If you’re looking for a go-to side that’s mouthwatering, vibrant, and just so happens to be plant-based, let me introduce you to Vegan Spanish Rice. This colorful dish delivers the perfect blend of savory spices and comforting texture—each fluffy forkful mingles tomato-kissed grains with pops of onion, garlic, and the warm embrace of cumin and smoked paprika. Whether you’re hosting taco night, prepping weekday lunches, or just craving simple, homestyle comfort, Vegan Spanish Rice is about to earn a regular spot in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of kitchen essentials transform into something truly special with this recipe. Each ingredient has a starring role, from developing deep flavor to brightening each bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:
- Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps sauté the aromatics and gives the rice a silky, luscious finish.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion forms the flavor backbone, delivering just the right amount of natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds earthy depth and irresistible aroma.
- Long-grain white rice: The perfect choice for extra fluffiness and that classic Spanish rice texture.
- Vegetable broth: Infuses every grain with savory undertones while keeping the dish fully plant-based.
- Tomato sauce: Made for that gorgeous color and tangy goodness—we eat with our eyes first, after all!
- Ground cumin: Warm and earthy, cumin is the secret to authentic, layered flavor.
- Smoked paprika: This brings a subtle, smoky richness to the dish that makes it totally crave-worthy.
- Chili powder: Adds just a hint of gentle heat to wake up your taste buds.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out all the flavors—season to your liking.
- Black pepper: A touch brings balance and a pleasant, mild spiciness.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): For a bright herbal finish, sprinkle on top right before serving.
- Lime wedges (optional): Squeezing lime over the finished rice adds zing and makes the flavors pop!
How to Make Vegan Spanish Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent—this is where you’ll start to smell the irresistible, savory notes that define Vegan Spanish Rice. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid browning, as you want the aromatics sweet and mellow.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Toss in the long-grain white rice and stir well to coat each grain with the flavorful oil and aromatics. Give it about 2 to 3 minutes—toast the rice until it’s just lightly golden and smells nutty. This step is your secret to fluffy, perfectly cooked Vegan Spanish Rice, as it helps prevent clumping later on.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Spices
Pour in the vegetable broth and tomato sauce, scraping any little bits from the bottom of the pan for maximum flavor. Immediately stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. The combination of spices here brings warm, smoky, and slightly spicy undertones to every bite, making this Vegan Spanish Rice so hard to resist!
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer, covered, for 18 to 20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Keep the lid on! This allows the rice to steam and soak up all those tangy, aromatic juices that define Vegan Spanish Rice.
Step 5: Rest and Fluff
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, still covered, for another 5 minutes. This resting period gives the rice the perfect texture—light, fluffy, and separate grains. Uncover and gently fluff with a fork. If you’re using cilantro, fold it in now for a burst of green and freshness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the Vegan Spanish Rice onto plates or into bowls, and serve it with lime wedges on the side. The touch of citrus enhances the flavors and brings out the vibrant colors, making every meal a little celebration.
How to Serve Vegan Spanish Rice
Garnishes
Think fresh! Sprinkle a handful of chopped cilantro over the top just before serving for a beautiful herbal note. If you love a little brightness, lime wedges on the side allow everyone to add just as much extra zing as they want. For a little crunch, add a few sliced radishes or a spoonful of diced avocado. Vegan Spanish Rice is always better with something green or tangy on top!
Side Dishes
This rice is the ultimate team player—pair it with vegan tacos, burritos, grilled veggies, black beans, or a crisp salad. It’s hearty enough to stand next to stews or roasted cauliflower, but humble enough to let your main dish shine. I like it as a bed for spicy tofu or jackfruit carnitas for dinner that’s totally company-worthy.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful! You can serve Vegan Spanish Rice in a big, colorful bowl family-style, stuff it into bell peppers, or layer it into burrito bowls with all your favorite toppings. For parties, try scooping it into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer. However you choose, this dish looks as good as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Vegan Spanish Rice stores beautifully! Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight sides.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Vegan Spanish Rice! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers—flatten the bags for quicker thawing—and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to label and date your containers if you’re meal prepping ahead of time.
Reheating
Ready to reheat? For the best texture, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the rice, then cover and microwave in short bursts until hot. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed to bring back that soft, fluffy texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Just know that brown rice needs more time and liquid—plan to simmer about 40 minutes and add an extra half cup of vegetable broth. The final dish will be nuttier and a little chewier.
Is Vegan Spanish Rice spicy?
This version is super family-friendly, with just a hint of warmth from chili powder. If you like more heat, add a pinch more chili powder or toss in chopped jalapeño with the onions!
Can I add vegetables or beans to this recipe?
Of course! Stir in cooked peas, corn, or black beans for extra nutrition, texture, and color. Bell peppers, carrots, or even diced zucchini are tasty, too—just add them when you sauté the onions.
What’s the best rice to use for Vegan Spanish Rice?
Long-grain white rice is the classic choice and gives the best fluffy texture. Jasmine or basmati rice works as well, but avoid short-grain varieties, which can get sticky and clump together.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pot?
The trick is to toast the rice well before adding any liquids and resist stirring once it’s simmering—just let it cook undisturbed with the lid on. Using a good non-stick or heavy-bottomed pot makes a big difference, too!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to dig into Vegan Spanish Rice as I am to share it with you! This recipe is truly one of those simple joys that fits any meal, adds a pop of color to your table, and brings everyone back for seconds. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it’s as essential in your kitchen as it is in mine!
Print
Vegan Spanish Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make vegan Spanish rice recipe that is perfect as a side dish for your Mexican-inspired meals. This dish is fragrant with spices and pairs well with a squeeze of fresh lime.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a saucepan, sauté onion until soft, add garlic.
- Add Rice: Stir in rice and toast for a few minutes.
- Cook Rice: Pour in broth, tomato sauce, add seasonings, simmer covered for 18–20 minutes.
- Rest and Fluff: Let sit covered for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork, and add cilantro.
- Serve: Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Enhance with cooked peas, corn, or black beans for added texture and nutrition.
- Brown rice can be used but adjust the cook time and broth amount accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
