When most people outside of Spain think of Spanish rice dishes, paella usually comes to mind. And not just any paella—preferably one piled high with fresh seafood.

But while you can find authentic versions of seafood paella here in Spain, it’s not the be-all and end-all of Spanish rice dishes.

In fact, throughout the country, you’ll find scores of equally tasty recipes that highlight Spain’s famous rice. These regional specialties add their own twist by using local ingredients and cooking techniques.

Many visitors to Spain can claim to have tried paella. And when it’s done right, paella can be one of the most unforgettable things you’ll eat in Spain. Each grain of rice is packed with tons of flavor, and the crispy layer of socarrat (more on that later!) gives it the perfect final touch.

But if you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, consider ordering one of the dozens of other Spanish rice dishes out there. As a bonus, some of these are difficult to find outside their home region, so you can rest assured that they’re the real deal.

And if you’re not in Spain just yet, no worries—we’ve got you covered with recipes to make at home!

History of Rice in Spain

As with many other now common Spanish ingredients, we have the Moors to thank for bringing rice to Spain.

Starting in the 8th–10th centuries AD, the people of Al-Andalus began planting rice along the Guadalquivir and Guadiana rivers in what are today the autonomous communities of Andalusia and Extremadura.

The practice soon spread to eastern Spain’s Levante region (including the modern-day Valencian Community). This is the area that’s most strongly associated with Spanish rice cultivation today.

Rice plantations began to expand in the 11th century thanks to improved irrigation systems. However, the crop was still pretty difficult to grow, and thus only accessible to the higher classes in Spain throughout the Middle Ages.

It was around this time that one of the first recipes involving Spanish rice was recorded: a medieval version of blancmange in the Catalan-language cookbook Llibre de Sent Soví.

The cultivation of rice in Spain began to decline after the Christian Reconquest due to beliefs that it was a “Muslim” food. However, population growth on the Iberian Peninsula in the 18th century resulted in a resurgence in demand for many crops—rice being one of them.

Over the next few centuries, rice gained more and more importance for the Valencian economy, thanks in part to new mechanical equipment that made planting and harvesting rice crops easier.

Types of Spanish Rice

When it comes to making Spanish rice dishes, there are two key rice varieties you need to be familiar with: bomba and calasparra.

What’s special about these varieties is their ability to absorb liquids. They can soak up three times as much liquid as a normal long-grain rice without breaking down. When cooked correctly, bomba and calasparra rice should be extremely flavorful, but perfectly al dente.

If you can’t find bomba or calasparra rice near you, you can substitute any round, short-grain variety. Arborio is a good option but is starchier than the Spanish varieties, which can change the outcome of the dish slightly.

Spanish Paella

We’ll talk about more Spanish rice dishes in a bit—but before we do, let’s clear up some confusion as to what paella is.

The definition of paella can vary depending on who you ask. In general, though, a Spanish rice dish needs to check a few specific boxes in order to be considered a paella.

Most Spaniards would agree that a true paella must:

• Be cooked in a wide, shallow pan that allows for the rice to be spread out in a very thin layer (this also makes it possible for it to caramelize on the bottom, a phenomenon known as socarrat)
• Use a short- to medium-grain round rice, such as bomba or calasparra
• Simmer untouched in the pan (unlike a risotto or even an arroz caldoso, which require more frequent stirring)
• Get its subtle brownish-orange (not bright yellow!) color from saffron—not food coloring

Traditionally, the original paella recipe (from Valencia) included chicken, rabbit, snails (though these are used less frequently today), green beans, and local garrofón beans. Some purists will still argue that this is the only true form of paella!

However, seafood-based and even vegetarian versions are now available at most arrocerías (restaurants specializing in rice dishes) throughout Spain.

If you want to know more about Valencian paella, check out WikiPaella: an initiative to protect and promote the classic rice dishes of the Valencian Community.

The Most Popular Spanish Rice Dishes

In no particular order, here are 12 excellent Spanish dishes with rice to keep on your radar.

1. Paella

Paella is, undoubtedly, the best-known Spanish rice dish across the world. That said, not all paellas are created equal—not even in Spain!

Many restaurants—even some that are otherwise good—know that tourists are eager to try paella, so they draw them in with bright posters and signs featuring it outside their establishment.

If you see these, beware: Those paellas are frozen, reheated, and often not homemade, and locals never order them!

Good paella takes time (and often space, to accommodate the large pans) to cook. This is why many restaurants are unable to offer it regularly. Instead, many eateries will offer a rice special one day per week.

Look for signs that say “Tenemos paella hoy” (“We have paella today”), or something along those lines. If you can spot the big paella pan they’re cooking it in, even better.

Another great option is to go to an arrocería. These are restaurants that specialize in Spanish rice dishes like paella, so they definitely know what they’re doing.

Some great versions of paella to look out for on the menu are:

• Paella valenciana: The original recipe, made with chicken, rabbit, beans, and garden veggies.
• Paella de marisco: Seafood paella. The exact types of seafood used can vary depending on what’s available, but shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid are common additions.
• Arroz del senyoret (or arroz del señorito): A twist on seafood paella in which all of the seafood is peeled or shucked and ready to eat. This dish is from Alicante, where—as the story goes—it was served to the eldest sons of wealthy families so they didn’t have to get their hands messy while eating!
• Paella de verduras: A delicious vegetarian paella made with seasonal veggies.

2. Arroz Negro

Arroz negro—literally, “black rice”—starts with white rice. So how does it get its signature dark color? The answer: squid ink.

Not only does this contribute to the aesthetic quality of the dish, but it also enhances the flavor of the seafood. While recipes can vary, the rest of the ingredients are all quite simple (think fresh produce and seafood), reflecting the beautifully humble roots of Spanish cuisine.

And of course, arroz negro isn’t complete until you’ve topped it with some homemade alioli!

3. Arroz Caldoso

While paella is dry—every last drop of liquid having been soaked up by that mighty bomba rice—arroz caldoso falls on the opposite end of the spectrum.

If you speak Spanish, you’ll see that the name speaks for itself; “arroz caldoso” literally means soupy or brothy rice. It’s most commonly prepared with fresh seafood. The secret ingredient is the broth itself—a homemade fish stock is a game-changer here!

4. Arroz al Caldero

Tucked in between the Valencian Community and Andalusia, on southeastern Spain’s Mediterranean coast, is a sun-drenched gem of a region that’s not on most tourists’ radar.

But don’t count Murcia out simply because you haven’t heard of it. This often-overlooked corner of Spain has a lot to offer, including lovely beaches, a warm and welcoming local culture, and a gastronomic scene that gives its better-known neighbors a run for their money.

Arroz al caldero is one standout of Murcia’s culinary repertoire. Particularly popular in the coastal areas of the region, it masterfully combines ñora peppers and freshly caught seafood into a flavorful stock, where local rice simmers to perfection.

The result: a soupy Spanish rice dish that’s the epitome of coastal comfort food. It’s especially delicious when topped with a dollop of homemade garlic mayonnaise.

5. Arroz Meloso

Arroz meloso falls somewhere between paella and arroz caldoso on the soupiness spectrum. It’s far from dry, but with just enough liquid to give it a creamy, comforting touch. This Spanish rice dish is similar to risotto in texture and requires a bit of skill to get the rice cooked perfectly!

6. Arròs a Banda

As the story goes, Valencian fishermen traditionally made a sort of seafood and potato stew using the fish they were unable to sell. Then they took the leftover liquid from that dish and used it to cook rice.

That’s how arròs a banda (Valencian for “rice on the side”) was born—from the rice dish that was served alongside the stew.

Arròs a banda (arroz a banda in Spanish) looks similar to paella due to the fact that it’s often prepared in the same wide, flat paella pan. A hearty dollop of alioli adds the perfect complement to the fresh seafood flavors.

7. Arroz al Horno

Valencia, as you might have noticed, does some pretty spectacular things with rice. In addition to paella, arròs a banda and more, it’s also home to arroz al horno, or baked rice.

Originally developed as a way to use up the leftovers of the previous day’s cocido, or stew, arroz al horno is one of those “everything but the kitchen sink” types of dishes, combining a variety of ingredients in a way that just somehow works.

Common additions include chickpeas, morcilla (blood sausage), and bacalao (salt cod). But really, there’s no right or wrong way to make this one!

8. Arroz con Pollo

Another of the most famous Spanish rice dishes abroad, arroz con pollo and its variations are hugely popular in Latin America as well. It originally developed in Spain and made its way to the Americas over the years.

Chicken and rice are the star ingredients, but from there, you’ll find as many recipes as there are cooks in the Spanish-speaking world. Here in Spain, there are countless variations using different veggies, spices, and extra touches like white wine or lemon.

9. Arroz con Costra

Arroz con costra is one of the hidden gems of the Spanish rice world. It’s also one of the oldest Spanish dishes with rice ever recorded—a recipe for it dating from the year 1220 still exists!

What makes arroz con costra unique is its glossy top crust of beaten egg, giving it a smoother surface than other Spanish rice dishes. Most recipes involve starting the dish on the stovetop, then moving it to the oven near the end (after the egg is poured over top) to set the crust.

10. Arroz a la Cubana

A favorite among children throughout Spain, arroz a la cubana is rice smothered in plenty of tomato sauce (preferably homemade). It’s often served with fried eggs and plantains or bananas.

11. Arroz con Leche

Yes, there are even sweet Spanish dishes with rice! Arroz con leche is Spain’s take on rice pudding, typically infused with bright lemon and warm cinnamon flavors.

12. Fideuà

This one is a little bit of a stretch, considering there’s not actually any rice at all in fideuà. But if you’re looking for an equally tasty and authentic alternative to paella, you can’t go wrong with its noodle-based cousin.

In addition to the tiny noodles that set it apart from paella, fideuà also contains plenty of flavorful seafood. Recipes can vary, but shrimp, cuttlefish, calamari, and monkfish are common additions. Just don’t forget the alioli!

Spanish Rice Recipes

Ready to try these incredible dishes for yourself? Here are some easy and delicious Spanish rice recipes to get you started.

Spanish Rice FAQs

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