begin by browning the rice in the oil (we use about 1/8 but it depends on how much you like). Add the minced garlic and sautรฉ for a minute before adding the tomato sauce, chicken broth (or water and bouillon cube) and spices.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Fluff up before serving.
FAQ + TIPS
How much rice per person? Plan on 1/4 cup uncooked rice per person. Once the rice is cooked it will end up being about 3/4 – 1 cup per person. If a recipe calls for 3 cups uncooked rice plan on it feeding about 12 people.
Which rice is best for Spanish Rice? We love to use long-grain white rice.ย It gets fluffy and does not get sticky like some of the short-grained rices.
Can Spanish rice be made with brown rice?ย Brown rice can definitely be used in place of white rice. Just add โ c more water per cup of brown rice and let simmer longer- until the brown rice reaches your desired texture.
Can you use salsa instead of tomato sauce?ย Sure thing! Salsa can add more flavor and even a bit more spice to this mild rice recipe. It’s all about preference.
Which topping ingredients are best for this rice?ย You can add what you love most, but we often add chopped peppers, chopped cilantro, onions or even green onions.
Once all your spices and tomato sauce are added, stir and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes.
REHEATING, FREEZING + MORE RECIPES
How to reheat Spanish Rice/mexican rice?ย Be sure to store it properly in an air-tight container. It can last in the fridge for up to 5-6 days. To reheat, just microwave or reheat on the stove for a few minutes.
Can spanish rice be frozen?ย Yes, it can be frozen to be used at a future time. Simply place about 3 cups of cooked rice into ziplock freezer bags, label and place in the freezer for 4-6 months.
When you’re ready to use you can thaw the rice in the fridge or cook straight from the freezer. Using a microwave safe bowl microwave the rice on high stirring every 2 minutes until rice reaches your desired temperature.
Recipes that use Spanish Rice
Yes, we use it as a side for any Mexican dish, but we also like to use it recipes too, including:
- Burritos
- Rice bowls/Burrito Bowls
- Chimichangas
- Taco Salad
And best of all, is that it’s the best side for any Mexican meal!! Below are video and printable instructions to make the Mexican rice. We hope you can enjoy it with any Mexican dish you try.
For more Mexican rice recipes, check out:
what to serve with Spanish Rice?
- Chicken Enchiladas
- Red Cheese Enchiladas
- Beef Empanadas
- Green Chile Burros
- Baked Chicken Chimichanga
- Steak Fajitas
Spanish Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 1/8 cup vegetable oil
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 6 stems cilantro (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 4 cups water (or 4 cups chicken lower sodium chicken broth - and no bouillon)
- 1 cube chicken flavored bouillon
- dash cumin
- dash garlic pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil in large frying pan on medium heat.
- Add rice and cook until golden brown.
- Add 1 chicken flavored bouillon cube to 4 cups water and microwave for 3 minutes.
- When rice is brown, add water, tomato sauce, salt, garlic, cumin and garlic pepper to pan.
- Stir and cover pan. Let simmer for 30-40 minutes or until all is cooked and there is no liquid left. Fluff before serving and ENJOY.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Iโve made it for company twice and tonight for steak bowls. This time i used a can of diced tomatoeS. Love thIs recipe! EaSy and deliciOus!
Great idea for bowls! Thank you for sharing that! Glad you like it!
Can you swap out stock for the water/boullion?
Yes, for sure!! Enjoy!!
Best ever
Awe, thank you so much for letting me know!
We love this rice! I make it at least once a week, it’s our GO to side for every Mexican dish.
Ours too!! So happy you like it! Thank you!
This is our “Go To” Spanish/Mexican rice recipe now. We usually make it as is but sometimes add a SAUTEED cajun mirepoix (Celery, onion & Green pepper) to the rice. Love it!!!!
Great idea!! Thank you for letting me know ๐
The flavor was great! Made it for my first time, the Recipe was super easy to follow and lasted for 2 meals!!!
I am glad you tried it & even happier you liked it! Thank you!
This is the exact flavor i was looking for in spanish rice. I have tried tons of spanish rice Recipes that did not work out. This one is great, only problem is my rice came out crunchy, not fluffy. What did i do wRong?
Glad you liked the flavor. How long did you cook it for? My only guess, is that it wasn’t cooked long enough.
I cooked for a little over 30 minutes. I was worried if i cooked it toO long it would dry out. Rice and i have a love hate relationship. Lol. Its hit or miss somEtimes. I will try to Extend the cooking time next go round.
It takes about 45 minutes for the perfect rice ๐ I did, too for the longest time. Keep trying ๐
The beSt …….and such an easy recipe to make!!! My son in law Is from mexico city and he LOVES IT !! Ps i have made it many times but changed it up just for a little more Flavor and makes it supper moist !! I add 3 cups of chicken broth (stock) and 1 cup water and i do not add the Boullian cube when making it this way,but my way Or Her way is both excellent!!!????
Yay!! Glad you both like it! Thank you ๐
This was so easy to make! I had all the ingredients in my Pantry and the flavor was so good. Seriously like from a restaurant! Definitely keeping it in our rOtation.
Awe, I am glad you think so ๐ Thank you so much!
Hands down this is my family’s favorite Spanish rice recipe! I’ve tried several and this beats all of them, added bonus that it’s also the easiest to make. 10/10!
Woohoo!! Thank you for saying that! I am so glad you like it!
The best (and easiest) mexican rice ever! I make it often and will never stay from this recipe!
I am glad you like it ๐ Thank you for letting me know!