In the realm of quick and easy meals, boxed Spanish rice stands as a pantry staple, offering convenience and a taste of Spanish-inspired flavors. However, with a few simple tweaks and additional ingredients, you can elevate this humble dish into a culinary delight that rivals any restaurant-style paella. From infusing the rice with aromatic spices to incorporating colorful vegetables and succulent proteins, this article will guide you through the art of transforming ordinary boxed Spanish rice into an extraordinary feast.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BEST SPANISH RICE
The combination of picante sauce and chicken broth makes this easy recipe very tasty!
Provided by Angela Sims
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes Spanish Rice Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Mix rice into skillet, stirring often. When rice begins to brown, stir in chicken broth and salsa. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 286 calories, Carbohydrate 50.9 g, Cholesterol 2 mg, Fat 6.2 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 5.7 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 696.6 mg, Sugar 2.3 g
HOMEMADE SPANISH RICE
Instant rice an convenient canned goods simplify the stovetop preparation of this tangy side dish from Flo Burtnett of Gage, Oklahoma. Its traditional taste makes it a perfect accompaniment to the Mexican-style entree.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 15m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large skillet, saute onion and green pepper in oil until tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 119 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 240mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein.
BETTER SPANISH RICE
Flavorful and delicious. No one will guess this authentic tasting rice was made from instant rice.
Provided by mjhutch
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes Spanish Rice Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook and stir the chopped onion until browned, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, tomatoes, cilantro, and chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 164.2 calories, Carbohydrate 28 g, Fat 3.4 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 3.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 165.7 mg, Sugar 3.1 g
BOXED SPANISH RICE MADE BETTER
I love the boxed Spanish rice, but I like it better with an authentic Mexican taste. Do this and your guest will never know it's from a box.
Provided by STARTERWIFE
Categories Mexican
Time 40m
Yield 1 box, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Cook Spanish rice according to package directions, but before covering with a lid, add peppers, spice, and chilies.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 5.6, Fat 0.1, Sodium 223.8, Carbohydrate 1.3, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 0.8, Protein 0.2
SPANISH RICE
You'll find my easy Spanish rice is better than any boxed mix in grocery stores. Best of all, it can be prepared in the same amount of time as those so-called "quick and easy" boxes. -Anne Yaeger, Washington, DC
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 25m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add rice; cook and stir until lightly browned. Add remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, 10-15 minutes. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 217 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 886mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
BETTER THAN AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN SPANISH RICE
Good, ripe tomatoes aren't available year-round, so what to do when you're craving the awesome America's Test Kitchen Spanish Rice that calls for 12 ripe tomatoes? Why, the good Texan's answer to everything, a can of Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chiles, of course! :) Here's my take on the ATK recipe. Leftovers are just as delicious the next day so this is a perfect dish to make ahead time for potlucks. This rice also freezes well (makes for perfect OAMC - instructions below)
Provided by Lizzymommy
Categories Rice
Time 55m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350.
- Process rotel and onion in processor or blender until pureed and thoroughly smooth. Transfer mixture to measuring cup and reserve exactly 2 cups. Discard excess.
- Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until water runs clear- about 1 1/2 minutes. Shake rice vigorously to remove excess water.This step removes the starch from the rice so it will not stick. IF YOU OMIT THIS STEP YOUR RICE WILL NOT BE DRY AND FLUFFY.
- Heat oil in heavy bottomed oven-safe straight sided 12" saute pan or Dutch oven with tight fitting lid over low-medium heat about 2 minutes. Drop a few rice grains in and if they sizzle then it is ready. Add rice and fry stirring until rice is light golden and translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Be careful that the oil doesn't get too hot too fast or the oil will splatter.
- Reduce heat to medium, add garlic, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes.
- Stir in broth, pureed mixture, corn and salt. Increase heat to medium high, and bring to a boil.
- Cover pan and transfer pan to oven to bake until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, 30-35 minutes. Stir well after 15 minutes.
- Stir in cilantro, minced jalapeno to taste, and pass lime wedges separately.
- For Freezing Ahead: Cool, portion and freeze in a ziploc bag.
- To reheat from frozen: Place in a covered pyrex dish and warm in the microwave, stirring every 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 298.1, Fat 10, SaturatedFat 0.9, Sodium 911.3, Carbohydrate 46.8, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 1, Protein 6
Tips:
- Use chicken stock instead of water for a richer flavor.
- Add some diced vegetables, such as onion, bell pepper, or corn, for a more colorful and flavorful dish.
- Use a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles for a bit of spice.
- Stir in some shredded chicken or beef for a protein-packed meal.
- Top the finished rice with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for a delicious and authentic Mexican flavor.
Conclusion:
With these simple tips, you can easily elevate your boxed Spanish rice from a bland side dish to a flavorful and satisfying meal. So next time you're in a pinch, don't be afraid to reach for a box of Spanish rice mix. With a little creativity and effort, you can turn it into a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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