This version of Spanish Rice (aka Mexican Rice) is that exact kind you find at your favorite Tex Mex restaurant. It doesn’t use tomato sauce, but instead, uses a different seasoning to get that flavor that’s hard to pin point that you only find in those hole in the wall Tex Mex restaurants.

spanish rice on a plate with enchiladas topped with chopped cilantro on a wooden board

As someone who grew up surrounded by Tex Mex flavors (eating it nearly every night of the week), I’ve always loved how simple the restaurant style Spanish rice is. It typically doesn’t have large chunks of tomato (like Rotel) and isn’t sticky.

This version uses a specific type of bouillon that gives it that extra flavor that can sometimes feel like it’s missing in others. This version is that fluffier, drier, more basic version you typically find in your favorite Tex Mex restaurant served up alongside enchiladas, carne asada, ground beef tacos, and fajitas.

For busy weeknights, I rely on this recipe because it’s quick to make and pairs well with just about any protein. Plus it’s one of those dishes that you easily adjust to fit what you have on hand. No fresh onions? Swap out onion powder. Want to switch up the rice? Basmati or Jasmine work great here too. Best of all—the whole family loves it.

When you make this rice, be prepared for it to become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s simplicity combined with its flavor makes it a go-to for busy days or when you just want that comforting side dish that reminds you of home.

Ingredients to make fluffy Spanish Rice

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this easy Tex-Mex restaurant-style rice.

  • Oil – You’ll want a neutral-tasting oil for this. I like avocado oil the best, but olive oil works as well.
  • Onion – just a standard white or yellow onion. I like using a Texas sweet onion, but any yellow onion works well. The key is just to make sure it’s chopped small.
  • Garlic Powder – make sure it isn’t expired. It should have a strong scent when you open it, if it doesn’t, it’s time for a new one.
  • Long Grain White Rice – you don’t want to use any quick-cook rice in this.
  • Tomato Bouillon with Chicken Flavor – Knorr brand is the one I buy, but you can use your favorite brand. The Knorr brand is typically located in the soup aisle by the broths and stocks. You can also use Goya Cilantro & Tomato seasoning.
ingredients to make spanish rice

Substitutions

There’s a few substitutions and alterations you can make in this recipe. While as written is going to give you the closest you’ll find to Tex Mex restaurant style, these ingredients will taste great as well.

If you’re really not into using actual onion, you can substitute it with onion powder. You can use 1 teaspoon of onion powder in place of the fresh onion.

If you don’t have long grain white rice on hand, you can also use basmati or jasmine rice. While the rice to water ratio will still work as written in the recipe with these, you might want to reduce the jasmine rice down to 1 3/4 cup water so that it’s drier and less sticky.

If you choose to use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of water, keep in mind that the bouillon has a lot of salt. So you’ll likely want to reach for an unsalted broth.

You can also do some extra spices like cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano.

How to make Spanish Rice with tomato bouillon

This rice is easy to make in just a few simple steps. Let me show you how to make Spanish Rice without tomato sauce.

  1. Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot and add the onion.
  2. Saute the onion, stirring occasionally until it’s cooked through and translucent.
oil and onion in a skillet sauteeing
  1. Next, you’ll add in the garlic powder and rice, then stir it together until it’s fully coated.
  2. Keep stirring constantly until the rice just begins to lightly brown a little. You’re looking for a light golden color, not burned.
rice toasting with oil, onion, and garlic powder in a white skillet
  1. Add the water and bouillon cube into the pot, breaking up the cube until it’s mixed in.
  2. Bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for about 15 minutes.
  3. Once the liquid is absorbed, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, covered.
  4. Remove the lid, fluff with a fork, and serve with your favorite Tex Mex dinner!

Top Tip

If you are rinsing your rice before cooking, try to let it drain and dry out a little between a couple of paper towels before you put it in the pan. You want it to be able to get that nice toasted flavor.

Spanish Rice vs. Mexican Rice

Spanish rice and Mexican rice are often used interchangeably in the United States, but there are some key differences between them.

Spanish rice is traditionally made with saffron, giving it a yellow-orange color. But saffron is really expensive these days and often omitted from recipes or replaced with a slight amount of tumeric. It often includes vegetables like bell peppers and peas. Spanish rice has a much more distinct flavor of saffron.

Mexican rice is usually made with tomato-based ingredients like tomato sauce, tomato paste, or diced tomatoes which gives it more of a reddish orange color. Mexican rice tends to be fluffy and light with the grains separated since it’s sauteed first before simmering the liquid.

Despite the differences, typically, the rice you find in Tex-Mex restaurants (like this recipe) often gets referred to as Spanish rice.

spanish rice on a plate with enchiladas topped with chopped cilantro on a wooden board

How to store leftover Spanish Rice

Allow leftover rice to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Place the cooled rice in an airtight container or freezer-safe zip top bag for storage. I also really like using my vacuum sealer for this to keep it fresh.

In the refrigerator – Place the cooled rice in an airtight container and keep it in the coldest part of your fridge. Properly stored, leftover Spanish Rice will be good for up to 4 days.

In the freezer – Allow the cooked rice to cool completely before storing to avoid condensation from forming. You can spread the rice out on a baking sheet and stick it in the fridge to cool if needed. Transfer the cooled rice to an airtight container or freezer safe bag and press out all of the air. Place it in the freezer. When stored properly, Spanish Rice can be frozen for up to 6 months.

How to reheat Spanish Rice

You can reheat this in the microwave or on the stovetop.

In the microwave – Place the rice in a microwave safe container, sprinkle a teaspoon or so of water over the rice, and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

On the stovetop – Place your desired amount of rice in a skillet. Add a teaspoon or two of water and heat over medium heat, stirring often, until it’s heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze Spanish Rice?

Yes, you can freeze cooked rice. Allow the cooked rice to cool completely before storing to avoid condensation forming. Then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer safe bag (with the extra air removed).

Can I use Jasmine rice for Spanish Rice?

Yes, you can use Jasmine rice or other long grain white rice to make this. With Jasmine, you might want to lower the liquid about to 1 3/4 cup though to keep that drier texture.

How many cups of water for Mexican rice?

If you’re using long grain white rice, you’ll want to use 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice.

How much tomato bouillon for Mexican rice?

You’ll need 1 cube of tomato bouillon per 1 cup of rice. So if you plan to make 2 cups of rice, you’ll want to use 2 cubes, 3 cups of rice, 3 cubes, etc.

What goes with Spanish rice?

Well, in my opinion, Spanish rice and refried beans are a match made in heaven. But there are so many things that you can have with it.

Variations

Cheesy Spanish rice – once the rice is fully cooked, stir in freshly shredded sharp cheddar and allow it to melt together.

Spanish rice with corn – you can mix in cooked corn after the rice is completely cooked, or add in frozen corn when you add the water and bouillon.

Spanish rice and peas – mix in frozen peas with the water and bouillon and let them cook through with the rice.

Spanish rice with chorizo – start by browning chorizo in your skillet. Then add in the onion and proceed with the recipe as written.

Spanish rice with beans – you can add in pinto beans, black beans, or even charro beans to the rice after it’s cooked.

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Easy Spanish Rice Recipe

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Prep 5 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
This version of Spanish Rice (aka Mexican Rice) is that exact kind you find at your favorite Tex Mex restaurant. It doesn't use tomato sauce, but instead, uses a different seasoning to get that flavor that's hard to pin point that you only find in those hole in the wall Tex Mex restaurants.

Ingredients 

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • ¼ cup chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cube Knorr's Tomato Bouillon with Chicken Flavor

Instructions 

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot, and saute the onion until translucent.
  • Stir in a couple of dashes of garlic powder, along with the rice. Stir constantly until the rice starts to brown.
  • Add the water, and break up the bouillon cube into the pot, stirring until completely dissolved. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
  • When the time’s up, turn off the heat, and let rest for 5 minutes, covered.
  • Fluff with a fork, and serve.

Video

Notes

If you’re rinsing your rice, try to let it drain and dry out a little before you put it in the pan so that it can toast.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 233kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Sodium: 9mg, Potassium: 62mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin C: 0.01mg, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex

Hi! I’m Kara!

Kara loves all things food and spending time with her family and dogs. She has a passion for cooking and loves making yummy, family-friendly recipes.

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