Fluffy Spanish Rice – Light, Perfectly Seasoned & Restaurant-Style

This Fluffy Spanish Rice is the perfect side dish for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and more. Each grain of rice is tender, fluffy, and infused with tomato, garlic, and warm spices—just like your favorite Mexican restaurant rice but even better at home.

🍚 Why You’ll Love This Spanish Rice Recipe

• Light and fluffy, never mushy

• Classic restaurant-style flavor

• Easy one-pan side dish

• Ready in about 25 minutes

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• 📝 Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice

  • ½ small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup tomato sauce

  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • ½ tsp chili powder

  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish

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  👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

  2. Add rice and toast, stirring, until lightly golden.

  3. Stir in onion and garlic; cook 1–2 minutes.

  4. Add tomato sauce, broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt.

  5. Bring to a boil.

  6. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18–20 minutes.

  7. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, 5 minutes.

  8. Fluff with a fork and garnish with cilantro.

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  🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • With tacos, fajitas, or enchiladas

  • Alongside grilled chicken or steak

  • Inside burrito bowls

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  💡 Pro Tips

  • Toasting rice is the key to fluffiness

  • Don’t lift the lid while cooking

  • Use long-grain rice for best texture

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  📌 Storage

  • Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days

  • Reheat with a splash of broth or water