What to Serve With Spanish Rice
Published 2026-10-29
Spanish rice, often called Mexican rice or red rice in American kitchens, is long grain rice cooked with tomato, onion, garlic and spices until fluffy and orange-red. It is the classic side for Tex-Mex meals and is easy to make from a seasoned boxed mix. Here are the best dishes to pair it with and some tips to make a box taste more homemade.
Cooking a boxed mix
Most boxed Spanish rice mixes include seasoned rice that you cook with water and canned tomatoes or tomato sauce, as listed on the box. For more flavor, sauté a little diced onion and garlic in oil before adding the rice, or toast the dry rice for a minute until lightly golden. A can of diced tomatoes with green chilies gives it extra kick.
Tex-Mex main dishes
Spanish rice is the natural partner for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, tamales and quesadillas. Serve it alongside refried or seasoned black beans for a classic combination plate. It also fills out a burrito, either rolled inside with beans and cheese or served on the side.
Grilled and roasted meats
Pair it with grilled chicken thighs, carne asada, pork chops, shrimp skewers or a rotisserie chicken. A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro over both the rice and meat ties the plate together. Spanish rice also goes well with baked fish and simple roasted vegetables.
Turn it into a one-pan meal
Stir in browned ground beef or chicken, a can of drained black beans and some frozen corn, then top with shredded cheese and let it melt under a lid. This makes an easy burrito bowl skillet. Leftovers can be used to stuff bell peppers or rolled into breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs. Refrigerate cooked rice promptly in a shallow covered container and reheat it until steaming hot, adding a splash of water to loosen it before microwaving.
