Small Batch Spanish Rice

Savor a taste of Mexico with this small batch Spanish Rice recipe! Bursting with flavor and easy to make, it’s perfect for intimate dinners.

Looking for a flavor-packed dish that’s simple to prepare? Our small batch Spanish Rice recipe is a culinary treasure you won’t want to miss! Perfectly portioned for intimate dinners or solo dining, this dish marries common pantry staples to create a colorful and satisfying meal.

What Is Spanish Rice?

Spanish Rice, also known as “arroz rojo” (red rice), is a popular dish in Mexican cuisine, featuring rice cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and other spices. It’s a colorful side dish that’s often paired with main courses like tacos or enchiladas.

Ingredient Notes And Substitutions

See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.

• Butter/Olive Oil: Adds richness; use extra-virgin olive oil for a healthier option.
• Rice: Long grain white rice ensures fluffiness.
• Smoked Paprika: Essential for authentic flavor. If smoked paprika isn’t available, regular paprika can be used. You may add a dash of cumin or chipotle powder to mimic the smoky flavor if desired.
• Oregano: If you don’t have dried oregano, marjoram is often considered oregano’s milder cousin, marjoram can be used in a one-to-one substitution. You may also consider using dried thyme which is more potent than oregano, so use slightly less.
• Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes for convenience.
• Broth: Chicken broth adds depth; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. I prefer to use low sodium chicken broth. If you use regular chicken broth, you may find that you need to reduce the amount of salt you add to the recipe.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

How To Make Spanish Rice

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of Spanish Rice. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

1. Melt butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place the rice in the pan, and stir it frequently. Continue this process for about 2 minutes or until the rice starts to take on a light brown color.

3. Add the chopped onions and salt and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
4. Place the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and pepper into the pan. Cook the mixture for 30 seconds, making sure to stir it constantly.

5. Add the diced tomatoes, along with their juices, chicken broth, and the rest of the salt to the pan. Stir the ingredients together, and then heat the mixture until it reaches a boil.

Pro Tip: To include some of the juices from the canned tomatoes, spoon the tomatoes directly from the can. This method ensures that some of the juices are included with the tomatoes.

6. As soon as the mixture begins to boil, lower the heat to low. Then cover the pan and let it simmer for approximately 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice becomes tender and the majority of the liquid has been absorbed.

7. Take off the lid and taste the rice to check the seasoning. If you feel it needs more salt, add it according to your taste. Keep in mind that the saltiness can differ between various brands of chicken broth.

Expert Tips

• Before you start cooking, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your Spanish Rice turns out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
• Choose the Right Rice: Using long-grain white rice is essential for this recipe, as it helps in achieving a fluffy texture. Avoid short-grain rice, which may become sticky.
• Toast the Rice: Before adding liquids, sauté the rice in butter or olive oil until golden. This step unlocks extra flavor and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the rice before its final stage of cooking and adjust the seasonings like salt, paprika, and oregano as needed. It’s easier to blend in additional flavor at this stage.

Serving Suggestions

Spanish Rice is a versatile dish. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• With Grilled Proteins: Serve alongside chicken, shrimp, or pork for a satisfying, balanced meal.
• In Stuffed Peppers: Use the Spanish Rice as a filling for bell peppers, then bake until tender.
• As a Burrito Base: Layer with beans, cheese, salsa, and your choice of protein in a large tortilla for a delicious burrito.
• Alongside Traditional Mexican Fare: Complement the flavors by serving with dishes like enchiladas, tacos, or fajitas.

Recipe Variations

Spanish Rice can be adapted to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to inspire creativity:

• With Quinoa: Substitute rice with cooked quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free option.
• Seafood Spanish Rice: Add cooked shrimp or mussels to the finished rice for a delightful seafood twist.
• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add an assortment of colorful vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
• Vegan Friendly: Use vegan butter and vegetable broth to create a delightful vegan dish.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch Spanish Rice recipe, you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

• Rice: Rice Pudding, Chicken and Rice Casserole, Greek Chicken Bowl
• Onions: Pot Roast, Pepper Steak, Squash Casserole
• Garlic: Mexican Street Corn Salad, Mongolian Beef, Shrimp Fettuccine
• Canned diced tomatoes: Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl, Chili, Tomato Soup
• Chicken broth: White Bean Soup, Risotto, Chicken and Dumplings
• Smoked paprika: Baked Pork Chop, Cioppino, Paprika Chicken
• Oregano: Portobello Mushroom Pizza, Eggplant Parmesan, Mediterranean Chicken

For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

If you’ve tried this small batch Spanish Rice or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!