This Seasoned Rice comes together in about 20 minutes and stovetop for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the seasonings or add vegetables to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends!
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s dive into what you’ll need for this amazing Seasoned Rice recipe!
- 2 cups of rice
- 4 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Rinse the Rice: Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for fluffy rice, trust me! It helps remove excess starch that can make your rice gummy when cooked.
Boil Water: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Feel free to add a couple pinches of salt to the water for extra flavor.
Add Ingredients: Once boiling, add the rice, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the boiling water.
Stir and Cover: Stir the mixture, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is fully absorbed. You’ll want to avoid lifting the lid too often, keep that steam trapped!
Fluff It Up: Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and fluff it with a fork to separate the grains, oh, it smells divine! If using, stir in the fresh herbs now for that pop of color and flavor.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve alongside your favorite dishes, this rice pairs beautifully with everything from chicken and veggies to tacos!
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, this is my go-to recipe when I’m in a pinch after a long day of work and mom duties. It’s comfort food at its finest and incredibly satisfying, perfect for getting everyone around the table! I’m a real sucker for rice that’s packed with flavor but requires little effort. And the best part? You can use whatever you’ve got on hand! I often throw in leftover veggies or even beans to amp it up.
If you loved this Seasoned Rice, be sure to check out my Crispy Rice Salmon, my Caribbean Chicken and Rice, or my Texas Road House Rice!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 20 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast!
One Pot Wonder
This recipe comes together all in one pot, which means less cleanup! Just rinse, boil, simmer, and fluff, so simple!
Budget-Friendly
This recipe is super budget-friendly, using affordable, everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Customizable
You can make this rice your own! Toss in any leftover veggies, switch up the spices, or add proteins like beans or shredded chicken.
Comfort Food
Loaded with flavor, this rice is a heartwarming staple that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Seasoned Rice
This rice is incredibly versatile. Pair it with grilled chicken, beef, tofu, or even sautéed vegetables. It also makes a great base for burrito bowls or alongside chili!
Storage Instructions
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days stored in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to keep it moist. You can also microwave it for about 1-2 minutes, simple!
Freezer-Friendly?
Yes! This rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice?
Absolutely! Just remember, brown rice takes a little longer to cook, around 40-45 minutes in total.
What can I add to season the rice?
Feel free to experiment! Fresh herbs, sautéed onions, or even a splash of soy sauce can add a kick of flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just make sure to use a pot large enough to accommodate the rice expanding.
What else can I serve with this rice?
I love serving it with grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, or even as a side for tacos, endless possibilities!
Give this Seasoned Rice a try this week for dinner, and I promise it’ll soon become a beloved dish in your house too. Cooking doesn’t always have to be complicated to be full of flavor and love! Happy cooking, friends! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
Print
Seasoned Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy seasoned rice recipe that comes together in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the rice, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and olive oil to the boiling water.
- Stir the mixture, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes until the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Stir in fresh herbs (if using) and serve.
Notes
This seasoned rice is great for using up leftovers or adapting with different spices and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
