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The BEST Easy One-Pot Spanish Rice | Authentic Mexican Side Dish

A molded serving of vibrant, orange-red spanish rice mixed with peas and diced tomatoes in a white bowl.
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Make restaurant-style Spanish Rice at home with this easy, one-pot recipe. You get fluffy, flavorful Arroz Rojo seasoned perfectly for tacos or enchiladas.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons 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 salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan or pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the long-grain white rice to the pot. Stir constantly and toast the rice for 5 to 7 minutes until it turns light golden brown. This step is key for fluffy Spanish rice.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, cumin, and oregano. Stir everything together well.
  6. Bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. If using, gently stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix.
  8. Keep the pot covered and let it stand off the heat for another 10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become perfectly fluffy.
  9. Fluff the Spanish rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • Toasting the rice properly is the secret to authentic Mexican rice texture. Keep stirring until you see a light golden color.
  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder with the cumin and oregano.
  • This recipe makes a great side dish for tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/easy-one-pot-spanish-rice-recipe/