Spanish Rice

This quick and easy Spanish Rice recipe is a Midwestern twist on a traditional recipe. The combination of white rice, onion, and salsa creates the perfect side dish for any of your Mexican dishes!

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It’s not a traditional Spanish rice recipe, but more of a cross between Spanish rice and Mexican rice. It’s the kind I grew up eating, and now I make it for my family. The traditional rice dish is made with saffron which is pricey. This version is budget-friendly, and I love how simple it is!

why you’ll love this recipe

• ​You only need five ingredients!
• It combines salsa, onion, and chicken broth. It might look basic, but it’s loaded with flavor.
• I love that it’s made with pantry ingredients.

What is the difference between Spanish rice and Mexican rice?

Typically, Spanish rice is a little bit firmer and heartier. Mexican rice is softer and gives the feeling of the rice melting in your mouth.

One thing we know, both of them are delicious and the perfect addition to Taco Tuesday or any Mexican inspired recipe like our favorite Beef Enchiladas.

Ingredients for Spanish Rice

• Oil – Olive oil, vegetable, or canola oil work great.
• Onion – Chop a white or yellow onion or save time and grab frozen diced onion.
• Uncooked white rice – We love a long grain white rice like Basmati. Do not use Minute Rice.
• Chicken broth – If you use low-sodium broth you may want to add a little salt to your rice. Make this dish vegetarian with a vegetable broth.
• Salsa – Use your favorite store-bought kind or use homemade salsa. This is an easy way to control the level of “heat” you want in your rice.

How to Make spanish rice

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the onion and sautée it for about five minutes or until it’s softened.

Add the rice and brown it while stirring frequently. Once it starts to turn golden, stir in the chicken broth and salsa and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cover the pan and cook the rice for 20 to 25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender and cooked through. Fluff rice with a fork and enjoy.

Storage and Reheating

Fridge: Store leftover Spanish Rice in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-6 days.

Freezer: Okay, trust me on this one, if you have loads of leftovers you can freeze this dish. The best option is to eat it fresh but if you need to, you can freeze it in a freezer safe container. Cover the rice with plastic wrap before putting the lid on the container and freezing it. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Reheat Spanish rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. In the microwave, add a little broth or water and cover the bowl with a damp paper towel so the steam stays in and the rice doesn’t dry out. On the stovetop, add a little broth or water and cover with a tight fitting lid.

Only reheat what you need, because the quality of the rice goes down the more it is reheated.

When you get your shopping list ready this week, but sure to add the ingredients for this easy rice dish! It goes with so many main dishes it will become your new go-to side. Enjoy!

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

 

5 from 9 votes

Spanish Rice Recipe

Quick and easy Spanish Rice recipe using pantry staples!

Prep:5 minutes mins

Cook:25 minutes mins

Total:30 minutes mins

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Ingredients

• ▢ 2 Tablespoons oil
• ▢ ½ cup chopped onion
• ▢ 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice
• ▢ 2 cups chicken broth
• ▢ 1 cup salsa

Instructions

• Add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in chopped onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
• Add rice to the skillet, stirring often. When the rice begins to brown, stir in chicken broth and salsa. Bring mixture to a boil.
• Reduce heat and cover. Simmer mixture for about 20-25 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and rice is cooked through.

Tips

If the liquid is absorbed, but your rice is still not done just add a little more broth to the pan and simmer it a little longer.

You can make this spicy Spanish rice by using your favorite hot salsa.

You can use brown rice instead of white rice, but you may need to increase the broth amount and simmer the rice a little longer.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 348kcal (17%), Carbohydrates: 62g (21%), Protein: 7g (14%), Fat: 8g (12%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Sodium: 893mg (39%), Potassium: 388mg (11%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 3g (3%), Vitamin A: 315IU (6%), Vitamin C: 11mg (13%), Calcium: 51mg (5%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

© Julie's Eats & Treats ®

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.

How to serve spanish rice

We love to serve this Spanish Rice as a side for shrimp or chicken enchiladas or as a filling for burritos. It is always a hit when I make it as a filling for Crock Pot Chicken Tacos or Ground Beef Tacos.

This is also a great side for your favorite pork loin, steaks or baked chicken. Spanish rice is also a great filling for burritos or a base for burrito bowls.

Turn it into a meal

• Spanish Rice with Ground Beef: Brown some ground beef with taco seasoning in the pan. Take it out, and then cook the Spanish rice as instructed. Once it’s done, stir the ground beef mixture in and add some garnishes like cheese, diced tomatoes, cilantro and avocado.
• Chicken Spanish Rice: You can also add chicken. Make a batch of my Instant Pot taco chicken meat but instead of serving it as tacos, stir the shredded seasoned chicken into the rice once it’s done cooking. Add some taco toppings for a great meal!
• Make it Vegetarian! Sub the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Saute some diced red bell pepper or other veggies you like with the onion, and then stir in some black beans once the rice is done cooking. Garnish it with some sliced green onions, diced jalapeno, and cilantro.

more easy side dishes

• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is a great side dish for chicken, pork, beef, or turkey! It’s great for holidays or anytime you want a cozy, cheesy side dish.
• The next time you’re craving Fried Rice, skip the takeout and make my easy recipe instead!
• Garlic Bread goes with all of your favorite pasta recipes, soups, stews, or serve it as an appetizer. It’s buttery, toasted bread that everyone will love.
• Quick and easy 30 minute dinner recipe that’s made in one skillet! Use up your leftover rice and chicken when you make Chicken Fried Rice.