Does your bowl of rice taste “blah?” Boost this classic side’s potential with a Seasoned Rice recipe!
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White rice is a reliable sidekick for many lunches and dinners, but sometimes, this simple side can leave us wanting more. Don’t get me wrong; there are times when you don’t want your rice to be too brash, but this “blank canvas” can be a bit bland.
If you ever feel your rice could deliver an extra punch to your palate, consider upgrading to DIY seasoned rice. I know, making seasoned rice isn’t as simple as stirring plain rice in boiling water, but it’s not too difficult to add a few steps to your weeknight routine.
With just a few extra ingredients and a smidge more effort, you’ll be amazed at how seasoned rice takes your side dish game to the next level. In under an hour, you’ll have a fluffy, flavorful bowl of rice that’s sure to complement any main meal.
So, get ready to ditch the bland and embrace the bold with a pot of simple and satisfying seasoned rice!
Is Seasoned Rice Healthy?
Seasoned rice may not be the most nutrient-packed side you could serve, but it’s also not the least nutritious option. The rice provides a source of energy with plenty of carbs, and the combination of spices and low-sodium chicken broth adds flavor without a serious dousing of salt.
With that said, white rice isn’t known for being as full of vitamins and fiber as brown rice, so you could swap for this second variety if you want extra health benefits. You might also want to ditch the butter to avoid saturated fat, and maybe consider serving some lemon wedges on the side for a touch of brightness (and some extra vitamin C!). For a serious nutrition boost, consider adding some veggies or a protein source like lentils or beans to give your seasoned rice healthy superpowers.
Why is my seasoned rice so mushy?
No matter what main course you serve seasoned rice with, a mushy texture is never tasty. “Mushiness” in rice is a common mistake in the kitchen, but there are plenty of techniques you can use to avoid this soggy situation.
Since mushy rice has too much moisture, you have to be super scientific about your broth-to-rice ratios. The standard rate is one cup of long-grain rice for every two cups of water, but you may need to dial back the water content if you decide to add any chopped veggies with high water content.
It’s also vital to rinse your rice well before you cook it in the pot. Rinsing removes all that surface starch on your rice grains, which helps them separate naturally and prevents the creation of an extra sticky texture.
When heating your rice, be sure to avoid overcooking it. While it may seem like drying out your pot helps prevent moisture from clinging, letting the grains simmer for too long can cause them to burst and release extra starch (thus increasing the odds of a mushy mess).
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
Rinse
Prepare rice for cooking.
Boil
Heat broth and add seasonings.
Simmer
Cook rice until tender and let steam.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
If you want a simple side you can just pop in the microwave on a weeknight, it’s so easy to store your cooked seasoned rice in the fridge. Fluff your cooked rice with a fork to prevent clumping, and let it cool before scooping it into an airtight container. You can store your seasoned rice in the fridge for as long as 3 or 4 days. You could also put your seasoned rice in freezer-safe containers or bags for a couple of months of storage in the freezer.
If you want the fluffiest texture imaginable, rinsing rice before cooking is a must when preparing your long-grain rice. No, this isn’t a “necessary” step, but it helps remove extra starch and impurities to create the tastiest seasoned rice imaginable — and who doesn’t want that?
Yes, you can make this seasoned rice recipe if you have a rice cooker device. To use this method, add all your ingredients, set your rice cooker for your rice type (e.g. white rice or brown rice), and wait for it to cook through its cycle.
Serving Suggestions
Whatever you’d serve regular rice with will likely blend perfectly with the extra flavors in seasoned rice. I’m talking about classic pairings like Grilled Chicken Tenders, Poached Salmon, and Oven-Cooked Top Sirloin Steak, as well as exotic international dishes like Mexican Shakshuka, Indian Chicken Kebabs, and Mediterranean Tuna Salad with Olives.
You could also use your seasoned rice as a starting base to add new flavors depending on what you’re planning to serve. For example, take a tropical trip by cooking your rice in coconut milk and curry powder. You could also sauté some mushrooms in garlic and herbs to add a savory dimension to your seasoned rice — a perfect base for creating a filling vegetarian-friendly recipe. Please let your kitchen creativity soar as you explore how to add a special spin to your seasoned rice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the rinsed rice, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and kosher salt.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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