Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Versatile: Pairs well with many dishes, including chicken, beef, seafood, and vegetarian meals.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples to create a delicious and affordable side dish.
Great for Meal Prep: Makes a fantastic option for meal prepping as it stores well and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

White rice (jasmine or long-grain)
Chicken or vegetable broth (for added flavor)
Butter or olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Onion (finely chopped)
Salt and pepper
Dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or parsley)
Paprika (for a touch of warmth)
Bay leaf (optional)

Directions

Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming sticky.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat with the butter and aromatics. Toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the broth, then add salt, pepper, dried herbs, paprika, and the bay leaf if using. Stir to combine.
Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 15-18 minutes or until the rice has absorbed the liquid.
Fluff and Serve: Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Citrus Zest: Stir in a bit of lemon or lime zest for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Herb-Infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or rosemary.
Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle in some grated Parmesan or cheddar for a creamy, cheesy twist.
Coconut Rice: Replace half of the broth with coconut milk for a rich, tropical variation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing: Let the rice cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How do I prevent my rice from becoming mushy?

Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, and use the correct water-to-rice ratio to avoid overcooking.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Adjust accordingly.

What type of white rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain varieties like jasmine or basmati work well because they stay fluffy and separate.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and olive oil instead of butter.

What can I serve with seasoned white rice?

It pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, stir-fries, or even as a base for rice bowls.

How do I add more flavor to my rice?

Using broth instead of water, adding fresh herbs, and incorporating sautéed aromatics like onion and garlic can enhance the taste.

Can I cook this in a rice cooker?

Yes! Simply sauté the aromatics separately, then add everything to the rice cooker and follow its cooking instructions.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free broth.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I prevent my rice from sticking to the pan?

Using a non-stick pot, stirring occasionally, and allowing the rice to steam after cooking will help prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Seasoned white rice is an easy, flavorful side dish that complements countless meals. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or enjoying it on its own, this simple recipe enhances plain rice with delicious seasonings and aromatics. Plus, with so many variations, you can customize it to fit your taste preferences. Try it today and elevate your meals effortlessly!

Seasoned White Rice

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This Seasoned White Rice is fluffy, aromatic, and packed with flavor! Made with simple pantry ingredients like garlic, onion, and broth, this easy side dish pairs perfectly with a variety of meals. Whether you’re serving it with chicken, seafood, or veggies, this flavorful rice is a must-try!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, International
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Rinse the Rice – Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for fluffy rice.
Sauté for Flavor – In a medium saucepan, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
Add Seasonings – Pour in the broth (or water), then add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well.
Simmer & Cook – Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Let It Rest – Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff & Serve – Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with dried parsley, and serve warm!

Notes

For extra richness, use a mix of butter and olive oil.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, bright flavor.
Mix in cooked veggies like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.