Easy Macro-Friendly Spanish Rice
on Jan 22, 2026
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.
This easy Spanish Rice is one of those simple side dishes that makes any meal feel complete. It’s flavorful without being heavy, comes together with pantry staples, and fits seamlessly into a macro-balanced plate. Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos, bowls, or grilled protein, this rice adds just the right amount of carbs to fuel your day without blowing your numbers.
It’s also a great reminder that tracking macros doesn’t mean bland food — it just means being intentional with ingredients and portions.
Macros per Serving
Makes: 7 servings
Serving Size: 113g
Calories: 124
Macros: 2.9p / 25.2c / 1.3f (0.6 fiber)
How to Log It
Search “Stay Fit Mom Spanish Rice” in MyFitnessPal or MacrosFirst for easy tracking.
Ingredients
- Basmati rice
- Water
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Rotel diced tomatoes
- Adobo sauce
Substitutions & Swaps
- Rice: Swap basmati for jasmine or long-grain white rice (macros may vary slightly).
- Oil: Use avocado oil or butter instead of olive oil if preferred.
- Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can be used in place of Rotel for less heat.
- Adobo sauce: Reduce to 1 tablespoon for milder flavor or replace with tomato paste + smoked paprika for no heat.
Easy Variations
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken, ground turkey, or shrimp to turn this into a one-pan meal.
- Veggie-Packed: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn with the onions.
- Chipotle-Style: Add cumin and chili powder for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Cilantro Lime: Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Recipe Tip
If you want deeper flavor, let the onions cook a little longer until lightly golden before adding the tomatoes — this adds a subtle sweetness that balances the adobo sauce beautifully.
How to Serve Spanish Rice
This rice pairs perfectly with:
- Taco bowls
- Burritos or burrito bowls
- Grilled chicken, steak, or fish
- Fajitas
- Meal prep lunches with a lean protein + veggie
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something from these links, we could earn a small commission. This would be at no additional cost to you.
Supplies Used
- 10.5″ Fry Pan – This pan is nonstick and great for so many recipes!
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the rice fluffy.
- This recipe also freezes well for up to 3 months.
More SFM Side Dishes
You can find many more by searching “side dishes” in the search bar at the top of this page!
Get the Stay Fit Mom Cookbooks!
Macros included for all recipes and pre loaded in the apps for easy macro tracking!
Digital and hardcopies available!
Easy Macro-Friendly Spanish Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice, 220g
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced (200g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 10 oz. can Rotel diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce, from the can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir in the Rotel tomatoes and adobo sauce. Cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Transfer the mixture to a rice cooker. Add the rice and water, stir well, and cook according to your rice cooker’s settings.
- Stovetop option: Add the rice and water directly to the skillet, stir, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and all liquid has absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Notes
- Find in MyFitnessPal or the MacrosFirst app by searching for, “Stay Fit Mom Spanish Rice.”
