Arroz Blanco: Easy Fluffy White Rice Side Dish Recipe, Step by Step 2026

Arroz blanco is the ultimate comfort side dish: fluffy, separate grains with a subtle aroma of garlic and bay leaf. This traditional recipe delivers perfect rice every time, whether you serve it with stews, grilled meats, or vegetables. The secret lies in respecting the grain with proper cooking and adding a touch of flavor with garlic and bay leaf.

With just a few simple ingredients and 25 minutes, you can make the ideal accompaniment for almost any dish. The method is straightforward: toast the rice, simmer it in hot liquid, then let it rest and fluff it up. This is the best way to ensure your rice is always on point and has that characteristic homemade taste.

There are many varieties of rice, each with its own cooking characteristics, such as brown rice or basmati. For this recipe, we use short-grain round rice, the traditional variety most used in our gastronomy, to achieve the perfect side dish for practically any meal.

Ingredients for Arroz Blanco

This recipe yields 4 servings.

• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 300 g short-grain round rice
• 750 ml hot water or broth (vegetable, chicken, etc.)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt

How to Make Arroz Blanco Step by Step

1. Brown the Garlic

Peel and lightly crush 4 garlic cloves. Place a wide pot over low heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and add the peeled garlic. Let them brown gently for a couple of minutes.

2. Toast the Rice

Add 300 g of rice to the hot oil and sauté for a couple of minutes over medium-low heat, until the grains become shiny. This will make the grains more flavorful and separate, preventing them from sticking during cooking. Meanwhile, heat 750 ml of water or broth in a separate pot.

3. Add Liquid and Seasoning

As soon as the rice grains look pearly, add the hot water or broth, 1 bay leaf, and salt to taste.

4. Cook the Rice

Now let the rice cook for the time indicated on the package, which can vary between 15 and 20 minutes depending on the specific variety. During cooking, avoid stirring the rice so it doesn't release starch, which would make it sticky.

5. Rest the Rice

When the rice is almost done, cover the pot, remove it from the heat, and let the rice rest covered for a couple of minutes so the residual moisture is absorbed and distributed evenly, ensuring all grains are uniformly cooked.

6. Fluff the Rice

As a final step, after resting, fluff the rice. This is key to keeping it loose. To do this, remove the garlic and bay leaf, and very gently separate the rice grains with a fork to air them. Once done, it's ready to serve.

Tips for the Best Arroz Blanco

Choose the Right Rice

Short-grain round rice is ideal for this recipe because it absorbs flavors well and becomes fluffy. If you use other varieties like basmati or brown rice, adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Don't Stir During Cooking

Stirring releases starch and makes the rice sticky. Let it cook undisturbed to keep the grains separate and light.

Rest and Fluff

Letting the rice rest covered for a few minutes allows the moisture to distribute evenly. Fluffing with a fork afterwards ensures perfectly separate grains.

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