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Easy Authentic Spanish Rice (Restaurant Style Mexican Rice)

Close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, orange-red Spanish rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.
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Make this easy Spanish Rice recipe for a flavorful, fluffy side dish perfect for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Toasting the rice creates separate grains with deep, tomato and cumin flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the long-grain white rice to the hot oil. Stir constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the rice turns a light golden brown color. This step is key for fluffy rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Stir well to combine everything.
  6. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid. Do not stir during simmering.
  8. Remove the pan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice.
  9. Fluff the Spanish rice gently with a fork. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if you wish. This is a great side dish for tacos.

Notes

  • Toasting the rice before adding liquid prevents gummy rice and builds a nutty flavor base.
  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
  • If you prefer a slightly spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili powder with the cumin.
  • This recipe makes a perfect side dish for weeknight dinner meals.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/easy-authentic-spanish-rice-recipe/