This easy salsa rice recipe is a fast and cheap favorite around here. I make it at least once a month, and you'll soon see why. In just 5 minutes or so, you can have a pot full of fluffy flavored rice, perfect for a side with any Mexican-inspired meal.
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This easy salsa rice recipe combines the convenience of fast-cooking rice with the zesty kick of salsa, creating a delightful side dish for Lazy Enchiladas With Taquitos or as a main course in my Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice. I even add it to my Cheesy Bean and Rice Burritos.
It's great in everything and so quick to prep and make that it's less than 10 minutes from start to finish.
We grew up eating this easy salsa rice recipe as kids, and it's one that has stuck with me ever since. It's the only way my mom would make "Spanish rice," and to be honest, as an adult, I actually like this version best.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- 3 ingredients, 5 minutes: This Spanish rice with salsa is fast, flavorful, and requires almost no effort.
- Versatile: Serve it as a simple side dish or bulk it up and enjoy it as part of a main meal.
- Great leftovers: Unlike plain rice, this one reheats beautifully thanks to the salsa, so leftovers stay moist and flavorful.
🛒 Ingredients
Quick-cook white rice: Use 5-minute or minute rice, not long-grain. It's partially cooked, which is why this recipe comes together so quickly. Store brands work great.
Salsa: Red salsa is my go-to, but green salsa works too. Smooth or chunky both work, so use what you already enjoy.
Water: Combined with salsa to cook the rice and add flavor without extra ingredients.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use store-brand rice and salsa: Generic brands work perfectly and cost less.
Stretch servings: This easy salsa rice recipe doubles or triples easily using the same salsa-to-water ratio.
No extra seasoning needed: Salsa adds all the flavor, so you don't need additional spices.
🥄 Instructions for Easy Salsa Rice
Step 1: Add salsa and water to a medium sized pot and bring to a boil
Step 2: Stir in rice, remove from heat and place a lid on.
Step 3: Let sit for 5 minutes or until all water has been absorbed.
Step 4: Fluff with a fork before serving.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Rice ratio: Quick rice uses a 1:1 liquid ratio. Replace half the water with salsa for flavor. Example: For 2 cups liquid, use 1 cup water and 1 cup salsa.
- Use the whole jar: If you're finishing a jar of salsa, add the water to the jar, shake, and pour it in to capture extra flavor.
❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make Ahead
Storage: Store cooked and cooled easy salsa rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Microwave with a damp paper towel over the top or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water.
Make Ahead: This rice can be made ahead and reheated without drying out, making it great for meal prep.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
Serve this easy salsa rice with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, or beans. It also works well as a base for rice bowls topped with veggies, cheese, or leftover protein.
- Quick Horchata Recipe (With Leftover Rice)Recipe $0.28 / Serving $0.04
- Mississippi Pot Roast TacosRecipe $31.94 / Serving $3.19
- Leftover Turkey EnchiladasRecipe $6.86 / Serving $1.72
- Chicken Fajita Freezer MealRecipe $10.02 / Serving $1.67
❓ Easy Salsa Rice FAQs
You can keep this rice (or its leftovers) stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Yes. When I make salsa rice in the rice cooker, I use long grain white rice instead of instant, and I add about ⅓ cup of extra water per 1 cup of dry rice. The rice you get in the end will be a little stickier than if you had made the recipe the original way, but it still tastes great.
Absolutely! One of my favorite ways to serve this rice is by cooking it on the stove as directed, but after the rice has fully absorbed the liquid, I'll top it with some shredded cheese (usually cheddar or Colby Jack) and then place the lid on for another minute or two until it's melted.
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🐝 If you tried this Easy Salsa Rice, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Salsa Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup salsa - ($0.94)
- 1 cup water - ($0.00)
- 2 cups white quick-cook rice, 5-minute - ($1.23)
Instructions
- Heat liquid. In a medium saucepan, combine the salsa and water. Bring to a boil.
- Add rice. Stir in the quick-cook rice, remove from heat, and cover with a lid.
- Rest. Let sit for 5 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Notes
- Rice ratio. Quick-cook rice uses a 1 to 1 liquid ratio. This recipe replaces half the water with salsa for flavor.
- Scaling. For any amount of rice, use equal parts salsa and water to match the total liquid needed.
- Flavor boost. If using the last of a salsa jar, add the water to the jar, shake, and pour it into the pot to capture extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
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