Easy Spanish Rice Recipe: Stovetop & Instant Pot for Perfect Mexican Meals

Spanish Rice is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with all your Mexican inspired dishes. Made on the stove top or instant pot!

There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a perfectly cooked batch of Spanish rice. Its vibrant, reddish-orange hue, savory tomato flavor, and tender, fluffy grains instantly evoke the warmth and excitement of Mexican cuisine. This easy Spanish rice recipe is designed to be your go-to side dish, delivering exceptional flavor with minimal effort. Whether you prefer the traditional stovetop method or the convenience of an Instant Pot, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners and impress your family with a dish that’s versatile, delicious, and incredibly simple to prepare.

Why This Easy Spanish Rice Will Become Your Family’s Favorite

I’ve spent a considerable amount of time perfecting a Spanish rice recipe that my entire family would adore, and it was a delightful challenge! This particular recipe, believe it or not, came to life quite by chance, using ingredients I already had in my pantry. That’s often my favorite way to cook – a little “clean out the fridge and pantry” magic that results in something unexpectedly delicious. And honestly, isn’t it the best feeling to have an almost empty fridge right before your big grocery haul? (Or is that just me?)

Unlike some overly complicated recipes, this version focuses on simple, accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, ensuring a delicious outcome every time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a flavorful side that doesn’t demand a lot of attention, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to utilize common pantry staples, making it both economical and convenient.

Understanding Spanish Rice: My Homestyle Take

Before we dive into the cooking process, I want to be upfront: this is my personal, homestyle version of Spanish rice, and while it captures the spirit and flavors we all love, it’s not claiming to be an authentic, traditional Mexican recipe. Just like every beloved Mexican restaurant seems to have its unique take on this iconic reddish-orange, tomato-infused rice side dish, so do I!

You might have noticed how vastly Spanish rice can differ from one establishment to another. I even know a local Mexican restaurant that serves a rice pilaf with peas and carrots that isn’t red at all. Say what?!? This just goes to show that there’s a wide spectrum of “Spanish rice” out there. My recipe is crafted to deliver that familiar, comforting flavor profile that pairs beautifully with almost any Mexican-inspired meal, focusing on ease and deliciousness for the home cook.

It’s important to differentiate “Spanish Rice” as it’s often known in American and Tex-Mex cuisine from traditional Spanish (from Spain) rice dishes like paella. American “Spanish Rice” or “Mexican Rice” typically refers to a tomato-based rice dish often served as a side, while authentic Spanish cuisine has a diverse range of rice preparations that are quite different. My recipe leans into the popular, approachable style many people expect when they hear “Spanish Rice.”

Other Easy Side Dishes You Might Enjoy:

• Easy Rice Pilaf with Carrots and Peas
• Simple Roasted Green Beans
• Easy Parmesan Risotto

How to Make Spanish Rice: Simplicity at Its Best

Making this Spanish rice is surprisingly straightforward – it’s essentially the same process as cooking a regular pot of rice, but with a few key ingredient additions that transform it into something truly special. The secret lies in toasting the rice before adding the liquids, which gives it a beautiful nutty flavor and helps prevent it from becoming sticky.

Choosing the Right Rice for Fluffy Grains

I personally gravitate towards Basmati rice for this recipe because it’s what I typically have on hand, and I absolutely love the way it cooks up – long, separate, and wonderfully fluffy grains. However, you can certainly use other types of white rice. The most important tip here is to always consult the cooking instructions on your bag of rice. Different rice varieties, and even different brands, can require varying amounts of liquid and cooking times.

For example, if your bag recommends 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water, ensure that the total liquid amount in this recipe (salsa, broth, water, etc.) adds up to 2 cups for every 1 cup of rice you use. This simple adjustment is key to achieving perfectly cooked rice every time, regardless of the variety. Long-grain white rice or medium-grain white rice are also excellent choices for a fluffy outcome.

Stovetop vs. Instant Pot: Pick Your Method!

I’ve provided instructions for both stovetop and Instant Pot methods, as each has its own advantages. Most of the time, I opt for the Instant Pot simply because I find it incredibly convenient and hands-off. It consistently delivers perfectly cooked rice with minimal fuss, freeing up stovetop space and my attention for other parts of the meal.

The stovetop method, while requiring a bit more monitoring, offers a classic approach that many cooks prefer. It allows for more control over the browning of the rice and the simmering process, which can be very satisfying. Both methods yield fantastic results, so choose the one that best suits your cooking style and schedule.

Ingredients for Your Flavorful Spanish Rice

This recipe calls for a few simple ingredients that come together to create a burst of flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each component is important:

• Oil of Choice: Any neutral cooking oil like vegetable, canola, or even olive oil works well. It’s essential for toasting the rice and sautéing the aromatics.
• White Basmati Rice: As mentioned, my preferred choice for its fluffy texture. You can substitute with other long or medium-grain white rice.
• Small Onion, Diced: Onions add a foundational layer of savory flavor. Dicing them finely ensures they blend seamlessly into the rice.
• Garlic, Minced: Fresh garlic provides aromatic depth. Add it towards the end of sautéing to prevent burning.
• Reduced Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth/Stock: This is crucial for cooking the rice and infusing it with flavor. Using reduced sodium broth gives you more control over the final saltiness of the dish. Remember to adjust the quantity if using an Instant Pot (2 cups) versus stovetop (2.5 cups) and based on your rice package instructions.
• Your Favorite Salsa: This is where much of the “Spanish” or “Mexican” flavor comes from! Choose a salsa you genuinely love – mild, medium, or hot, chunky or smooth. It adds the vibrant tomato base and a touch of spice.

Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Spanish Rice

• Toast the Rice: Don’t skip the step of toasting the rice in oil until it’s lightly golden. This brings out a nutty flavor and helps each grain cook separately, preventing stickiness.
• Don’t Peek (Stovetop): Once the lid is on and the rice is simmering, resist the urge to lift it! Every time you open the lid, heat and steam escape, which prolongs cooking time and can affect the texture.
• Rest Time is Key: After cooking, whether on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot, let the rice rest, covered, for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the steam to redistribute and the grains to firm up, resulting in fluffier rice.
• Fluff with a Fork: Always fluff cooked rice with a fork, not a spoon, to gently separate the grains without mashing them.
• Adjust Liquid for Your Rice: As reiterated, the ratio of liquid to rice is paramount. If you’re using a type of rice other than Basmati, always refer to the package instructions and adjust the total liquid (broth + salsa) accordingly.

Uses for Spanish Rice: Beyond a Simple Side

While Spanish rice is a classic side dish, its versatility allows it to shine in many culinary applications. Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy this flavorful rice:

• Classic Side Dish: The most obvious, yet always appreciated, pairing for tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, or any grilled Mexican meat.
• Rice Bowls: Create delicious and customizable rice bowls by combining Spanish rice with your favorite protein (chicken, beef, beans), fresh veggies, avocado, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Burrito Filler: A scoop of Spanish rice adds wonderful flavor and substance to homemade burritos. It also helps absorb excess moisture from other fillings.
• Taco Salads: Incorporate it into your taco salads to make them more substantial and satisfying, and to stretch your meat filling further.
• Stuffed Peppers or Chiles Rellenos: Use it as a flavorful base for stuffing bell peppers or Anaheim chiles.
• Breakfast Burritos: A surprising but delicious addition to breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs, cheese, and sausage or bacon.
• Chicken and Rice Soup: Add leftover Spanish rice to chicken broth with shredded chicken and veggies for a hearty soup.
• Quick Skillet Meals: Stir it into skillet meals with black beans, corn, and ground beef for a complete and easy dinner.