Fiesta-Ready Spanish Rice (Arroz Rojo)

Craving flavour? My easy spanish rice recipe (Arroz Rojo) is a fiesta in a pan! Savory, vibrant, and ready in 35. Get the recipe!

Easy Fiesta Spanish Rice Recipe: Arroz Rojo Ready!

May 20, 2025
By Sandra.
Updated May 21, 2025

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Alright, let's dive into this Fiesta-Ready Spanish Rice recipe , AKA Arroz Rojo. Honestly, who doesn't love a good, savory rice dish? This one's a winner.

Quick Hook: Your Next Savoury Rice Recipes Simple

Ever wondered how to get that perfect Spanish Rice recipe like your favorite Mexican restaurant? This recipe makes it easy! It’s packed with tomato-y, onion-y goodness.

Brief Overview: A Taste of Mexico

Spanish rice , or arroz rojo, is a classic. it's a simple side dish with huge flavor. this is an easy recipe, taking about 35 minutes.

It makes about 6 servings perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits: Healthy Spanish Rice Clean Eating

This spanish rice recipe can easily be adapted for a healthy spanish rice recipe . it's lower in fat than many versions and packed with veggies.

It's the perfect side for taco night or any fiesta! what makes this recipe so special? the depth of flavour.

Toasting the rice makes it extra nutty and yummy.

Time to Gather Our Ingredients

Right, lets talk ingredients. It is a Gluten Free Spanish Rice Recipe , naturally.

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Lime wedges (optional)

Fiesta-Ready Spanish Rice (Arroz Rojo) presentation

Making Your Fiesta-Ready Spanish Rice recipe

First, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft. Throw in the garlic and bell pepper; cook till fragrant.

Next, add the rice and toast it. seriously, don't skip this step! it makes a huge difference. now pour in the tomatoes and broth.

Add the spices and stir. bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.

The secret, the MOST IMPORTANT thing is: do not lift the lid! Trust me on this. Then, let it stand for 5 minutes, fluff, and garnish.

This Gluten Free Spanish Rice is such a fantastic Savoury Rice Recipes Side Dishes option. Serve it with all your favorite Mexican dishes and ¡Buen provecho!

Alright, let's talk ingredients! honestly, this spanish rice recipe is super easy. i've made it a million times. even when i'm super tired.

It's that simple! want a healthy spanish rice recipe ? this is it!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Keep it Real

So, you want to make this Gluten Free Spanish Rice Recipe ? Awesome. Here's what you'll need. Don't worry, nothing too crazy.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml ): Olive oil gives a nice flavor. Don't skimp!
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g ): Yellow onion is classic. Sweet onions work too!
2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 1 teaspoon / 5g ): Garlic is a must! Fresh is best, you know?
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g ): Adds a little sweetness and color.
1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Don't drain them! We want that juice.
1 cup long-grain white rice ( 200g ): Long-grain is perfect. It gets fluffy.
2 cups chicken broth ( 475ml ): Chicken broth gives it flavor. Veggie broth works too!
1 teaspoon chili powder ( 5g ): Chili powder is key. Adds that Savoury Rice Recipes Side Dishes flavour.
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin ( 2.5g ): Cumin is warm and earthy. Love it!
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste (approx. 1g ): Salt brings out the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste (approx. 0.5g ): Pepper is a nice touch.

Quality Check: The tomatoes should be bright red and smell good. Make sure the rice is clean and unbroken.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town

This is where the magic happens. The chili powder and cumin are essential . Honestly, don't skip them.

Flavor enhancers? A little bit of smoked paprika can be amazing. You could try a Low Sodium Rice Side Dishes by using a low-sodium broth and reducing the salt.

Quick swap : No chili powder? Use a mix of paprika, cumin, and a tiny bit of cayenne. Boom.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Large skillet or saucepan with a lid: You need a good lid! Keeps the steam in.
Measuring cups and spoons: Gotta measure! Otherwise, it's chaos.
Chef's knife: To chop those veggies.
Cutting board: Protect your counter!
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring, of course.

Household Hacks : Don't have a fancy skillet? A regular pot works too. Just make sure it has a lid.

This gluten free spanish rice is a winner. i promise! it’s also great for a healthy spanish rice clean eating meal.

Plus, it’s one of those savoury rice recipes simple that even i can’t mess up. and trust me, that's saying something!.

If you are looking for a low sodium spanish rice this recipe can be easily tweaked, it's a fantastic gluten free rice side dishes , perfect for almost any meal.

Alright, let's dive into making some fiesta-ready spanish rice (arroz rojo) . honestly, this stuff is a crowd-pleaser. it's like sunshine in a bowl! i learned this spanish rice recipe from my abuela, and it's become a staple.

This version is gluten free spanish rice recipe , too!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Spanish Rice Mise en Place

Okay, before we even think about turning on the stove, let's get organized. it's all about the mise en place , baby! chop one medium yellow onion, two cloves of garlic, and one green bell pepper.

Grab one can of diced tomatoes. measure out one cup of long-grain rice and two cups of chicken broth. time-saving tip : chop veggies while the rice toasts! it's easy to keep them warm.

Remember safety : use a stable cutting board.

Spanish Rice: Step-by-Step to Flavor Town

Ready to cook? Here's how it goes:

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes .
Stir in the garlic and bell pepper. Cook for two minutes .
Add one cup of rice and toast until lightly golden, around 3 minutes .
Pour in diced tomatoes and two cups chicken broth. Add spices!
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes . Don't peek!
Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes .
Fluff with a fork and garnish.

Savory Secrets: Spanish Rice Pro Tips

Want to take your healthy spanish rice recipe to the next level? first: toast the rice! it makes a huge difference.

Second: resist the urge to peek. it messes with the steam and cooking. finally, let it rest. trust me, it's worth it.

The healthy spanish rice clean eating approach is all about simple ingredients. to avoid blandness try adding some fresh chopped cilantro at the end.

Common mistakes? burning the garlic (low and slow!) or undercooking the rice (add a splash of broth if needed). enjoy these savory savoury rice recipes side dishes .

Looking for Low Sodium Spanish Rice option? Use low-sodium broth and skip the added salt. A tasty Gluten Free Rice Side Dishes option.

This Savoury Rice Recipes Simple has become my weekly staple.

Alright, let's dive into some extra tidbits about this amazing spanish rice recipe . i've learned a few things along the way.

Honestly, sometimes it's the little things that make a huge difference!

**Recipe Notes: Making It Your Spanish Rice**

Serving It Up Right: Plating & Pairings

Presentation matters, right? i like to fluff the rice and mound it nicely on a plate. a sprinkle of fresh cilantro is always a winner.

A lime wedge adds a pop of color and zing. for sides, think grilled chicken, fajitas, or even just some black beans.

A nice cold cerveza (mexican beer) goes perfectly with it! you can easily create savoury rice recipes side dishes from this recipe.

Keeping It Fresh: Storage 101

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This spanish rice keeps well.

Fridge: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last for about 2 months.
Reheating: A microwave works great. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Remix It: Variations for Everyone

Here are a couple of easy tweaks:

Gluten-Free Spanish Rice Recipe : Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth to be certain. Enjoy the best Gluten Free Spanish Rice Recipe ever!. It is one of the best Gluten Free Rice Side Dishes that you can find!
Healthy Spanish Rice Clean Eating : Try using brown rice instead of white. Also, reduce the salt and use a low sodium rice side dishes broth. You can also call this healthy spanish rice recipe . You can adapt this to make a Low Sodium Spanish Rice .

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, i'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist: this spanish rice provides carbs for energy. it also has some vitamins and minerals from the veggies.

It also makes for savoury rice recipes simple . brown rice will give you more fiber, which is always a good thing.

Honestly, this spanish rice recipe is pretty forgiving. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. cooking should be fun, not stressful! and if you nail it? well, that's just the cherry on top.

Vibrant Gluten Free Spanish Rice: Secret Family Arroz Rojo!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this spanish rice recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Like a good Sunday roast, Spanish rice actually tastes better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. You can microwave it or heat it gently on the stovetop.

My spanish rice is mushy! What did I do wrong?

Mushy rice? Bummer! It's likely you used too much liquid or didn't toast the rice beforehand. Make sure to measure the chicken broth accurately, and resist the urge to peek while it's simmering – that releases steam. Toasting the rice grains before adding the liquid helps them stay separate and avoid becoming gluey. Remember, patience is a virtue, especially in cooking, and like a good cuppa tea, letting it rest covered is key.

Is there a vegetarian version of this spanish rice recipe?

You bet! Creating a vegetarian spanish rice is simple. Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You might want to add a pinch more salt or some extra herbs to compensate for the slightly less savory flavor of the vegetable broth. You can also add some extra veggies like corn, peas, or black beans for extra texture and flavour!

How can I make this spanish rice recipe spicier?

Fancy a bit of a kick? There are several ways to turn up the heat! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes along with the chili powder and cumin. For fresh heat, finely chop a jalapeño pepper and sauté it with the onions and garlic. You could even add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel) for a flavourful punch.

Can I freeze spanish rice?

Indeed you can! Spanish rice freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option. Let it cool completely, then spread it out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. This prevents it from clumping together. Once frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It'll keep for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore its moisture.

Is this spanish rice recipe healthy?

Spanish rice can be part of a balanced diet. It provides carbohydrates for energy, and the tomatoes and vegetables offer some vitamins and fiber. However, it's also relatively high in carbs and sodium. Consider using low-sodium chicken broth, limiting the salt, and serving it with lean protein and plenty of vegetables to create a healthy and satisfying meal. Like everything, moderation is key!