Trader Joe’s Spanish Style Rice is a frozen bag of seasoned white rice that nudges you toward a classic Mexican side dish—no stirring, no fuss. It hits the mark when you want something savory yet easy, with tomato and garlic undertones that brighten up your plate.
What’s in the bag
The bag holds two single-serving pouches of rice with a familiar seasoning mix: dehydrated onion, garlic, paprika, tomato powder, and spices. It's not overloaded—just enough seasoning to feel intentional and flavorful.
How to cook it
You’ve got options:
- Microwave: Puncture 2–3 holes in the pouch, microwave for about 4½ minutes, then let it sit for a minute before carefully opening.
- Stovetop: Tear open, empty into a skillet with a splash of water, cover, simmer for about 6 minutes until heated through.
Both methods deliver steamy, well-separated grains.
Taste and texture
This rice leans on the mild side but with pleasant savory hits from garlic, paprika, and tomato. It’s not fiery—more like a nuanced base waiting to be built upon. I appreciated that it wasn't soggy or too sauced, and the grains stayed fluffy, even when paired with richer mains.
Best ways to serve it
This rice is a natural match for many of TJ’s Mexican-inspired dishes:
- Serve under Trader Joe’s Chiles Rellenos con Queso for a full plate.
- Pair with Trader Joe’s Chicken Burritos for a quick Tex-Mex dinner.
- Enjoy alongside Trader Joe’s Taquitos with salsa and sour cream for a fast weeknight meal.
My experience
One evening, I grabbed this rice and tucked it under a handful of chili-lime shrimp from TJ’s. That savory-seared crust and citrusy kick over tomato-seasoned rice was a game-changer—felt like I actually cooked dinner when I barely lifted a finger.
Final thoughts
Trader Joe’s Spanish Style Rice makes weeknight dinners feel elevated with minimal effort. Simple, flavorful, and super adaptable—it’s exactly what a good freezer staple should be.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4 out of 5 stars)
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