Seasoned Rice
This seasoned rice recipe is quick and easy! This one-pot side dish is full of great bold flavors. Dried herbs and spices, chicken broth, and other pantry ingredients are used to make this dish taste delicious.
Today I'm sharing with you a tasty seasoned rice recipe. It's great for holidays and busy weeknights. Combining rice, spices, veggies, and herbs makes for a fragrant and tasty blend! Seasoned rice is perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a dinner party or just want to feed the family.
Plus, it's incredibly easy to prepare, so everyone can do it. They are a fantastic potluck dish because they can be prepared in advance. Typically, the dish is topped with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Seasoned rice is a simple but wonderful dish!
I prefer a rice cooker to stovetop rice since I always get crunchy rice when I cook it in a regular pot. Really? Sad to say, I find it quite tough. A rice cooker makes everything easier because I don't have to fuss with it after I've thrown in all of the ingredients!
What Is Seasoned Rice?
It's basically rice cooked with different herbs and spices like thyme, paprika, onion garlic powder, and more.
It is a simple rice dish that may be completely customized to your preferences. To make plain rice tasty and flavorful, all you have to do is add seasonings.
It's almost the same as fried rice, but fried rice is made with cooked rice and adding different spices. Seasoned rice, on the other hand, is uncooked rice that has been cooked with spices.
Why Do You Like This Recipe?
- Easy to make and simple.
- Done in under 30-35 minutes.
- A recipe that will always work!
- Budget-friendly! Less expensive and much superior to boxed rice mixes.
- Customizable. Use any herb you like, such as dried basil, parsley, or dill.
- It goes well as a side dish with a lot of main courses.
- Stores well. Make a big batch in advance and store it so you can use it as a side dish for any meal.
- It is "set and forget" because you are using the rice cooker.
- It's easy to make because you only need things you already have in the kitchen.
How To Make Seasoned Rice?
Scroll down to the recipe card to view the full recipe with exact measurements.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade seasoned rice goes well with almost every main dish on the dinner table. The harmonious blend of paprika and spices, along with the salty flavor, make this the ideal side dish.
- Proteins: Most proteins will complement this rice dish for meat lovers. Or you simply top it with a fried egg.
- Seafood: Seafood also works well! Enjoy with foil-packed salmon filets, shrimp skewers, or our famous Cajun Gumbo.
- Veggies: For a vegetarian dinner, it pairs nicely with whole roasted cauliflower.
- Also, the carbs go well with side plates of green vegetables. Enjoy a variety of healthy side dishes, such as Fried Potatoes Skins And Onions, Cajun Fries, or your favorite Creamy Creole Coleslaw.
Storage & Freezing
Store: This rice dish reheats really well! Keep any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container.
Freeze: Additionally, you can freeze the rice. To make it easier, freeze it in Souper Cubes, which make perfectly sized servings for one person.
Reheating Seasoned Rice
Defrost: Let the seasoned rice defrost in the fridge overnight before serving.
Microwave: Transfer the seasoned rice to a microwave-safe plate and flatten to ensure equal heating. Heat for one to two minutes on medium power, or until well heated.
Stove: Add a small amount of oil to a pan to prevent sticking. Add the seasoned rice and reheat on medium heat. Stir continuously until the food is heated through.
Pro Tips
- After you've rinsed the rice, thoroughly drain the water. Give it a good shake in the strainer to take out the maximum amount of water. The dish may become mushy if there is an excessive amount of residual water.
- If you are substituting brown rice for white rice, you will need to modify the water ratio and cooking time. Brown rice usually needs more water and takes longer to cook.
Substitutions And Variations
- You can substitute your preferred herbs or add extra. It is best to use herbs like oregano, basil, and dill. You can use Italian seasoning.
- You can use smoked paprika or chili powder in place of cayenne pepper.
- You can use other veggies instead of carrots and bell peppers.
- To make this seasoned rice vegan, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To give the rice a Mexican flair, add a teaspoon of chili powder, and cumin, and mix a small can of diced tomatoes that has been drained.
- To add an Asian-inspired flavor, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds or green onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Rice Can I Use?
You can use any kind of rice, but make sure to follow the pack's instructions for the right amount of water and cooking time. I used Jasmine rice, which has more taste, but it is more expensive. Another excellent alternative is long-grain brown rice, which has a pleasant nutty flavor and is quite filling. Medium and short-grain rice are too sticky for this recipe, therefore I wouldn't recommend using them.
How Long Does Seasoned Rice Stay Good?
When cooked rice is properly cooled and stored, it will last about four days in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer. Cooked rice can be a common source of food poisoning, therefore I recommend handling leftover rice properly.
What Is The Healthiest Way To Flavor Rice?
Add beans, veggies (lettuce, onions, olives), avocados (for good fats), sauces, gravies, or other toppings to the rice for flavor.
Can I Make Seasoned Brown Rice?
Yes, brown rice or any other type of rice would work well in this recipe; just make sure it's cooked through to your preference.
