Zatarain's New Orleans-Style Spanish Rice — Tasty Housewarming Gift for First Apartment Living
Zatarain's New Orleans-Style Spanish Rice — Tasty Housewarming Gift for First Apartment Living
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Why you'll love it
- Over 130 years of New Orleans brand heritage signals trusted, authentic flavor
- Gluten free formula accommodates dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste
- Mild, savory tomato-based seasoning appeals to kids and picky eaters
- Dual preparation methods (stovetop or microwave) fit any kitchen setup or time crunch
- Single-serve and 4-pack options let shoppers buy for one meal or stockpile the pantry
- Long grain parboiled rice delivers consistent texture and faster cook time than raw rice
- Restaurants-quality flavor compared to other pre-seasoned rice packets
- Fluffy rice texture seasoned to perfection
- Versatility — works as a side dish or main meal
- Family-friendly — the whole family enjoyed it and found it spicy
- Availability on Amazon when local grocery stores stopped carrying it
Perfect for
- Quick stovetop or microwave side dish for weeknight dinners
- Base for a one-pan main entrée by adding protein, tomatoes, and butter
- Stocking the pantry with a multi-pack for meal rotation
- Easy side to bring to potlucks, cookouts, and family gatherings
- Beginner-friendly introduction to New Orleans-style cooking for novice cooks
- Making burrito filling with Rotel fire roasted tomatoes, diced fire roasted chilis, and canned chicken breast
- Making vegetarian burrito bowls with chopped romaine and canned beans
- Bulk cooking for more than 4 people (using two boxes)
- Pairing with burritos and refried beans for taco/burrito nights
- Stretching a meal with added beans, ham, chorizo, or summer sausage
Made with Real Vegetables
We insist on good ingredients, because good ingredients make great flavor. In all our products, including our Rice Mixes, we use real vegetables, like onions and bell peppers, for a taste of The Big Easy in every bite.
Cajun-Creole Spices for Authentic Flavor
At Zatarain’s, we’ve been keeping it real since 1889. Our Rice Mixes contain no added MSG*. We use flavorful Cajun-Creole spices, such as paprika, red pepper and turmeric, to add the authentic tastes of New Orleans.
*Except those naturally occurring glutamates.
Prepared and On The Table In Less than 30 Minutes
Zatarain’s Rice Mixes are the perfect choice for busy families. They’re affordable, quick & easy to prepare and offer plenty of flavor variety. Add desired protein for a delicious one-pot meal solution that’s ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
Make It Your Own
Jazz up our Rice Mixes with the addition of chopped vegetables – bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, tomatoes … the possibilities are endless. You can make it a complete meal by adding smoked sausage, ham, cooked chicken, cooked ground beef, shrimp or canned beans.
Zatarain's Red Beans & Rice Dinner Mix
Red beans & rice is a quintessential New Orleans dish traditionally prepared on Mondays, when a long stovetop simmer gave households time to do laundry. Today, home cooks rely on Zatarain’s Red Beans & Rice Mix to prepare this classic in a fraction of the time, any day of the week.
Zatarain's Yellow Rice Mix
Yellow rice, or arroz amarillo in Spanish, is a staple in Latin American cuisine. It is served as a simple side dish or, more famously, cooked with chicken and other ingredients to create arroz con pollo. Zatarain’s Yellow Rice Mix is your flavorful shortcut to quick weeknight meals.
Zatarain's Gumbo Mix
Gumbo is a rich and flavorful melting pot, just like its soulful hometown. With Zatarain’s Gumbo Mix, you can easily prepare this Big Easy classic – just add cooked chicken, smoked sausage or seafood to our mix of long grain rice in a seasoned roux with red and green bell peppers.
Product Information
A New Orleans-style tradition since 1889 Seasoned long grain rice in a mild, savory tomato sauce Stovetop simmering or microwaveable The perfect side dish or main entrée, just add protein, tomatoes and butter Gluten free
Product Dimensions : 3.88 x 1.54 x 6.2 inches; 7.78 ounces Item model number : 157581 UPC : 071429012271 Manufacturer : McCormick & Company, Inc. Units : 6.9 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #7,599 in Grocery & Gourmet Food A New Orleans-style tradition since 1889 Seasoned long grain rice in a mild, savory tomato sauce Stovetop simmering or microwaveable The perfect side dish or main entrée, just add protein, tomatoes and butter Gluten free Ingredients: Enriched Long Grain Parboiled Rice (Rice, Iron, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid), Onion, Salt, Red and Green Bell Pepper, Spices (Including Red Pepper), Sugar, Yeast Extract, Tamari Soy Sauce (Soybean, Salt) & Garlic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a good housewarming gift for someone moving into a first apartment?
Yes, it is a thoughtful, practical housewarming gift for anyone stocking a new kitchen, and the New Orleans brand heritage gives it a more special feel than a generic grocery store rice box.
Would a 4-pack work as a hostess gift for a potluck or Mardi Gras party?
Absolutely. A 4-pack is a generous, ready-to-share gift that the host can use to feed a crowd at a Mardi Gras gathering, potluck, or themed dinner party.
Is it a good care package item for a college student in a dorm?
Yes, it is shelf-stable, easy to prepare in a dorm microwave, and adds homey flavor to a college meal rotation, which makes it a popular care package pick for students.
Can I give it as a small holiday or stocking stuffer gift?
Yes, the single box or 4-pack fits easily into a holiday gift basket or stocking, especially for friends and family who love Cajun and New Orleans-style cooking.
Is it a good last-minute birthday gift that still feels personal?
It works well as an add-on birthday gift, especially when paired with a basket of other pantry favorites or a handwritten recipe card for someone who enjoys cooking.
How does this compare to giving a generic bottle of seasoning as a gift?
Compared to a single bottle of seasoning, this gift is a complete, ready-to-cook meal that the recipient can enjoy immediately, which makes it feel more useful and experiential than a standalone spice.
Is it a better gift than another pre-flavored rice packet?
Yes, Zatarain's brings over 130 years of New Orleans brand heritage and a more distinctive flavor than typical pre-flavored rice pouches, which elevates it as a gift rather than a basic grocery item.
Can I build a themed gift basket around this product?
Absolutely. It pairs well with hot sauce, andouille sausage, a wooden spoon, a Mardi Gras themed dish towel, or a recipe card for an easy weeknight dinner to create a custom Cajun gift basket.
Will the recipient actually use it, or will it just sit in the pantry?
Because it cooks in about 20 to 25 minutes with just water and minimal effort, it is the kind of practical gift that even beginner cooks will use rather than leave on the shelf.
How do I cook Zatarain's New Orleans-Style Spanish Rice on the stovetop?
Bring 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the rice mix, return to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Can I make this rice in the microwave instead of on the stove?
Yes. Combine the rice mix with 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of butter in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave on high for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the rice is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
How can I turn this boxed rice into a full one-pan main dish?
Prepare the rice according to the box, then stir in cooked protein such as shredded chicken, ground beef, ham, chorizo, or summer sausage, along with diced tomatoes or Rotel fire roasted tomatoes, and a pat of butter to create a complete one-pan entrée.
Is this rice compatible with burrito, taco, and refried bean recipes?
Yes, the seasoned rice is a popular base for burrito nights, taco bowls, and refried bean sides. It also works well as a burrito filling when combined with Rotel, diced fire roasted chilis, and canned chicken breast.
Does this product work with vegetarian burrito bowl recipes?
Yes, you can pair the cooked rice with chopped romaine, canned black or pinto beans, corn, salsa, and avocado to build a quick vegetarian burrito bowl without any extra seasoning.
What is in the box and what do I need to buy separately?
Each 6.9 oz box contains the seasoned long grain parboiled rice mix. You will need to supply your own water, a pat of butter or margarine, and any add-ins such as protein, beans, or vegetables if you want to turn it into a main dish.
Is this rice safe for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease?
Yes, Zatarain's New Orleans-Style Spanish Rice is certified gluten free, making it a safe pantry option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity as long as you prepare it with gluten free ingredients and surfaces.
How should I store the unopened boxes, and how long do they last?
Store unopened boxes in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight. The rice mix is shelf-stable, and sealed boxes typically have a best-by date printed on the packaging for long-term pantry storage.
What is the difference between this Spanish Rice and Zatarain's Jambalaya, Dirty Rice, or Rice Pilaf mixes?
This Spanish Rice is a mild, tomato-based seasoned rice built for side dishes and burrito nights, while Jambalaya includes heartier Cajun spices and vegetables, Dirty Rice adds ground meat-style seasoning, and Rice Pilaf delivers a buttery, herbed flavor profile, so the right pick depends on the flavor and meal you are building.
