This kid friendly, simple, Easy Spanish Rice recipe is sure to satisfy everyone! This rice doesn’t require cutting onions or garlic or peppers it is SO EASY. It’s the kind of side you can just toss together and have ready in 25 mins. This easy Spanish rice will be enjoyed by all because it is so simple yet so full of flavor!
Spanish Rice Vs. Mexican Rice
Alright…so maybe you clicked on this recipe and thought…’this is Mexican rice.’ After a lot of research..I think you’re right. BUT my mother, who created this simple recipe, changed an Easy Spanish Rice recipe into this easier recipe so I’m calling it Spanish! haha..Here’s the difference if you’re curious!
Spanish Rice | Mexican Rice |
Doesn’t fluff/Clumpier | Medium Grain |
Long Grain | Softer |
Made with Saffron | Fluffier |
Meal Ideas
This Easy Spanish Rice goes well with anything but my top recommendations are Tacos, Easy Homemade Chicken Enchiladas – 6 Ingredients, chicken burritos, chili relleno souffle, or Tostadas. Something I really love is a good bean & cheese burrito with Spanish rice! MMM! The great thing about this recipe is it is very kid friendly because there isn’t a bunch of stuff in it so maybe just this rice with a little side of chicken for the kiddos! Leftovers heated with a little cheddar cheese and black pepper on top are always sure to make for a great snack! Whatever you do with it, it’ll taste great.
Cooking tips
Ingredients: The butter and oil is totally interchangeable! Use whatever you have on hand, the rice tastes great either way. Any brand of Garlic Salt or Tomato sauce is great also. I have also used Jasmine Rice in place of the usual long grain rice, it was delicious. Just use what you have on hand.
Cooking Utensil: I have always used a sauce pan for this recipe. Last time I made this in front of my mother-in-law she said “you’re not gonna use a pan?” The dumbfounded look on my face was probably pretty funny! This is just the way I have always done it and you know..don’t fix what ain’t broke!
Heat: Once your sauce pan is hot add your oil/butter. Once your oil/butter is hot add your rice. Let the rice brown for a bit, your rice will be start to smell good and pieces will turn brown. When it looks like the photo above you’re about ready to add the water, garlic salt and tomatoes. Once those ingredients are added just put a lid on and walk away. I’m telling you…this is SUCH Easy Spanish Rice! YUM!
PrintEasy Spanish Rice – 4 Ingredients
This Easy Spanish Rice is great for kids and adults alike! This simple 4 ingredient recipe is GREAT to help feed a crowd! Even though it is simple it is still so very delicious. All you need
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: about 4–6 side dish servings 1x
- Category: Easy Side Dishes
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup White Rice
- 2 tbsp Butter or Cooking Oil (I used avocado oil this time)
- 1 tbsp Garlic Salt
- 4 oz (1/2 cup) Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups Water
Instructions
- Heat medium sized sauce pan over medium heat. Add oil and heat til shinny and hot.
- Add Rice and heat til browning.
- When grains of rice are browning add water, garlic salt & tomato sauce . stir well and cover.
- Boil on low for 20 mins (don’t lift lid)
- Enjoy the smell of the cooking rice, delicious.
- Once done give it a quick fluff and enjoy!
Notes
- Use whatever white rice you have, Jasmine rice is SO good in this recipe!
- Both butter or oil is great in this recipe!
- Top with a little black pepper and cheddar cheese for extra spectacular flavor!
Keywords: Easy Mexican Spanish Rice Simple Ingredients