Quick & Authentic Spanish Rice Recipe: Homemade Fiesta Flavor

Cooking at home brings pure joy, especially when you master a classic Spanish rice that dances with authentic flavors.

This beloved dish captures the essence of traditional Spanish cuisine with its vibrant ingredients and rich history.

Every grain tells a story of generations perfecting their culinary craft.

Warm spices and tender rice create a symphony of taste that transports you straight to the sunny streets of Spain.

The simple yet magical combination of ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Cooking Instructions for Bold, Tomato-Flavored Rice

• Toast the Rice

Heat oil in a skillet and add rice. Stir constantly until grains turn golden and develop a nutty aroma, about 5 minutes.

• Sauté Aromatics

Toss in chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, letting them release their sweet flavors.

• Wake Up the Garlic

Drop in minced garlic and let it sizzle briefly, filling the kitchen with its intense fragrance.

• Build the Flavor Base

Pour chicken broth and tomato sauce into the skillet. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly.

• Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat. Cover and let the rice cook quietly, absorbing all the delicious liquid until tender.

• Rest and Fluff

Take the skillet off the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes. Gently separate the rice grains with a fork.

• Finish and Serve

Add a fresh touch with chopped cilantro or a bright squeeze of lime. Serve hot and enjoy the vibrant Spanish-inspired rice.

Tweaks and Additions to Make It Your Own

• Perfectly golden rice brings out a nutty, rich flavor that transforms the entire dish, so take your time browning the grains before adding liquid.
• Always use a 2: 1 ratio of liquid to rice to ensure your Spanish rice stays fluffy and doesn't become sticky or undercooked.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious plant-based version that maintains the same depth of flavor and aromatic spices.
• Adjust chili powder and add diced jalapeños for extra heat, or reduce spices for a milder version that suits sensitive palates and kids.
• This Spanish rice keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for 35 days, making it perfect for meal prep and quick weeknight side dishes. Simply reheat with a splash of broth to restore moisture and freshness.

Serving Spanish Rice as a Side or Main

• Flavor Burst Companions: Pair this zesty Spanish rice with grilled chicken, juicy shrimp, or seared steak for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Fiesta Topping Bar: Create a fun toppings station with diced avocado, sour cream, extra cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and crumbled queso fresco to let everyone customize their plate.
• Side Dish Superstar: Serve alongside black beans, roasted vegetables, or as a perfect accompaniment to enchiladas, tacos, or fajitas for an authentic Mexican-inspired dinner spread.
• Fresh Finish Flourish: Add a bright, tangy touch by squeezing fresh lime juice over the rice just before serving, or sprinkle with extra chopped cilantro for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

Storing Leftover Spanish Rice Properly

• Store leftover Spanish rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
• Revive cold rice by adding a splash of chicken broth or water when warming in the microwave. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent dryness, ensuring a fresh-tasting meal.
• Package cooled Spanish rice in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best quality and flavor.
• Prepare a double batch of Spanish rice and use it as a versatile base for different meals. Transform leftovers into quick burritos, stuffed peppers, or top with fried eggs for a delicious breakfast bowl.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside a Pot of Spanish Rice

• Rice: Provides the foundation, choose long-grain white rice for perfect fluffy texture, select high-quality grains for best results.
• Olive Oil: Creates golden toasting effect, ensures rich depth of flavor and prevents sticking.

• Onion, Garlic: Builds complex savory foundation, select fresh produce with firm texture and no soft spots.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika: Adds warm Mexican-inspired spice profile, use fresh ground spices for maximum flavor intensity.

• Chicken Broth: Delivers moisture and enhances overall taste, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides vibrant color and tangy undertone, choose smooth, rich sauce without added sugar.
• Salt, Pepper: Balances and elevates entire dish's seasoning, use freshly ground black pepper for robust flavor.

• Cilantro, Lime: Offers bright, fresh finishing touch, select bright green cilantro leaves and juicy lime for zesty accent.

Tools for Getting the Texture Right in Spanish Rice

• Large skillet with lid: Essential for toasting rice and cooking the dish evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring rice and preventing sticking.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure rice, broth, and seasonings.
• Chef's knife: Needed for chopping onions and cilantro.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Fork: Used for fluffing rice after cooking.

Authentic Spanish Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Spanish rice promises a culinary journey through authentic Mediterranean flavors, blending aromatic spices and tender grains. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, this dish delivers a comforting taste of Spain that will transport you straight to a bustling kitchen in Madrid.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or 360 ml vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (or 240 ml crushed tomatoes)
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped cilantro or lime wedges (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Toast Rice: Heat oil in a lidded skillet over medium temperature. Tumble rice and stir continuously until achieving a golden, nutty hue, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Introduce onions and cook until they transform into translucent, tender pieces. Immediately incorporate minced garlic, allowing its essence to bloom for 30 seconds.
3. Build Flavor Profile: Stream chicken broth and tomato sauce into the skillet. Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, blending ingredients thoroughly.
4. Simmer and Cook: Elevate heat momentarily to trigger a gentle bubbling, then immediately reduce to low. Secure lid and allow rice to steam, absorbing liquid and becoming perfectly tender, roughly 18-20 minutes.
5. Rest and Finish: Withdraw skillet from heat source. Keep covered for an additional 5 minutes, enabling residual moisture to distribute evenly. Delicately separate rice grains using a fork.
6. Serve and Garnish: Transfer Spanish rice to serving dish. Optional: Scatter fresh cilantro or squeeze lime for a vibrant, zesty accent. Present warm and inviting.

Notes

• Stir constantly during toasting to prevent burning and ensure even golden color, which develops rich nutty flavor and prevents clumping.
• Use precise liquid measurements to achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy rice without becoming mushy or remaining undercooked.
• Adjust spice quantities according to personal heat preference, starting with smaller amounts and gradually increasing for desired flavor intensity.
• Allow rice to sit covered after cooking to redistribute moisture and create uniform texture, preventing dry or sticky results.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg