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20 Best Spanish Rice Recipes You Must Try

If you are looking for some flavorful Spanish rice recipes, you should definitely keep reading as the diverse world of Spanish rice recipes deserves to be explored. 

From the classic paella valenciana to the creamy arroz con bogavante, Spanish rice recipes show the country’s rich culinary heritage. 

This article will provide you with a list of the 20 best Spanish rice recipes to take your cooking skills to the next level. So, grab your apron and join us on a flavorful journey through the world of Spanish rice recipes.

3 types of paella on a wooden table. 20 Best Spanish Rice Recipes You Must Try

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20 Best Spanish Rice Recipes

1. Spanish Arroz a la Cubana Recipe

arroz a la cubana with rice, tomato sauce, eggs and bananas.

Spanish arroz a la Cubana is one of the most unique Spanish rice recipes made with white rice, tomato sauce, and a fried egg on top.

It is typically served for lunch and is a simple and nutritious meal.

To make this easy Spanish rice recipe, we need to boil the rice until tender, prepare a fried egg, and cook some tomato sauce.

If we want to pack with flavor this simple rice recipe, we should definitely add a fried banana.

Get the recipe: Easy Spanish Arroz a la Cubana Recipe

2. Spanish Chorizo Rice

Spanish Chorizo Rice in a bowl on a wooden table

Spain immediately brings to mind paella and rice-based foods. Chorizo, saffron, and fragrant veggies are used to prepare this traditional Spanish chorizo rice.

In the Andalusia region, this meal is frequently served as the main course for lunch gatherings. 

It includes seasoned chorizo sausage, short-grain rice like arroz bomba, and a variety of veggies.

To prepare it at home, we need to start with a delicious sofrito made by frying some grated tomatoes, onions, and garlic.

After that, we should sauté some diced pork or chicken. Once these are golden brown, we can pour the rice and some meat broth.

Then, we just have to wait until the rice absorbs the flavors and achieves its perfect texture.

Get the recipe: Classic Spanish Chorizo Rice

3. Paella Valenciana

spanish paella in a traditional pan

Paella valenciana is a traditional Spanish from Valencia, which is a southern region of Spain. It is made with saffron-infused rice, some meat, and a variety of vegetables.

To make this authentic Spanish rice recipe first, we should heat a splash of olive oil in a paellero, which is a special pan to prepare this dish.

Once it is warm, we have to prepare the sofrito by frying some grated tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and garlic cloves.

Before adding the rice and broth, we should sauté some vegetables and diced chicken, rabbit, and pork. Then, it is time to allow the dish to simmer until the rice is cooked.

Paella valenciana is one of the best Spanish rice recipes, and it is often enjoyed for lunch with family and friends.

Get the recipe: Traditional Spanish Paella Recipe

4. Spanish Rice and Beans with Pork

pork and rice in two separate bowls on a wooden table

Spanish rice and beans with pork is a delicious rice dish that features tender pork, beans, and rice. It is a simple rice recipe that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

To make this easy Spanish rice recipe, we should cook diced pork until it is golden brown and reserve them.

Then, we should pour some olive oil into the saucepan and add grated tomatoes, onion, and garlic. 

When these ingredients are ready, we should put the meat back into the pan and add some beans, rice, and meat broth and wait until it is cooked. If this stock is homemade, the dish will be tastier.

This Spanish rice dish is a great way to use up leftover ingredients and can be served as a main course or a side dish.

Get the recipe: Wholesome Spanish Rice and Beans with Pork

5. Vegan Spanish Rice Recipe

Spanish vegan rice in a clay bowl with vegetables in the background.

The vegan Spanish rice recipe is a flavorful rice dish that is made without meat or animal products. It is an easy and delicious way to enjoy Spanish rice while following a vegan diet.

To make this easy Spanish rice recipe, we should cook grated tomatoes, onions, and garlic until they are soft.

After that, we should add our favorite vegetables; such as carrots, broccoli, pepper, or zucchini cut into small pieces.

Once these are ready, we need to add the rice and vegetable broth and let everything simmer until the rice is cooked through. 

This vegan Spanish rice recipe is a great option for those who are looking for simple Spanish rice recipes that are also plant-based.

Get the recipe: Quick Vegan Spanish Rice Recipe

6. Spanish Rice and Beans Recipe

beans and rice recipe in a wooden bowl

If we need another idea for vegan Spanish rice dishes, we could try to prepare this Spanish rice and beans recipe.

This is a delicious and filling dish that features white rice, black beans, and a variety of spices. It is a simple and easy rice recipe that is perfect for a quick weeknight lunch.

To make this easy Spanish rice recipe, we should cook the rice and beans separately and we may combine them with spices like chili powder, paprika, oregano, and cayenne.

Then we can add some fire-roasted canned tomatoes and olive slices and toast all the ingredients together in a pan.

This Spanish rice dish is a great way to add some flavor to a simple rice recipe.

Get the recipe: Spanish Rice and Beans Recipe

7. Spanish Rice with Ground Beef Recipe

Spanish rice with ground beef in a pot, on a wooden table

Spanish rice with ground beef is a hearty and flavorful dish that features ground beef, rice, and a variety of vegetables.

To make this easy Spanish rice recipe at home, we should cook some ground beef with onions and garlic until golden brown and boil some rice too.

Then, we need to pour all these ingredients together in a saucepan and slightly fry them.

This Spanish rice dish is a great option for those who are looking for simple rice recipes that are also packed with flavor.

Get the recipe: Delicious Spanish Rice with Ground Beef Recipe

8. Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe

spanish chicken and rice in a pot on a red kitchen cloth.

Spanish chicken and rice is a traditional dish that is typically served as a main lunch course.

This dish is made by cooking some diced chicken until tender and flavourful with grated tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various spices, including saffron.

Then, we should boil some rice. When it is ready, we have to pour the rice in the pan with the chicken meat and stir all the ingredients together.

Spanish chicken and rice have many variations, and each region of Spain has its own unique take on the dish.

Some may add different kinds of meat, vegetables, or spices like smoked paprika.

Regardless of the variations, the Spanish chicken and rice recipe is a classic dish that is loved by many.

Get the recipe: Easy Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe

9. Chorizo Paella Recipe from Spain

chorizo paella in a black bowl on a red table cloth

Chorizo paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish made with saffron-infused rice, vegetables, and chorizo sausage.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weekday lunch, chorizo paella is a delicious and flavorful option that will transport you to Spain with every bite.

It needs to be cooked in a paellero, which is a shallow and wide pan designed for cooking the dish over an open flame.

To prepare the dish, we need to heat a splash of olive oil in the paella pan over medium heat. 

Then, some sliced chorizo sausage, diced onions, and bell peppers should be added and cooked until browned and crispy. 

It’s time for us to add rice, saffron, and chicken broth to the pan, bring it to a boil, and let it cook until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. 

Chorizo paella originated in the region of Valencia in eastern Spain, where it was traditionally cooked by farm laborers using simple ingredients.

Today, the dish has many variations and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Get the recipe: Rich Chorizo Paella Recipe from Spain

10. Spanish Baked Rice Recipe

spanish baked rice in a clay pot

Spanish baked rice recipe is a delicious and comforting dish usually served as a main course that can be made with chicken, vegetables, or seafood. 

To prepare this Spanish paella recipe, we should prepare a sofrito with grated tomatoes, an onion, garlic, and bell peppers in a paellero.

Then we should add the rice and stir it with the chicken, vegetables, or seafood chosen. 

After that, we need to pour in chicken, vegetables, or fish broth and place the paellero inside the oven for about 20 minutes until the rice is cooked through.

Get the recipe: Spanish Baked Rice Recipe

11. Spanish Saffron Rice Recipe

spanish saffron rice in a white bowl.

This gorgeous Spanish rice recipe, which is a strikingly yellow color, is a streamlined variation of paella, one of Spain’s most well-known dishes.

This quick and easy Spanish rice recipe, which is saffron-infused, comes together in about 30 minutes and is golden, fragrant, and savory.

To make this dish at home, we should sauté some diced onion, red bell pepper, salt, ground coriander, and minced garlic.

Then we should add some already boiled rice to the pan and toast it.

The last step we should follow is to sprinkle saffron threads over the rice, pour some vegetable or chicken broth and wait until the rice absorbs it.

Get the recipe: Flavorful Spanish Saffron Rice Recipe

12. Spanish Black Paella

spanish black rice, or black paella in a paella pan with prawns and squid

Spanish black paella is a variation of the classic Spanish paella, featuring squid ink that gives the dish a striking black color. 

This dish originated in the coastal region of Valencia and has become popular throughout Spain and beyond. 

The rice used is usually short-grain rice, which absorbs the flavors and colors of the other ingredients better than basmati rice.

It is traditionally cooked over an open flame in a large paella pan, but can also be prepared in a regular frying pan. 

To make this Spanish paella recipe at home, we need to heat olive oil in a pan and add and sauté some grated tomato, garlic, and onion.

Then, we should pour some sliced squid and seafood, the squid ink, rice, and broth, and let everything cook together until the rice is tender.

Get the recipe: Delicious Spanish Black Rice Recipe

13. Keto Spanish Rice Recipe

keto Spanish rice in a bowl.

Some easy Spanish rice recipes may also be strongly flavored rice recipes that will definitely surprise your guests

This keto Spanish rice recipe is the ideal dinner side preparation. Nevertheless, if we want to have it as the main course of your lunch, we just need to make a double batch of the simple keto Spanish cauliflower rice.

To prepare this tasty dish, we should prepare a tomato puree in a food processor by blending some tomatoes, onion, and garlic. 

Then, we should sauté some cauliflower for two minutes over medium-high heat.

After that, we just need to add some vegetable broth, salt, cumin, mustard, and zucchini. 

Lastly, we should continue to cook until cauliflower rice and zucchini are softened and most of the liquid is evaporated.

We can optionally add some cilantro, to give the dish some fresh notes.

Get the recipe: Healthy Keto Spanish Rice Recipe

14. Spanish Rice Soup Recipe

Spanish Rice Soup Recipe

One of the best easy rice dishes is the Spanish rice soup. Although it may be eaten all year round, locals mostly eat it in the chilly winters.

If you love rice and meat, do not be afraid to experiment with this Spanish recipe.

To make it at home, we should boil meaty beef stock bones, some stew meat, an onion, two carrots, a celery rib, and some garlic cloves.

Then, we just have to pour some rice into this broth and let it boil until it gets the perfect texture.

If we want some chunkiness, we can add some meatballs or the little bits of veggies we have used to make the broth.

Get the recipe: Easy Spanish Rice Soup Recipe

15. Spanish Chicken Soup With Rice Recipe

Dietary chicken soup with rice and carrots. Healthy food. Flat lay. Top view

If we have the ingredients to prepare a chicken paella but we prefer to make an easier dish, Spanish rice recipes like chicken soup with rice are ideal.

To prepare this Spanish rice recipe at home, we need to get a flavorful broth that will contain some chicken and a variety of vegetables (such as celery ribs, carrots, and onions).

Once it is ready, we just have to add some rice and let it boil until it is ready.

This Spanish rice dish is loved by Spaniards because it gives them the energy they need to go through the day.

Get the recipe: Simple Spanish Chicken Soup With Rice Recipe

16. Spanish Rice Pudding

arroz con leche in 2 jars with cinnamon

In Spanish, rice pudding is referred to as arroz con leche, which is Spanish for “rice with milk.” This is one of the most delicious Spanish rice recipes that’s not a savory dish.

To prepare it at home, we simply need to boil some milk with cinnamon, a vanilla stick, and lemon peel to have it ready for your guests.

You must add the rice after a few minutes and stir all the ingredients for 5 to 10 minutes. The mixture should be put in a basin and chilled for an hour before serving

Get the recipe: Spanish Rice Pudding – Arroz con Leche Recipe

17. Arroz con Bogavante

arroz con bogavante, rice with lobster in a white plate on a wooden table.

Arroz con bogavante is one of the most luxurious seafood paella recipes, typical of coastal regions of Spain, made with lobster and rice. 

This is the best Spanish rice recipe for impressing guests on special occasions.

According to some Spanish legends, arroz con bogavante was invented by a group of fishermen who wanted to create a special dish to celebrate their catch. 

To prepare arroz con bogavante at home, we need to get a sofrito ready. Then, we should pour some vegetables and seafood into the paellero

After that, it is time to add the rice and fish broth and let all the ingredients boil together until everything is cooked.

Get the recipe: Best Rice with Lobster Recipe [Arroz con Bogavante]

18. Seafood Paella

Seafood paella on a kitchen table

The paella valenciana is the epitome of Spanish cuisine. Although there are numerous variations of this rice dish, the traditional seafood one manages to stand out.

It seems that paella has been around for more than five centuries because it dates back to the fifteenth century.

The basic ingredients in Spanish seafood paella recipes today include shellfish, short-grain rice, and a variety of vegetables, including peppers, onions, tomatoes, and garlic. Saffron is also a key element in these dishes.

If we want to prepare this Spanish paella recipe at home, we should start cooking a delicious tomato, onion, and garlic sofrito.

Then, we should sauté some seafood in the paellero and add the rice and the fish broth.

The last thing to do is to wait until the rice absorbs all the stock. If you want to nail the rice texture, you should pour twice the volume of broth than the rice. 

19. Vegetable Paella

vegetable paella recipe with peas, tomatoes and peppers in a white plate.

A vegetarian paella valenciana is a paella without seafood or meat.

If we want to get the perfect vegetarian paella, we should use arroz bomba, which is a Spanish rice that absorbs all the flavor.

The best paella recipe tells us that we should sauté grated peppers, onions, tomatoes, and garlic cloves until tender.

Then, we should toast the rice with some spices and saffron threads for two minutes and add some vegetable broth.

After that, we should just wait for twenty minutes and the dish will be ready to be served.

Get the recipe: Quick Vegetable Paella Recipe from Spain

20. Meat Paella

meat Paella served in a pan with bacon, sausage and meat

As you already probably know, meat paella is one of the most well-known Spanish rice recipes in the world.

Spanish sofrito is the key elaboration to getting an unforgettable paella. A sofrito is made by frying mashed tomatoes along with tiny chunks of red pepper, onion, and garlic. 

Once we have the sofrito ready, we will need to sauté some meat until golden brown.

Lastly, we should add the stock to the pan and let everything boil together until the rice is done.

If we go to a restaurant and we see paella ciega on the menu, we should remind that it means ‘blind paella’.

This name refers to the fact that this meat paella can be eaten even by a blind person because all the meat bones have been removed before cooking it. 

Short FAQ the Best Spanish Rice Recipes

What is a traditional Spanish rice dish?

A traditional Spanish rice dish is Paella, and also one of the most well-known dishes all around the world.