Easy Spanish Rice Recipe
This easy Spanish rice recipe is so easy to make in just one skillet, and it’s ready in about 25 minutes. Soft and tender rice with bits of onions, red bell peppers, jalapenos, and seasoned with garlic, cumin, and oregano is always a family favorite. Whether you want to serve this alongside a plate of 20-Minute Baked Cilantro and Lime Chicken, or with Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken, use it inside Smothered Beef Burritos, or as the rice component in Buffalo Chicken Burrito Bowls, this seasoned Spanish (or Mexican) rice never goes out of style! Try it in with Spanish Lemon Olive Chicken, too.
Is It Spanish Rice or Mexican Rice?
I did quite a bit of research about what exactly is the difference and different sources say different things including:
Spanish rice isn’t from Spain, it’s more of an North American-invented recipe eaten in Northern Mexico and the southwest US Spanish rice being firmer while Mexican rice is softer (and sometimes sweeter) the yellow color in Spanish rice comes from saffron whereas it’s cumin that lends the color in Mexican rice recipes Spanish rice has veggies incorporated like onions, bell pepper and jalapeno whereas Mexican rice doesn’t They both use tomato broth (or tomato paste – which I chose not to use because most people don’t keep it on hand and then you’re left with a mostly unused tube or can of it lingering) Some say this rice is like the Mexican equivalent of rice pilaf for your next Mexican meal
Ingredients in Homemade Spanish Rice
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How To Make The Best Spanish Rice
More Easy Rice Recipes:
Mexican Rice and Black Beans Medley — Hearty enough to be a meal or makes a FANTASTIC side dish with loads of textures in every bite!! A super FLEXIBLE recipe that’s HEALTHY and makes a big batch for planned leftovers! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Very Veggie Rice and Beans — EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and amps up rice and beans with an abundance of vegetables!! Healthy, Mexican-inspired food that tastes like comfort food and keeps you satisfied for hours! Easy Better-Than-Takeout Chicken Fried Rice – One-skillet, ready in 20 minutes, and you’ll never want takeout again after tasting how good homemade is!! Way more flavor, not greasy, and loads of juicy chicken!! 15-Minute Sheet Pan Chicken Fried Rice – Easy HEALTHIER “fried rice” that’s actually baked and not fried!! Full of authentic flavor and ready faster than you can call for takeout! Perfect for busy weeknights and a family FAVORITE! Cauliflower Chicken Fried “Rice” — Even people who don’t like cauliflower will be amazed at how authentic and DELICIOUS this healthier version of chicken fried rice tastes!! Easy, ready in 15 minutes, and so much HEALTHIER than calling for takeout! Easy Better-Than-Takeout Shrimp Fried Rice – One-skillet, ready in 20 minutes, and you’ll never takeout again!! Homemade tastes WAY BETTER!! Tons more flavor, not greasy, and loaded with tender shrimp!! Hawaiian Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice — 🍍🍤 🌺 A Hawaiian-inspired shrimp fried rice recipe that’s EASY, ready in minutes, and has so much authentic flavor!! A family favorite that’s better than takeout! Beef Fried Rice — This better-than-takeout beef fried rice is EASY, ready in 20 MINUTES, and made in ONE skillet! Everyone loves the big juicy strips of steak and perfectly fried rice that’s speckled with bits of onions, peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs. The combination of the soy sauces, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil make it taste so authentic! Easy One-Skillet Sausage and Peppers with Rice – This easy one-skillet recipe combines Italian sausage and peppers with sweet Vidalia onions and rice to make a quick dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes! If you’re wondering what to make with Italian sausage tonight, make this!!
