You’re looking for a flavorful, quick and easy side dish to pair with tacos or burritos. Or maybe you want something that goes well with grilled meats and other dishes?learn how to make spanish rice with minute rice recipe in less than 20 minutes with Minute Rice . No rice cooker or complicated techniques are required. Only bold flavors, simple ingredients and minimal preparation.
Whether you’re preparing a quick side dish or building a hearty burrito bowl, knowing how to make Spanish rice with Minute Rice can completely transform your mealtime routine. This method delivers the same warm, savory flavors of traditional rice but with a fraction of the cooking time. It’s one of the easiest Mexican recipes you can master even if you’re short on ingredients, time, or cooking experience.
This recipe is everything you love about Spanish rice: rich tomato flavor, hints cumin and garlic, and fluffy texture. All without the waiting. This instant spanish rice recipe is perfect if you are short on time, or prefer quick cooking.
This guide will provide you with:
- One-pot Spanish rice recipe using instant rice
- Enjoyable variations to any meal or diet
- The most frequently asked questions about rice cooking
- Tips for storage, heating, and customizing
How To Make Spanish Rice With Minute Rice :
The traditional Spanish rice is tasty, but how long do you have to wait? It’s not worth it. The long-grain rice requires 30-45 minutes to simmer and constant water monitoring. This is a major problem on a weeknight.
Instant Rice , also known as Minute rice is a pantry hero for weeknight meals. The rice is pre-cooked and then dried. This allows you to rehydrate the rice quickly without boiling. You can have tender, fluffy rice in just 5 minutes.
This method is perfect for Spanish Minute Rice Recipes. The flavor is infused into the broth, and absorbed immediately.
Ingredients for the Perfect One-Pot Spanish rice Recipe using Instant Rice
You can make the best Instant Spanish Rice Recipe by yourself:
- 1 cup Minute rice (white or Brown)
- One cup of low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Half a cup of tomato sauce or diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- Olive oil 1 tablespoon
- Finely chop 1/2 small onion
- 1 minced garlic clove
- Cumin ground to 1/2 teaspoon
- Half a teaspoon of chili powder
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked pepper paprika
- Taste salt and pepper
- Optional garnishes include lime juice, cilantro and chopped green onions
Pro Tip: Want richer flavor? Instead of plain sauce, use fire-roasted tomatos and garnish with lime and cilantro.
Spanish Rice: Step by Step Instructions for Making Spanish Rice in 15 Minutes with Instant Rice
This is a foolproof, easy way to make Spanish Rice with Minute Rice. It’s perfect for beginners and busy families.
1. Saute Your Aromatics
Over medium heat, heat olive oil in a pan. Add the chopped onion and garlic. This will build your flavor base. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
2. Add Liquids & Spices
Pour tomato sauce and chicken broth. Add cumin, chili, smoked paprika and salt. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer.
3. Stir in the Minute rice
Stop the heat. Stir in the Minute Rice, until it is fully submerged. Cover the pan tightly with a lid.
4. Let it Sit and Soak
Cover the rice and let it rest for 5 to 7 minutes. The rice will absorb the liquids and become fluffy.
5. Fluff and Serve
Remove the lid, and fluff up the rice using a fork. Garnish the rice with cilantro or green onion. Serve hot as a meal base or side dish.
This method produces restaurant-quality Spanish Rice in a fraction the time. No rice cooker is required, and no waiting for long periods of time or soggy rice.
Enjoy this Spanish Minute Rice recipe with a variety of flavors.
Want to change it up? You can customize your Spanish Rice recipe by using Instant Rice.
Add Protein:
- Ground beef, chorizo or shredded poultry
- Chickpeas or plant-based meat crumbles
Add Vegetables:
- Red bell peppers and spinach, corn, peas
- Diced zucchini or mushrooms
Spice it up:
- Cayenne, jalapenos or chipotle powder?
Make it Creamy
- Add shredded Monterey Jack or vegan cheese to the dish before serving
Turn it into a Bowl
- Burrito Bowl: Add black beans and avocado to sourcream, salsa, and sour-cream.
This Mexican Instant Rice recipe is perfect for Taco Tuesdays, meal preparation during the week, or as a quick dinner upgrade.
The Best Spanish Rice Recipes Made With Minute Rice For A Complete Mexican Inspired Meal
Spanish rice is a great partner for:
- Tacos with chicken or beef
- Enchiladas or burritos
- Grilled steaks or shrimp
- Breakfast rice bowls with avocado and eggs
- Black bean and corn Salad
It can be the main attraction on your plate, or you can use it as a base to flavor your entire meal.
How to store, freeze, and reheat leftover Instant Spanish rice
Storing:
Let rice cool completely. Keep in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freezing:
You can freeze cooled rice for up to two months in freezer-safe bags. For easier defrosting, flatten the bags.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Add some water or broth. Cover loosely, and heat at 30-second intervals.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet on medium heat, with some oil or broth.
This rice is great for burritos, lunches, dinners, and the next day.
Make Homemade Spanish rice with Instant Rice instead of packaged mixes and learn about the health benefits.
When you make your own Instant Spanish Rice, you can control the sodium, fat and other ingredients.
Nutrition per 3/4 cup (approx. ):
- Calories: 180-220
- Carbs: 35-40g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Fat: 3-6g
- The amount of sodium in broth varies.
- Fiber: 1-3g
This recipe is more fresh, cleaner and customizable than boxed rice mixtures. It contains no preservatives or MSG and does not contain any mystery powder packets.
What You Need to Know about Making Spanish Rice With Minute Rice FAQS
1. What is the difference between Minute Rice, Spanish rice and traditional rice?
Minute Rice has been pre-cooked, dried and can be rehydrated in just minutes. Rice takes 30 to 45 minutes, and active simmering is required. Instant Spanish Rice Recipes are quick and easy, perfect for novices or busy nights.
2. Is it possible to use brown Minute Rice in place of white?
Yes. Brown Minute Rice has more fiber and nutrients. The resting period may be 1-2 minutes longer, but it works in all Spanish Minute Rice recipes.
3. Can I cook Spanish Rice using Minute Rice in a microwave?
Absolutely. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl that can be microwaved. Cover the bowl and microwave it on high for 5-7 minutes. Allow it to rest for a couple of minutes before fluffing and serving.
4. How can I prevent the rice from becoming mushy or squishy?
Don’t stir the rice too much, and leave it covered for 5 to 7 minutes. Too much water or overcooking will make rice soggy.
5. Does this Spanish rice have a spicy taste?
By default, no. The flavor is mild, with a hint of cumin and a little garlic. If you like it hot, add some chili powder, peppers, or hot sauce.
6. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes. It keeps well and can be reheated without drying out. You can make a large batch to enjoy all week.
7. Can I freeze leftover Spanish rice?
Yes. Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in freezer bags. Reheat in the microwave, or on the stovetop, with a splash broth. It’s great for batch cooking.
8. Do I use tomato sauce, or diced tomatoes instead?
Both work. The tomato sauce creates a smoother texture. The bite of diced tomatoes is added. Fire-roasted tomatoes are the best for flavor.
9. This recipe is gluten-free.
You can, if you use tomato products and broth that are certified gluten-free. All of the main ingredients are gluten-free.
10. This recipe can be doubled or tripled.
Absolutely. Simply scale the ingredients and use a bigger pot or pan. Ideal for large family dinners or parties.
Last Thoughts: You’ll love making Spanish rice with Minute Rice over and over again
This Spanish Rice Recipe using Instant Rice has everything a home chef needs: it’s quick, tasty, and very adaptable. It’s a great side dish or main course, no matter what you serve it with.
Cooks in less than 15 minutes
Enjoy the authentic Spanish flavors
Beginner-friendly
Meal-prep approved
Worked with any occasion or diet
Are you ready to spice up the next meal? Enjoy bold, satisfying flavors without waiting with this simple Spanish rice recipe made using Minute Rice.
