Easy Spanish Rice Recipe

Easy Spanish Rice Recipe – The easiest and most flavorful version of authentic Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo) with only 4 simple ingredients.

An Easy Spanish Rice Recipe for All

Today we are sharing delicious authentic Mexican Rice recipe… Or is Spanish Rice?

You might think that Spanish Rice is native to Mexico, but it is not! Since rice is not native to Mexico, it is thought that the Spaniards brought it over to Central America during the invasion in the 1500s, after their travels to Asia.

Over time the two cultures married to create a delicious staple in the Mexican food culture. I couldn’t imagine eating tacos stuffed to the brim without a side of Mexican Rice and beans.

In Northern Mexico, Spanish Rice is most often cooked with tomatoes and onions, whereas in Southern Mexico plain white rice is more traditional.

This authentic Spanish Rice recipe is so easy to make that you only have to purchase 2 ingredients; the other 2 ingredients are kitchen staples!

Next time you head to the grocery store pick up some long-grain white rice and a large jar of chunky salsa so you can prepare this easy Spanish Rice recipe for your next Taco Tuesday dinner.

Whether you’re looking for a side dish to add to a protein, cheesy chicken enchiladas, or a base for a yummy rice bowl, this Mexican Rice recipe is the way to go.

What Is The Difference Between Spanish Rice and Mexican Rice?

In the United States, these two terms are often used interchangeably. We refer to Mexican Rice or Spanish rice as the same recipe with the same (or similar) ingredients.

However, traditionally there are some differences in the most authentic recipes. Spanish rice dishes tend to be firmer and piecey like a pilaf. Whereas, Mexican rice is usually cooked to be soft and fluffy. Different ingredients are added to create the red, yellow, or orange color. Spanish rice relies on saffron for color while Mexican rice is usually made with annatto seeds and tomatoes for color.

In this “Easy Spanish Rice Recipe” we are not focusing on proper terminology or global tradition. Instead, we are providing a bold and zesty all-purpose rice recipe to serve with your favorite Mexican dishes.

Easy Spanish Rice Ingredients

• Long Grain White Rice – You can’t have authentic Mexican Rice without the rice!
• Chunky Tomato Salsa – Adds all the veggie flavor and color in one ingredient.
• Butter – To add a luxurious nutty flavor.
• Cumin – For a little hint of smoke.

Pro Tip! For extra flavor, use chicken broth instead of water! Or use vegetable broth to keep things vegan.

How To Make Spanish Rice with Salsa

1. First, melt your butter in a medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Add in the rice, ground cumin, and salt.
2. Sauté the rice making sure to coat all the grains in the melted butter.
3. Next, add the salsa. Fill the salsa jar with water and pour the water into the pot. Stir!
4. Cover the rice with a tight lid and bring to a boil. Stir the rice, lower the heat to simmer, and cover the pot again.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes. Stir the rice to ensure that it doesn’t stick to the bottom!
6. Cover the rice again and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Make sure that all the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and allow the rice to steam for another 5 minutes.
8. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

Get the Full (Printable) Easy Spanish Rice Recipe Below. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

• You can add extra ingredients like veggies! Bell pepper, garlic, onions, or corn would be great options to cook with this Mexican-style rice!
• You can use brown rice if you prefer, but you will need to use more water!
• For less sticky rice, rinse the rice with water before cooking it until the water runs clear!
• Store any homemade Spanish rice leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days! Reheat thoroughly in the microwave for serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating Rice?

Rice has various health benefits ranging from a great energy source containing high nutritional value, to cancer protection and high blood pressure control.

Is This Spanish Rice Spicy?

This authentic Mexican rice is slightly spicy thanks to the addition of salsa. But you can use mild salsa, or to eliminate the spice completely, use canned tomato sauce instead!

What Is The Ratio Of Water To Rice?

2 to 1… 2 cups of water to 1 cup of rice.

Why Is My Rice Mushy?

You likely added too much water and overcooked the rice. Wait for the little steam holes in the top of the rice as a marker to turn the heat off.

Why Is My Rice Sticky?

When rice is dropped into water, the starch coating releases and starts to bloom, making it sticky. As the rice cooks, it gets closer to where it sticks together and clumps.

You can lessen the stickiness of the rice by washing and draining it thoroughly before starting the cooking process.

Adding fat, like a little bit of cooking oil or butter, to the rice before boiling also helps protect against stickiness.

Can I Use An Alternative To Salsa In Spanish Rice?

Yes! You can use tomato sauce as an alternative, or Rotel tomato and chile blend.

Just be sure you have a combined 48 ounces of liquid and tomatoes.

What Do I Serve With Spanish Rice?

Typically you would pair Spanish Rice with burritos, enchiladas, tacos, beans, or chicken.

Or try it in a rice bowl topped with shredded chicken, cheese, avocado, sour cream, salsa, and cilantro!

Pair This Easy Mexican Rice With

• Homemade Flour Tortillas
• Chori Pollo
• Achiote Chicken
• Mexican Caprese Salad
• Beef Enchiladas
• Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad
• Slow Cooker Carnitas
• Best Huevos Rancheros
• Red Posole
• Refried Beans
• Authentic Sopes
• Black Bean Soup
• Mexican Fried Ice Cream Cake

Looking for More Fabulous Rice Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:

• Cheesy Enchilada Rice Recipe
• Cauliflower Rice Recipe
• Saffron Rice with Golden Raisins and Pine Nuts Recipe
• Indian Rice Recipe
• Smoky Leek Risotto Recipe

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