• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Sourdough
      • Gluten-Free Sourdough
      • Sourdough Discard
    • Seasonal Recipes
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Bread Recipes
      • Sweet Breads
      • Savory Breads
    • Condiment Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
      • Cocktails
      • Non Alcoholic
Vanilla And Bean

Vanilla And Bean

Sweet and Savory Vegetarian

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • About
    • Subscribe
    • A little bit about me…
    • Contact
    • Let’s Work Together
    • Blogs I’m Reading
    • Blogger Resources
You are here: Home / Recipes / Sides / Grains / Spanish Brown Rice

Spanish Brown Rice

By Traci · Jump to Recipe · Jump to Video
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my affiliate policy.

Flavor packed and make ahead easy for those busy week nights; Spanish Brown Rice (aka Mexican Brown Rice) for a good mouth party! This Mexican seasoned rice recipe pairs deliciously with Tofu Tacos, Cauliflower Tinga Tacos and Slow Cooker Pinto Beans! This recipe is vegetarian, vegan and easily gluten free [see recipe card for VIDEO]

Mexican Rice Recipe Vegetarian in a pan, garnished with lime and cilantro.

~ This recipe was first published in May 2016. I’ve since updated the photos and recipe notes. The original recipe remains unchanged. ~

Table of Contents

  • Growing up on Spanish Rice
  • Mexican Brown Rice Recipe Development
  • Quick Guide: How to Make Mexican Brown Rice 
  • A Few Recipe Tips
  • Spanish Brown Rice Recipe
  • Video

Growing up on Spanish Rice

Like Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, Spanish rice, also known as Mexican rice, has been a staple in my kitchen for so long, I can hardly recall when the creation of this recipe started. It’s a recipe that’s taken on many forms through the years.

But then after getting married and hardly knowing a thing about how to make Mexican rice, I often yielded to pre-packaged or canned Spanish rice. After-all, I wasn’t wise enough to ask my Ma for her Mexican seasoned rice recipe.

I was going for convenience anyway due to a full college and work schedule. And the Spanish rice looked decent enough. Little did I know at that time the importance of reading ingredient labels or preparing my own food. Oh what I would teach my younger self.

More Mexican Food Sides to Love! Try my Refried Black Beans, Mexican Beans, and Easy Chipotle Salsa!

Chopping red onions on a cutting board prepping for Brown Mexican Rice   Sautéing onions and spices for Mexican Brown Rice Spices and onions in a pan making Brown Spanish Rice.   Spices and onions in a pan making Brown Mexican Rice.

Mexican Brown Rice Recipe Development

Between then and now, I’ve learned how to cook and have tried many different Spanish rice recipes. Given my native Texas roots, I’m pretty particular when it comes to Tex-Mex food, especially when it comes to the spices. After all, this is a big factor in Mexican food.

Most Spanish rice recipes call for white rice and I’ve used white basmati for years. However, I decided somewhere down the line, brown was better. I’ve learned since, it’s only slightly higher in fiber and protein; still a win/win for a healthy brown rice recipe. An advantage in my book, but I also love the texture of brown rice anyway, so why not? 

I first tried simply subbing the white rice for brown. I tried this again and again tweaking the recipe here and there, but for some reason, I couldn’t get it to work. The rice never absorbed the liquids or cooked through. It was if the spices were impeding the ability of the rice to absorb the water.

I ended up with a mess of undercooked Spanish brown rice several times before I decided to cook the rice first, chill it overnight, then add the veggies and spices. Mexican seasoned rice success!

Cooked brown rice in a pan with Mexican spices and tomatoes.    Making Mexican Seasoned Rice in a pan with a spoon.

Quick Guide: How to Make Mexican Brown Rice 

Similar to fried rice, cooking and chilling the brown rice prior to adding the Mexican spices and veggies produces grains of rice that don’t stick together. Fluffy, not sticky and texture rich Spanish brown rice? Yes please! In summary, here’s how to make this healthy brown rice recipe (see recipe card for details):

  • First, saute the onions and then add the spices and adobo sauce. 
  • Second, stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste.
  • Next, stir in the cooked brown rice. 
  • Last, warm through, then squeeze in the lime.

Spanish brown rice whips up in 17 minutes with a batch of pre-cooked brown rice.

Take that, week-night dinner!

Mexican Rice Recipe Vegetarian in a pan, garnished with lime and cilantro.

A Few Recipe Tips

  • Bulk Buying: Look for long grown brown basmati rice in the bulk bins for best value and reduced waste. 
  • Meal Prep: Prep and chill your brown rice at least a day prior to making this recipe. This helps create fluffy and separated Mexican brown rice.
  • Adobo Sauce: Look for chipotle chilis in adobo sauce on the Mexican food isle of the grocery store. The leftovers freeze with ease!

Pair this Mexican brown rice with your favorite Mexican food mains, a big bowl of Creamy Guacamole with Sour Cream and a Fresh Margarita. Talk about comfort food and a mouth party. This makes me happy!

More Vegetarian Mexican Food Recipes to Love

  • Mexican Inspired Tofu Tacos
  • Stuffed Poblanos with Smoky Quinoa, Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans
  • Cheesy Vegetarain Tofu Enchiladas
  • Easy Black Bean Tostadas with Fajita Veggies
  • Roasted Cauliflower Tinga Tacos with Chili Lime Slaw
  • Skillet Vegetarian Enchiladas Verde
Mexican Rice Recipe Vegetarian in a pan, garnished with lime and cilantro.
Print Recipe

Spanish Brown Rice Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:12 minutes
Total Time:17 minutes
Servings:5 Servings
Calories:394kcal
Author:Traci York | Vanilla And Bean
*Advance Prep Needed* Prepare the rice ahead of when needed for a quick-to-pull-together side for any Mexican-inspired meal. Cooking then chilling the rice ahead creates fluffy and separated Mexican brown rice! Time below does not include making and refrigerating the brown rice. This recipe is vegetarian, vegan and gluten free friendly.

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbs Cooking Oil I like coconut or olive oil
  • 1/2 C (110g) Purple Onion small dice
  • 2 tsp Adobo Sauce** from a can of chipotle chili peppers or 1 tsp of minced pickled jalapeños, adjust to taste - look for gluten free if needed.
  • 1 tsp Cumin ground
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder ground
  • 1/4 tsp Smoky Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 2/3 C (200g) Fire Roasted Tomatoes one can, diced, freeze the leftovers
  • 1 Tbs Tomato Paste
  • 2 1/2 C (350g) Cooked and Chilled Long Grain Brown Rice* see note for cooking instructions if needed

Serve With (optional):

  • Additional Limes
  • Cilantro
  • Salsa
  • Jalapeños

Instructions

  • In a large saute pan, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the onions and cook on medium-low for about 8 minutes or until softened.
  • Add the adobo sauce, cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic and salt. Stir until the onions are coated and the spices release their fragrance. About one minute.
  • Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir for another minute or until all the ingredients are incorporated.
  • Stir in the cold rice and mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Squeeze lime juice over the rice, and stir. Warm on low for about five minutes or until heated through. Adjust salt to taste.
  • Serve with additional limes, cilantro, salsa and/or jalapeños.
  • Store in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to two weeks.

Video

Notes

Cook rice according to package directions OR to yield 2 1/2 C (350g) cooked rice, add 3/4 C (152g) of long grain brown rice to a sauce-pot with 1 1/2 C + 2 Tbs (432g) vegetable broth or water. Cover. Cook on medium-low for 30 minutes. Remove from heat. Let rest for ten minutes, covered. Place in a covered container to chill over night. Use as directed in the recipe.
**Look for chipotle chilis in adobo sauce on the Mexican food isle of the grocery store. The leftovers freeze with ease! 
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.
Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 899mg | Potassium: 331mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 365IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg
Made It? Leave a comment below! The most helpful comment may include recipe rating, feedback, any modifications and/or helping other commenters. On Instagram? Take a snap of your make and share, tagging @VanillaAndBean #VanillaAndBean!
 

You might also like:

Sweet Potato Quinoa bowl with black beans with dressing poured over the top

Black Bean Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad

Dijon Asparagus and Pea Macaroni Salad in a bowl ready for serving.

Lemon-Dijon Asparagus and Pea Macaroni Salad

Quinoa Mango Salad in a serving bowl ready for sharing

Quinoa Mango Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette

Closeup of Broccolini Salad in a bowl garnished with lemons.

Broccolini Slaw Recipe with Raisins and Walnuts

Shares6.3kPinShareYummly

Join the Vanilla And Bean community to receive free sweet and savory vegetarian recipes, and get my Five Secrets to Vegetarian Cooking email series delivered to your inbox!

You will receive recipes and kitchen tips, along with information about our partners and offerings. For more details, review the Vanilla And Bean privacy policy.
Previous Post: « Creamy White Bean and Parmesan Mushroom Orzo
Next Post: Pineapple Jalapeño Margaritas »

Primary Sidebar

well hello!

I’m Traci and this is my blog. So Glad You Stopped By!

Here you’ll find full of flavor vegetarian comfort food with vegan and gluten free recipes too. I also share sourdough, sweets and naturally sweetened baked goods and desserts recipes because we all gotta have a little balance!

Learn More About Traci  or  The Blog.

Get on the List!

Join the Vanilla And Bean community to receive Sweet and Savory Vegetarian Recipes, and get my Five Secrets to Vegetarian Cooking email series delivered to your inbox!

Right this Way to Subscribe

Start Here!

Why vegetarian, what you’ll find on Vanilla And Bean and fan favorites all right here!

Right this Way to Start

Footer

Affiliate Info

Vanilla And Bean is monetized in part through the use of affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link and/or purchase an item after clicking on a link, Vanilla And Bean may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use through my affiliate links. To learn more please see my Affiliate Policy. Thank you for your support!

© Vanilla And Bean, LLC  – 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of any content or images without express and written permission from this blog’s owner is prohibited. Licensing inquiries for publication, general distribution, and/or commercial use, please contact me on my contact page.

Copyright © 2023 · Vanilla and Bean · Website by Meyne

Menu

Home · Recipes · Contact · Privacy Policy
Terms of Use · Accessibility · California Privacy Notice

Copyright © 2023 · Vanilla and Bean On Genesis Framework · Log in

Get On The List!
Get On The List!
_____________________

Join the Vanilla And Bean community to receive sweet and savory vegetarian recipes, as well as my Five Secrets to Vegetarian Cooking email series delivered to your inbox.

You will receive recipes and kitchen tips, along with information about our partners and offerings. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.
  • Recipes
    ▼
    • Recipe Index
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Bread Recipes
      ▼
      • Sweet Breads
      • Savory Breads
    • Seasonal Recipes
      ▼
      • Fall
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
    • Sourdough
      ▼
      • Sourdough Discard Recipes
      • Gluten Free Sourdough
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegetarian
    • Condiment Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
      ▼
      • Cocktails
      • Non Alcoholic
    • Dessert Recipes
  • Sign Up For Weekly Newsletter!
  • Start Here
  • Home
  • Shop
  • About
    ▼
    • Contact
    • A little bit about me…
    • Let’s Work Together
    • Blogs I’m Reading
    • Blogger Resources
Vanilla And Bean and our partners use cookies to enhance user experience and to analyze performance and traffic on our website. By using the Site, you consent to the use of cookies. Learn More

COOKIE SETTINGS   ACCEPT
Cookie Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

CookieTypeDurationDescription
__cfduid14 weeksThe cookie is set by CloudFare. The cookie is used to identify individual clients behind a shared IP address d apply security settings on a per-client basis. It doesnot correspond to any user ID in the web application and does not store any personally identifiable information.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary011 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary011 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
OptanonConsent01 yearTracks users cookie consent preferences
viewed_cookie_policy011 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Advertisement
CookieTypeDurationDescription
IDE12 yearsUsed by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE15 monthsThis cookie is set by Youtube. Used to track the information of the embedded YouTube videos on a website.
Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

CookieTypeDurationDescription
_gat01 minuteThis cookies is installed by Google Universal Analytics to throttle the request rate to limit the colllection of data on high traffic sites.
YSC1This cookies is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos.
YTCpersistent10 minutesThis cookie is set by Youtube to manage the embed and viewing of videos
Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

CookieTypeDurationDescription
_ga02 yearsThis cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gid01 dayThis cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id16 monthsProvided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
GPS030 minutesThis cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location