Spanish Rice for a BBQ

Spanish Rice is a beloved side dish that brings warmth, depth, and bold flavor to any cookout — and this version is no exception.

Made for backyard BBQs and family gatherings, it balances simplicity with authenticity. Each golden grain absorbs savory broth and aromatic garlic, while fresh cilantro infuses a subtle herbaceous note that sets it apart.

It’s the kind of dish that holds its own next to smoky grilled meats, yet comforts like something passed down through generations.

Why People Will Love This Spanish Rice for a BBQ Recipe:

Rich, roasted flavor: Browning the rice in oil before adding water develops a deep, toasty base that elevates the dish far beyond plain steamed rice.

Perfect for gatherings: Its large batch size and easy preparation make it ideal for BBQs, potlucks, and family meals where comfort food is key.

Balanced seasoning: The use of Knorr tomate and Knorr chicken bouillon adds layers of umami and tomato richness, making it both savory and slightly tangy.

Fragrant and familiar: The addition of garlic and optional onions creates a warm, aromatic profile that evokes home-cooked memories.

Cilantro infusion: Simmering cilantro sprigs with the rice introduces a fresh, earthy undertone without overpowering the dish—just enough to give it character.

Low effort, high reward: Once it’s simmering, you don’t need to stir or fuss. Just let it cook undisturbed and enjoy perfectly fluffy, flavorful rice.

Customizable: You can add veggies, spices, or even fold in grilled corn or beans to make it your own, but it’s already deeply satisfying as is.

Key Ingredients:

Long Grain Rice – The backbone of the dish. Long grain rice holds its structure beautifully, delivering a light, fluffy texture that absorbs flavor without becoming mushy.

Fresh Garlic Cloves – Gently fried in oil, the garlic infuses the rice with a savory, aromatic warmth that forms the base of this deeply comforting side dish.

Knorr Tomate & Chicken Bouillon – These pantry staples create a rich, savory broth with notes of tomato and chicken, layering in bold umami flavors and that classic Mexican-style seasoning.

Cilantro Sprigs – Simmered whole, the cilantro releases subtle herbal and citrus notes, adding freshness and depth without dominating the dish.

Oil – More than just a cooking medium, the oil is essential for browning the rice to a golden hue, creating a nutty flavor and ensuring the grains stay beautifully separate.

Expert Tips:

Toast the Rice Thoroughly:

Don’t rush the toasting step. Let the rice turn a deep golden brown in the oil—it enhances the nutty aroma and helps prevent mushiness by sealing the grains. Stir constantly to toast evenly without burning.

Infuse the Oil First:

Let the garlic cloves sizzle gently in the oil before adding the rice. This builds a strong, aromatic foundation, and flavors the oil, which will coat every grain.

Use HOT Water Only:

Always add very hot (or boiling) water to the pan to maintain the cooking temperature and avoid shocking the rice. This keeps the cooking process even and prevents clumping.

Do Not Peek While Cooking:

Resist the urge to stir or lift the lid during simmering. The steam is crucial for fluffy rice—disturbing it can lead to uneven texture or sticky clumps.

Customize with the Right Ratio of Bouillon:

Knorr bouillon can vary in saltiness. Start with a conservative amount, then taste the hot liquid before boiling. Adjust gradually to avoid an overly salty finish.

Let It Rest Before Serving:

Once cooked, remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5–10 minutes. This allows moisture to redistribute and gives the rice a final fluff-up for perfect texture.

Spanish Rice for a BBQ

Ingredients:

3 cups long grain rice

1/4 cup oil less or more can be used this is my preference

2 garlic cloves

Chopped onion (optional)

Knorr tomate & knorr chicken to taste

1/4 tsp granulated garlic

6 cups very hot water

6 sprigs Cilantro

Directions :

Add oil to a pan with the garlic cloves add your rice and brown until golden.

Add water the knorr to your liking and granulated garlic.

Stir well bring to a raging boil add cilantro turn to low cover and cook 25 minutes do not stir or uncover… and done!

Enjoy!!

Important Notes When Making Spanish Rice for a BBQ

Rice Type Matters:

Always use long grain white rice for this recipe. It cooks up fluffy and separate—essential for classic Spanish rice texture. Medium or short grain rice can become sticky or overly soft.

The Golden Color Isn’t Just for Looks:

Browning the rice until golden isn’t optional—it’s the defining step that deepens the flavor and prevents sogginess. This toasting process is foundational in Mexican and Spanish-style rice dishes.

Balance the Bouillon:

Knorr Tomato and Knorr Chicken bouillon both contain salt. Overusing them can make the rice too salty. Adjust to taste, especially if serving alongside salty grilled meats or sauces.

Cilantro Is More Than Garnish:

Don’t skip the cilantro sprigs—they infuse the rice with subtle herbal brightness as it simmers, balancing the savory richness of the bouillon and oil.

No Stirring Rule Is Crucial:

Once the lid goes on, do not uncover or stir. Stirring disrupts the steam layer, damages the structure of the rice, and can result in a sticky, uneven texture.

Use the Right Pan Size:

A heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan with a tight-fitting lid is ideal. It distributes heat evenly and prevents burning at the bottom, especially during the 25-minute simmer.

Make It BBQ-Friendly:

Minced Beef Wellington

Slow-Cooked Frijoles with Green Chile

Tagliatelle with Lobster in White Cream Sauce

This rice is designed to pair with bold, smoky flavors—grilled meats, barbecue sauce, or charred vegetables. Slightly under-seasoned meat? The rice makes up for it. Over-seasoned meat? This rice helps mellow it.

How to Enjoy Spanish Rice for a BBQ After Cooking

Let it Rest (5 Minutes):

Once the rice is done, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for about 5 minutes. This final steaming stage helps the grains firm up slightly and absorb any last bits of flavor.

Fluff Gently Before Serving:

Use a fork to fluff the rice from the sides inward—this keeps it light, airy, and prevents the grains from getting mushy. Avoid using a spoon, which can crush the texture.

Serve Warm, Not Piping Hot:

Spanish rice is best when it’s warm and the flavors have had a moment to settle. Serving it just a few minutes off the stove makes the flavor more balanced and less sharp from the broth or seasonings.

Pair with the Grill:

This rice shines when served with grilled meats like carne asada, BBQ chicken, smoked ribs, or grilled vegetables. The rich, savory notes of the rice complement the charred, smoky flavors of BBQ perfectly.

Add Fresh Toppings (Optional but Great):

Elevate each serving with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or diced avocado. If you love spice, a few dashes of hot sauce or jalapeño slices add kick.

Use as a Filling Too:

Don’t just serve it on the side—Spanish rice makes an amazing filling for burritos, tacos, or stuffed peppers. Mix it with beans, shredded chicken, or veggies for extra dimension.

Leftovers? Make Fried Rice Tacos:

Toss leftover rice in a hot skillet the next day with chopped onions and a beaten egg for an easy Spanish-style fried rice. Serve inside tortillas or with eggs for a brunch twist.

Nutrition Information:

For a serving (about 1 cup) of Spanish Rice for a BBQ, based on the ingredients you provided:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of rice works best?

I love using long grain rice when making Spanish rice.

When cooked it stays fluffy and doesn’t stick together.

I also recommend rinsing your rice before toasting it.

This helps to remove some of the starch from the grain.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use a different type of rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time and liquid ratio may vary.

Adjust the cooking instructions accordingly.

Can Spanish rice be frozen?

Yes! Store cooked rice in a Ziplock bag and make sure to get out as much air as possible.

Store in the freezer for up to 3 months!

When you are ready to eat simply thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours.

Warm up in the microwave or skillet with extra chicken stock to keep the rice from drying out.

How do you season Spanish rice?

The staple seasonings are tomato, garlic, cumin, and oregano, but we decided to give this version a boost with some sazón seasoning blend, which is a staple seasoning mix in many Latin dishes.

It’s typically a blend of coriander, cumin, achiote, garlic powder, oregano, salt & pepper, and it can also include MSG, which adds more depth of flavor.

You can find it in the spice aisle or the international aisle at the grocery store.

How do I keep Spanish rice from being undercooked?

To keep the dreamy rice texture we all crave instead of a mushy or undercooked pot of grains, the rice should be allowed to rest and gently steam for 5 to 10 minutes after it’s cooked.

Simply cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel and a lid, and let it sit before fluffing it with a fork and adding the cilantro.

How can I make Spanish rice vegan?

If you’re in the market for a vegan version, all you’ll need to do is swap the chicken broth for your favorite low-sodium vegetable broth.

And if you’re all out of vegetable broth, water works well too!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Sprinkle a few drops of water on the rice before reheating it so that it doesn’t dry out.

Is the chopped onion necessary?

The chopped onion is listed as an optional ingredient.

You can choose to include it for added flavor and texture, or omit it if you prefer.

What is Knorr tomate and Knorr chicken?

Knorr tomate and Knorr chicken are seasoning products that add flavor to the rice.

You can adjust the quantities to your taste preferences, adding more or less according to your liking.

Can I substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder?

Yes, you can substitute the fresh garlic cloves with garlic powder.

Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder as a replacement for the 2 garlic cloves.

Can I customize the recipe by adding other ingredients?

Absolutely! You can customize the recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition.

You can also add spices or herbs of your choice to enhance the flavor further.