If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful side dish that can easily become the star of your meal, this Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a warm, comforting rice dish with perfectly toasted grains, infused with the rich flavors of tomato, garlic, and aromatic spices that bring a taste of Spain right to your kitchen. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats, tacos, or simply enjoying it on its own, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and bold flavor that will quickly make it a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that beautiful, reddish hue Spanish rice is famous for. From the toasty rice to the savory broth, everything contributes to a perfectly balanced dish.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Helps toast the rice evenly and adds a subtle richness without overpowering flavors.
- 2 cups long-grain white rice: Choose this variety for its fluffy, separate grains once cooked, perfect for Spanish rice.
- 1 cube chicken-flavored bouillon: Adds a savory depth and umami punch; swap with broth if you prefer.
- 4 cups water (or lower sodium chicken broth): This liquid base cooks the rice and infuses it with flavor.
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce: Gives the rice its signature color and a tangy, comforting sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Provides aromatic warmth and slight pungency that awakens the palate.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings earthy, smoky notes that are hallmark in Spanish and Mexican rice dishes.
- Dash garlic pepper: Adds a subtle kick and extra garlicky depth.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Brightens the finished rice with a fresh, herbal pop.
How to Make Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe
Step 1: Toasting the Rice to Perfection
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until it’s shimmering just right. Add the long-grain white rice and cook it while stirring frequently, allowing each grain to turn a golden brown. This toasting step is key because it brings out a nutty flavor and helps keep the rice grains nice and separate after cooking. It usually takes about five minutes—patience here rewards you with fantastic texture.
Step 2: Preparing the Flavorful Broth
While the rice is browning, dissolve the chicken-flavored bouillon cube in four cups of water by microwaving it for three minutes. If you’re using chicken broth instead, just skip this step and have your broth ready to go. This broth is the backbone of your dish, providing savory goodness that infuses every bite with richness and depth.
Step 3: Combining All the Goodness
Once your rice is perfectly toasted, pour the prepared bouillon mixture (or broth), tomato sauce, minced garlic, salt, ground cumin, and a dash of garlic pepper directly into the pan. Give everything a thorough stir so all those wonderful flavors blend into each grain of rice, turning the mixture a vibrant, inviting hue.
Step 4: Simmering to Tender, Fluffy Rice
Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the rice simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking and to ensure even cooking. The goal here is to let the rice absorb all those delicious liquids fully—when done, you’ll notice there’s no excess moisture left, and the rice is tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Finishing Touches and Serving
Remove the pan from heat and fluff the rice with a fork to loosen the grains. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top to add a refreshing herbal note and a touch of color contrast. Now, your Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe is ready to be enjoyed warm, stealing the spotlight or enhancing your favorite dishes.
How to Serve Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness, perfectly balancing the warm spices in the rice. For a little extra zing, consider adding a wedge of lime or some sliced green onions on top. These small touches elevate the dish and add layers of flavor and texture with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
This rice pairs beautifully with a variety of mains—from sizzling fajitas and grilled chicken to black beans or roasted vegetables. Its vibrant color and bold flavor make it a crowd-pleasing side that livens up any plate. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or avocado slices to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive dinner, try molding the rice into compact rounds using a small bowl or scoop before plating. You can also stuff it into poblano peppers or use it as a hearty filling in burritos and wraps. With its colorful look and rich flavor, this rice shines as more than just a side dish—let your imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any rice left over, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to four days. To maintain moisture, add a small splash of water before reheating.
Freezing
This Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe freezes well for up to two months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, flatten to freeze evenly, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes meal prep and quick weeknight dinners a breeze.
Reheating
Reheat the rice gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even warmth. Fluff with a fork before serving to restore its fluffy texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. The texture will also be slightly chewier, but it adds a heartier, nuttier flavor if you prefer a whole grain option.
What if I don’t have chicken bouillon or broth?
Vegetable broth or even water with extra seasoning can work in a pinch. Just adjust salt and spices to taste to keep the rich flavor profile of the dish.
Can I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bouillon cube or find a vegetable-based alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a mild warmth from the garlic pepper and ground cumin but is not spicy hot. You can add chili powder or fresh jalapeños if you want to turn up the heat.
How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?
Proper toasting of the rice at the beginning and controlling the simmering temperature are key. Avoid lifting the lid too often and ensure the liquid is fully absorbed before removing from heat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a flavorful, colorful, and comforting dish to their meal rotation. It’s straightforward to make, endlessly versatile, and delivers that authentic, heartfelt taste every time. Grab your ingredients, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious results that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This delicious Homemade Spanish Rice recipe features perfectly toasted long-grain white rice simmered in a flavorful broth with tomato sauce, garlic, and spices. Topped with fresh cilantro, it’s a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of Mexican and Southwestern meals.
Ingredients
Rice and Cooking Base
- 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 – no bouillon if using broth)
Flavorings and Spices
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Dash garlic pepper
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it is shimmering, indicating it is hot enough to toast the rice properly.
- Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the pan. Cook it while stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until the rice turns golden brown. This step enhances the flavor and helps keep the rice from sticking together later.
- Prepare Bouillon Mixture: Place the chicken-flavored bouillon cube and 4 cups of water in a microwave-safe container. Microwave for 3 minutes to dissolve the bouillon cube completely. If you’re using chicken broth instead of water and bouillon, skip this step and use the broth directly.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the prepared bouillon mixture (or chicken broth), tomato sauce, minced garlic, salt, ground cumin, and garlic pepper into the pan with the toasted rice. Stir thoroughly to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Rice: Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cooking is complete when all liquid is absorbed and the rice grains are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork to separate grains. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve warm as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use vegetable bouillon or omit bouillon.
- To add extra flavor, consider sautéing finely chopped onions with the garlic before adding rice.
- Cover the pan tightly during simmering to ensure even cooking and prevent moisture loss.
- This rice pairs well with beans, grilled meats, or in burrito bowls.
- If you prefer a spicier rice, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
