Quick Answer
Spanish rice is a flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of meats. Some of the most popular meats to serve with Spanish rice include chicken, pork, beef, chorizo sausage, shrimp, and fish. The spicy, tomatoey flavors of Spanish rice complement the richness of meat beautifully. Lean meats like chicken breast or pork tenderloin soak up the sauce nicely, while fattier meats like chorizo or flank steak offer a tasty contrast in texture and flavor. Seafood like shrimp or cod also makes an excellent pairing with Spanish rice. The key is choosing meats that can stand up to big, bold Spanish rice flavors.
What is Spanish Rice?
Spanish rice is a Mexican and Spanish-inspired rice dish flavored with tomatoes, garlic, onions, peppers, spices, and other ingredients. It offers a rich, tangy flavor and reddish color from tomato paste or tomato sauce. Spanish rice is easy to make and is a staple side dish in many Latin American cuisines. It’s also popular Tex-Mex and American Southwest cooking.
Some key features of Spanish rice include:
- Tomato-based sauce: The tomato sauce or paste gives Spanish rice its rich umami flavor and distinctive reddish hue.
- Aromatics: Onions, garlic, bell peppers, and chili peppers are commonly used to build flavor.
- Spices: Cumin, oregano, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder lend warmth and depth.
- Rice: Long grain white rice is traditionally used, absorbing flavors as it cooks.
- Color and texture: Browning the rice before simmering in the sauce adds nutty flavor and helps achieve the characteristic reddish color.
Beyond these basic elements, cooks can add their own creative twist based on preferences. Popular add-ins include diced veggies like corn, carrots or peas, fresh herbs like cilantro, and meat products like bacon, chorizo or ham.
What Meats Go Well with Spanish Rice?
With its bold, tomato-based flavor profile, Spanish rice pairs especially well with a variety of meats. The richness of the meat contrasts nicely with the acidity from the tomatoes and brightness from aromatic veggies. Here are some top meats to consider:
Chicken
Chicken is one of the most popular meats to pair with Spanish rice. Mild chicken breast or thighs complement the rice perfectly without overpowering it. The tender chicken soaks up the rich sauce beautifully. Chicken fajitas seasoned with Mexican spices are an especially delicious pairing. Try serving chicken fajita strips atop a bed of Spanish rice.
Pork
Pork also makes an excellent match for Spanish rice. Tender pork chops or pork loin lend hearty, savory flavor. They pick up the tomato-based sauce nicely. Try marinating pork first in Mexican-style adobo seasoning. Or use pork shoulder or carnitas fried up crispy to contrast with the soft rice.
Beef
Hearty beef is another excellent pairing. Flank steak or skirt steak work well, absorbing plenty of flavor from the Spanish rice. Cook beef fajita style with sliced onions and bell peppers to complement the rice. Ground beef or shredded beef also soaks up the sauce deliciously.
Chorizo Sausage
Spicy chorizo sausage is a fantastic match for Spanish rice, adding tons of rich, meaty flavor. It has the perfect blend of savory, smoky, spicy qualities to stand up to the rice. Cook crumbled chorizo into the rice, or slice and sauté for a delicious topping.
Shrimp
For seafood lovers, plump shrimp is an awesome pairing with Spanish rice. The sweet brininess of shrimp balances perfect against the acidic tomato rice. Sauté the shrimp first with chili powder, cumin and garlic for extra dimension. Nestle the cooked shrimp right into the finished rice.
Fish
Mild white fish like cod, halibut or tilapia also work deliciously with Spanish rice. The fish takes on the big flavors of the rice beautifully. Top the cooked fish fillet with Spanish rice, or flake into bits and mix right into the rice. Firm fish like salmon and tuna steak hold up well too.
Tips for Serving Meat with Spanish Rice
Here are some useful tips for successfully pairing meat with Spanish rice:
- Choose meats that can stand up to strong flavors. Delicate proteins like chicken breast may get overwhelmed.
- Marinate meats first in Mexican or Southwestern seasonings like chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, lime juice etc.
- Cook meats by grilling, sautéing, baking etc. to add nice charred flavors.
- Slice or shred meats into pieces to better absorb rice flavors.
- Cook meats like ground beef, chorizo or bacon right into the Spanish rice for extra flavor infusion.
- Let meats rest in the finished Spanish rice for 5-10 minutes to soak up flavors.
- Serve additional Mexican garnishes like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, lime wedges etc.
Following these tips will help ensure your protein of choice pairs wonderfully with the bold and vibrant flavors of Spanish rice.
Recipe Ideas for Spanish Rice with Meat
Here are some delicious recipe ideas for preparing Spanish rice with complementary meats:
Chicken and Chorizo Spanish Rice
- Sauté diced chicken breast and sliced chorizo sausage
- Cook Spanish rice with chicken broth, tomato sauce, veggies
- Stir in cooked chicken and chorizo
- Garnish with cilantro
Carne Asada Steak Spanish Rice Bowls
- Pan sear carne asada seasoned flank steak
- Make Spanish rice with extra veggies like corn and peppers
- Slice steak and serve over rice bowls
- Top with guacamole, pico de gallo, cotija cheese
Shrimp Fajita Spanish Rice
- Sauté shrimp with fajita veggies – onion, bell pepper, garlic
- Stir in cooked Spanish rice
- Finish with lime juice and cilantro
- Serve in warm tortillas or taco shells
Pork Carnitas Spanish Rice
- Make pork carnitas in instant pot or oven
- shred and crisp up carnitas in skillet
- Serve carnitas over Spanish rice
- Garnish with salsa, avocado, queso fresco
Top Meats for Spanish Rice
To summarize, here is a quick list of the top meats that pair deliciously with Spanish rice:
| Meat | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Marinate in Mexican spices, sauté or bake |
| Pork | Marinate in adobo, sauté or bake |
| Beef | Flank steak, skirt steak, ground – sauté or grill |
| Chorizo | Cook crumbled or sliced into rice |
| Shrimp | Sauté with Mexican spices |
| Fish | Bake cod, tilapia, salmon – flake over rice |
Conclusion
Spanish rice bursting with tomato flavor is an amazing complement to a variety of meat options. Lean meats like chicken and pork soak up the rich sauce beautifully. Fattier meats like chorizo, beef steak and carnitas offer delicious contrast. Seafood like shrimp and fish also pair wonderfully with the big, bold rice flavors. Marinating and properly cooking the proteins helps them stand up to the rice. Serving Mexican-style garnishes completes the dish. With a perfect protein match, Spanish rice makes for an easy, flavorful one-pot meal.