Restaurant-Style Spanish Rice

Learn how easy it is to make this Restaurant-Style Spanish Rice at home. We like this side dish much better than the rice at the restaurant now. A few tweaks here and there is all it took, and this recipe is super easy.

Mexican Rice Easy Side Dish Recipe

Prep Time10

Cook Time35

Total Time45

Course: Dinner, lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Keyword: easy recipe, holiday side dish, restaurant recipe, rice recipe

Servings: Servings

Calories: 234kcal

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Kitchen Essentials

Non-stick Pan

Salsa Bowls

Terracotta Pitcher

Blue Bowl

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Ingredients

3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
2 cups Long-Grain Rice
1 pound Tomatoes quartered or a large can of diced tomatoes approximately 2 cups
1/2 cup white onion quartered
4 Cloves Garlic
1 Teaspoon Salt or to taste
¼ Teaspoon Cumin
2 Cups Chicken Broth That is well-seasoned or use chicken or vegetable soup base mixed with water.
2 Sprigs Fresh Cilantro or Parsley
Juice of 2 Limes

Instructions

In a Dutch oven or large skillet heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the rice and sauté until the kernels are lightly toasted and golden in color. Approximately 5 minutes.
3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil, 2 cups Long-Grain Rice
In a blender or food processor, puree the tomatoes along with the onion, garlic, and salt until smooth. Measure out 2 cups of the tomato puree and add this to the rice.
1 pound Tomatoes, 1/2 cup white onion, 4 Cloves Garlic, 1 Teaspoon Salt
Next add the well-seasoned chicken broth. Add the salt and cumin and bring to a boil stirring occasionally.
2 Cups Chicken Broth, ¼ Teaspoon Cumin
Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and gently fluff the rice with the fork. Cover again and set aside to steam for 10 minutes.
Add the cilantro and lime juice and fluff again to combine. Taste and season with more salt as needed.
2 Sprigs Fresh Cilantro, Juice of 2 Limes

Notes

There is a Short Video for This Recipe

Which rice is best for Spanish Rice?

We have tried short-grained rice and that tends to be a bit stickier. Therefore, we opt for long-grain white rice. However, long-grain brown rice can be used. Just adjust the water by 1/3 more and cooking time, at least 15 minutes more.

How Much Rice to Plan Per Person?

When planning portion sizes, in general plan ½ cup of uncooked rice per person. When the rice is cooked, it will measure approximately one cup per person since rice will double in size when cooked.

Topping Ideas for Spanish Rice

This rice can be enjoyed as is as a flavorful side dish. It can be used in burritos, salads, and other delicious recipes. You can also top this rice with sour cream, jalapeno, fresh cilantro, onions, fresh parsley, or a bit of salsa.

Nutrition