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A bowl of seasoned Spanish rice in rice cooker, garnished with fresh chopped herbs and served with lime wedges on the side, placed on a white surface with a folded white napkin nearby.
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4.51 from 51 votes

Spanish Rice in the Rice Cooker

This easy Spanish Rice Recipe is made in the rice cooker, coming together with just a few simple ingredients. All you have to do is dump everything into the rice cooker, set it, and forget it! A flavorful side dish to complement any Mexican-inspired meal and on the table in about 30 minutes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Servings: 10
Author: Melissa Griffiths

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14-ounce )
  • 3 1/2 cups water
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 bouillon cubes or 3 teaspoons Better than Bouillon
  • 1-3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin or smoked cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • Place the rice in the bottom of the rice cooker and then add the diced tomatoes, water, and bouillon. Add the onion and spices and stir a little to dissolve the spices in the water.
  • Cook according to manufacturer's instructions.
  • When the rice is cooked, test for salt and add more if needed.
  • Serve as a side dish or inside your favorite burritos and tacos.

Video

Notes

Rice Options:
  • I prefer a medium or long grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati.
  • I use brown rice often and increase my water by one cup. The Spanish rice in the pictures was made with brown rice and I bet you didn't even notice. Your family won't either.
 
Bouillon or Broth: You can use chicken or vegetable stock or broth in place of the bouillon and water. 
Seasonings: The amount of chili powder you use is going to depend on how much you like. I'd try it with 2 tablespoons first and then you can go up or down from there depending on your preferences.
Use the Instant Pot: I have the Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Rice Cooker and love it (it makes 20 cups of cooked rice, perfect for a party or crowd!). I know that the Instant Pot has a rice cooker function that also works great.
Serving Ideas: You can serve this as a side to tacos (like our favorite Best Chicken Tacos Ever, and it's also great tucked inside Smothered Burritos.
Storing Leftovers: 
  • Store leftover rice in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 6 days.
  • It freezes really well, too! Once it's cooled, place extras in a zipper-topped freezer bag, label, and freeze. It should keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  • To thaw it out, place the bag in a bowl of warm water before heating through to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1½ cup servings | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 0.05mg | Sodium: 599mg | Potassium: 156mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 288IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

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