The Easiest Gluten Free Spanish Rice

This gluten free Spanish rice recipe brings authentic flavors to your table in only minutes. It's a hearty but flavorful side dish that can be served with any meal. Made with simple ingredients and only one pot it's an easy healthy side everyone will enjoy.

Jump to Recipe

Spanish rice is one of my favorite sides and I always order it when we visit mexican restaurants. When we make it from scratch we love serving it with tacos, chicken, fajitas, refried beans and more. Another great thing about authentic Spanish rice is that it's a Mexican food that's naturally gluten free. This makes it a perfect side dish for a gluten-free diet.

Unfortunately, many packaged foods try to save money by adding wheat flour noodles and other non gluten-free ingredients. Because of this, it's super important to read the nutritional information before buying most packaged foods, especially if you have celiac disease. Making this delicious gluten free Mexican rice recipe only takes a few minutes and it's sure to be a family favorite. I can't wait for you to try it.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Gluten Free Spanish Rice Recipe
• Ingredients
• How Spicy is Gluten Free Spanish Rice?
• What is The Best Type of Rice
• What Makes This Gluten Free?
• How Do You Make Spanish Rice?
• Ways to Serve This Easy Spanish Rice Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Storing
• More Gluten Free Recipes You'll Love 
• The Easiest Gluten Free Spanish Rice

Why You'll Love This Gluten Free Spanish Rice Recipe

Simply dump and go - Don't you love a recipe that adds all the ingredients to one pot and then the pot does all the cooking? I know I do. Once everything is prepped and the broth reaches a boil, everything gets dumped in and cooks for only 15 minutes. This leaves you free to tend to dinner and prepare everything else. It doesn't get easier than that.

Only takes 15 minutes - Many recipes on the internet require an added step that consists of sautéing the onion, garlic, and pepper before adding the rest of the ingredients. However, I didn't find this was totally necessary because all three ingredients cook down and infuse the rice with flavor as it cooks. Adding everything to the pot and cooking in one easy step is what make this such an easy side dish.

Cheap - The very few and simple ingredients this recipe calls for are extremely cheap and easy to find. This makes dinner affordable and delicious.

Healthy - This recipe is gluten free, dairy free, and light on calories. 

Versatile - Once thing we love about this easy recipe for spanish rice is how versatile it is. Turn gluten free spanish rice into a full on dinner by adding shrimp or chicken and some queso cheese over the top. On the other hand you can keep it vegetarian by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth and pump up the protein by adding black beans or pinto beans. Consider also making burrito bowls with the Spanish rice. There are so many delicious gluten-free recipes that start with a good mexican rice.

Ingredients

Vegetable oil - I suggest using an oil light in flavor like vegetable or canola. This helps keep the rice moist and prevents it from getting sticky. I probably wouldn't use olive oil in this recipe because it can have a robust flavor that can be overpowering.

Garlic - Fresh minced garlic is best in this recipe. If you don't have fresh cloves you can substitute garlic powder but it won't have the same intense flavor.

Onion - Yellow or white are great for this recipe. Green onion to garnish at the end is also delicious.

Jalapeño - Adds a little bit of heat and color to the rice. If you're cooking for kids and want less heat you can substitute poblano pepper or green bell pepper

Cumin - For added flavor, consider also adding chili powder if you have some one hand. This isn't necessary but a lot of recipes incorporate this into the rice. Let me know if you give it a try.

Chicken broth - Also for added flavor, beef broth, vegetable broth, or water can be substituted. You can use chicken bouillon to make chicken stock but be sure to choose a gluten-free option. Keep in mind some brands have monosodium glutamate so keep an eye out for this if you're sensitive to it.

Tomato sauce - This gives rice its beautiful color and also adds subtle flavor, a can of diced tomatoes can be substituted

Long grain rice - Any long grain white rice will work for this recipe especially since most variations have the same cook time. Brown rice is a healthy substitute. Keep in mind that if you're making this recipe with brown rice extra chicken broth may be needed and it may require a longer cooking time.

Cilantro - To garnish, adds an element of freshness and delicious flavor

How Spicy is Gluten Free Spanish Rice?

The heat in this recipe all depends on how hot your jalapeños are. Jalapeños can range from having the heat level of a bell pepper or be very hot. Fortunately, you have a little bit of control over this. Milder jalapeños have a smooth flesh while spicy jalapeños have wrinkles in the flesh. Keep this in mind the next time you buy them. I always suggest buying fresh peppers from the produce section of the grocery store so you have more control over the heat.

What is The Best Type of Rice

We recommend using a long grain white rice for this recipe. Long grain rice doesn't get sticky like shorter grain rice. It's also drier which helps it become nice and fluffy with very little effort. Two types that we typically gravitate toward are basmati and jasmine. You my also be able to find packages that are named long grain white rice and those are perfectly acceptable for this recipe as well.

What Makes This Gluten Free?

This recipe is gluten free because none of the ingredients contain wheat, barley, or rye. There are also no artificial ingredients that contain gluten. As a result every part of this recipe is gluten free. However, I always recommend checking the packages to ensure none of the ingredients were processed in a facility with gluten.

How Do You Make Spanish Rice?

Step 1. In a sauce pan add vegetable oil, garlic, onion, jalapeno, cumin, chicken broth, and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil. 

Step 2. Once the chicken broth mix is boiling add the long grain rice and reduce heat. Return to a simmer and cook over medium heat covered for 15 minutes. 

Step 3. When the rice is done fluff with a spoon or a fork and serve immediately with fresh chopped cilantro. 

Ways to Serve This Easy Spanish Rice Recipe

• Stir in ground beef and top with cheese and taco sauce
• Add chicken to make a gluten free chicken and rice bowl 
• As a side with tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and more
• Use as a base for a burrito bowl and top with your favorite meat and veggies
• Stir into tortilla soup

Frequently Asked Questions 

• Is rice gluten-free? Yes it is. 
• Is spanish rice dairy free? This recipe is, yes. There is no butter, milk, or other dairy products. 
• Is spanish rice gluten free? Yes, there are no ingredients that contain gluten. However, please check the package ingredients to make sure the ingredients are not processed in a facility with gluten. 
• How do I make this into a gluten free rice pilaf? Rice pilaf refers to a cooking technique that includes sauteeing veggies and spices with the rice until golden brown before adding broth. A skillet is great for this cooking technique. 

Storing

Store the gluten free Spanish rice in an air tight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat by placing in a microwave safe container and microwave for 30 seconds at a time with a damp paper towel over top to retain moisture. I don't recommend freezing the cooked rice because the thawing process will cause the rice to lose its freshness. The texture and flavor may also be compromised.

More Gluten Free Recipes You'll Love 

Corn Mango Salsa

Guacamole without Onion

Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl