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Easy Authentic Spanish Rice: The Best Weeknight Side Dish

A mound of vibrant orange Spanish rice mixed with green peas, topped with fresh cilantro, served with a lime wedge.
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You deserve flavorful food every night. This easy Spanish rice recipe delivers authentic Mexican flavor and fluffy texture using simple pantry staples. It is the perfect quick side dish for tacos or burritos.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 lime wedge (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the long-grain rice and stir constantly for 3 to 5 minutes until the rice grains turn light golden brown. This toasting step is key for fluffy rice.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, oregano, and salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to coat the rice completely. Cook for 1 minute.
  5. Carefully pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for another 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this resting time.
  8. After resting, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the optional frozen peas and carrots mix if using.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

  • Toasting the rice properly prevents the grains from becoming gummy. Keep stirring until you see a light golden color.
  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality tomato sauce or tomato paste diluted with a little water.
  • This recipe is naturally vegetarian if you use vegetable broth. It is a great gluten free side dish.

Nutrition

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