Spanish Fried Rice
Spanish Fried Rice combines savory bacon, seasoned tomato sauce, and aromatic spices for a hearty, flavorful dish. Its rich, smoky undertones paired with tender rice make it perfect for casual family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy bold, comforting flavors with a touch of authenticity.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak rice in hot water for 1/2 hour; drain well.
- Spread the drained rice in a big shallow pan to dry a little, about 1 hour.
- Cook bacon until crisp; crumble and set aside.
- Add rice to bacon drippings and cook until rice is lightly browned.
- Add crumbled bacon, beef broth, tomato sauce, green pepper, onion, garlic, and cumin seed.
- Cover and cook over low heat, stirring now and then, until rice is done and liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes (add extra water if needed).
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or using leftover beef from recipes like Beef Noodles. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms to achieve a similar umami taste. Make sure to soak the rice well, as this helps it cook evenly and prevents clumping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spanish Fried Rice as a hearty main dish, garnished with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. It pairs nicely with a side of avocado salad or grilled vegetables. For an added protein boost, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or steak, or alongside dishes like Spaghetti With Beef And Mushroom Stir-Fry.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of olive oil to restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Fried Rice contains roughly 834 calories, with 25g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 883mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the cooking time to about 40-50 minutes, adding additional water as needed, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
What can I use if I don't have beef broth?
If you don't have beef broth, you can substitute with vegetable broth or chicken broth for a different flavor. You can also use water with a bouillon cube or powder to mimic the richness of beef broth.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the rice for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).