A good side dish can make the whole meal, and this Tasty Spanish Rice brings plenty of flavor without adding much work to dinner. Made with long-grain white rice, chicken broth, chunky salsa, cumin, and chopped onion, it’s a simple stovetop recipe that delivers savory, tomato-rich flavor in about 30 minutes. It’s an easy alternative to plain rice when you want something that feels right at home alongside your favorite Mexican-inspired meals.
The secret to flavorful Spanish rice starts before the liquid goes into the pan. First, cook the chopped onion in oil until tender, then add the uncooked rice. Stir frequently for about five minutes, allowing the grains to begin browning. This step adds a little toasted flavor and helps build the base for the finished dish.
Next, stir in chicken broth, cumin, and chunky salsa—or use Rotel for a convenient alternative. Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes, until the liquid has been absorbed. The salsa brings tomato flavor and seasoning, while the cumin adds warm, earthy notes throughout the rice.
For consistent results, use a heavy skillet with a tight-fitting lid so the rice can cook evenly as it absorbs the broth. Keep the heat low once the liquid comes to a simmer, and resist lifting the lid repeatedly; keeping the steam inside helps the grains cook properly.
This easy Spanish rice makes a versatile side for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, grilled chicken, or carne asada. It also works well as part of a casual family dinner when you want a filling accompaniment made from everyday pantry ingredients. If you enjoy having a few reliable side dishes in your rotation, this recipe is a useful one to keep close.
With minimal prep, familiar ingredients, and straightforward stovetop cooking, Tasty Spanish Rice is an easy way to bring extra flavor to the table without making dinner complicated.
Serve with Arroz Con Pollo and Schmaltz-Refried Pinto Beans. Here are some other good accompaniments for this recipe: homemade Classic Mexican Guacamole and Chile de Arbol Salsa.
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Tasty Spanish Rice
- Total Time: :30
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1 cup chunky salsa or Rotel
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Mix white rice into skillet, stirring often for about 5 minutes.
- When white rice begins to brown, stir in chicken broth, cumin and salsa. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed. Serve.
- Prep Time: :10
- Cook Time: :20
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Mexican