8 Easy Rice Recipes

Tired of plain, boring rice? Elevate your side dish game with these 8 easy and flavorful rice recipes! From the comforting simplicity of garlic butter rice to the vibrant zest of cilantro lime rice, there’s a perfect flavor combination for every meal and every palate. Discover how simple it is to transform a staple ingredient into a culinary star.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love these 8 easy rice recipes because they transform a humble staple into a delicious and exciting part of any meal. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward, adding incredible flavor with minimal effort. They are perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike, offering a fantastic way to add variety to your weekly menu. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a flavorful base for a larger meal, these recipes deliver.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp salted butter
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 ½ cups uncooked white jasmine rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 3 Tbsp salted butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ cup grape tomatoes – chopped
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
• ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 or 2 tsp cajun seasoning
• 4 oz chopped green chilies – 118 ml
• 1 Tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 zested lime
• 2 juiced limes
• ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
• 2 cups frozen chopped broccoli – bite-size pieces or smaller
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 cup diced pineapple – or crushed pineapple
• ¼ cup chopped green onion

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: Heat a pan over medium-high heat with butter and olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. For recipes like Garlic Butter Rice, Turmeric Rice, and Broccoli Cheddar Rice, add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. For Tomato Flavored Rice and Cajun Seasoning Rice, add garlic, onion, and any chopped vegetables (tomatoes or bell peppers) and cook until softened.
2. Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the pan. Lightly toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes slightly fragrant. For Turmeric Rice, add the turmeric powder at this stage and stir to coat the rice.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the specified liquid (chicken broth, broth and coconut milk, or broth and tomato sauce). Stir in any additional seasonings, spices, or bay leaves as per the specific recipe. For Tomato Flavored Rice and Taco Seasoning Rice, gently scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any stuck bits.
4. Simmer and Cook: Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer until all the liquid has been absorbed. **Crucially, do not stir the rice during this simmering stage.** This prevents the release of excess starch, which can lead to mushy rice. For recipes with tomato sauce, it’s recommended to gently scrape the bottom of the pot once or twice during cooking, but avoid over-stirring.
5. Steam and Rest: Once all the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat. Let the rice sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This steaming period allows the rice to finish cooking and become perfectly fluffy.
6. Fluff and Finish: Remove the lid. For Cilantro Lime Rice, stir in the lime juice, zest, and cilantro. For Broccoli Cheddar Rice, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and gently mix it in. For Pineapple Coconut Rice, stir in the soy sauce and diced pineapple. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, incorporating any added ingredients.
7. Serve: Serve the flavored rice immediately as a delicious side dish.

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Expert Tips / Pro Tips

Rinse Your Rice: For best results, especially with white jasmine rice, rinse it under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer before cooking. This removes excess starch and helps prevent clumping, leading to fluffier grains.

Don’t Peek (or Stir!): Resist the urge to lift the lid and stir the rice while it’s simmering. This releases steam and heat, disrupting the cooking process and potentially making the rice mushy.

Low and Slow is Key: Always simmer rice on low heat after bringing the liquid to a boil. This ensures even cooking without scorching the bottom, especially important for recipes with tomato sauce or coconut milk.

Proper Resting: Allowing the rice to steam off the heat for 5-10 minutes is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Don’t skip this step!

Measure Accurately: Use the correct liquid-to-rice ratio as specified in each recipe. Too much liquid will result in soggy rice, while too little can lead to undercooked grains.

Variations & Substitutions

Rice Type: While jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrance and texture, white basmati rice or even brown rice (adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly) can be used. Experiment to find your favorite!

Broth: Chicken broth provides great flavor, but vegetable broth or even water can be used. For a richer flavor, consider using a good quality beef broth in some recipes.

Vegetables: Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn along with the onions, or stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be used as a substitute for cilantro in Cilantro Lime Rice, or added as a garnish to any of the other recipes.

Spices: Adjust the amount of spices to your preference. For instance, increase the chili powder in the Tomato Flavored Rice for more heat or reduce the Cajun seasoning if you prefer a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These flavored rice recipes are incredibly versatile and serve as excellent accompaniments to a wide range of main dishes. Garlic Butter Rice and Turmeric Rice pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or pork chops. Taco Seasoning Rice is a natural fit for tacos, burritos, or chili. Cilantro Lime Rice is perfect for Mexican-inspired dishes, burrito bowls, or alongside grilled shrimp. Broccoli Cheddar Rice is a comforting side that complements simple baked chicken or meatloaf. Pineapple Coconut Rice adds a tropical flair to stir-fries, curries, or grilled pork. Tomato Flavored Rice and Cajun Seasoning Rice are great with barbecue, fried chicken, or even as a base for a simple bean dish.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Storage: Allow cooked rice to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it’s properly sealed to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing: Flavored rice freezes well. Portion the cooled rice into freezer-safe bags or containers. Spread it out in a thin layer before freezing for faster thawing. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat refrigerated rice, add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to the rice in a saucepan or microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat gently over low heat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. For frozen rice, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as above. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen in the microwave, adding a little extra liquid and stirring halfway through.

Nutrition Information

Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. These figures are based on approximate serving sizes of 1/6th of the recipe.

FAQ

Can I use a different style of rice?

Yes, you can. White basmati rice will also work for most of these recipes. While brown rice can be used, it requires a different liquid-to-rice ratio and a longer cooking time, so it’s best to follow specific instructions for brown rice if you choose to use it.

Do I have to use chicken broth?

No, you can use vegetable broth or beef broth as well. You can also use water, but the rice will lack the same depth of flavor that broth provides.

Why is my rice mushy and sticky?

This can happen for a few reasons. You may have added too much liquid, overcooked the rice, or stirred it too much during the cooking process. Different types or brands of rice can also absorb liquid differently. Next time, try reducing the liquid slightly and be sure not to stir the rice while it simmers.

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

Yes, these rice recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. They are best reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little added liquid.

Are these recipes gluten-free?

Most of these recipes are naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free broth and any spice blends that are certified gluten-free. Always check your ingredient labels to be sure.

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8 Easy Rice Recipes

A collection of 8 flavorful and easy-to-make rice recipes, perfect as a side dish for any meal. Includes Garlic Butter Rice, Turmeric Rice, Tomato Infused Rice, Cajun Seasoning Rice, Taco Seasoning Rice, Cilantro Lime Rice, Broccoli Cheddar Rice, and Pineapple Coconut Rice.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings per recipe

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, International

Calories: 0.35045

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Garlic Butter Rice

• 1 Tbsp salted butter
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion chopped small
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups uncooked white jasmine rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 3 Tbsp salted butter
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp ground black pepper

Turmeric Rice

• 1 Tbsp salted butter
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups uncooked white jasmine rice
• 1.5 tsp turmeric powder
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf

Tomato Flavored Rice

• 1 Tbsp salted butter
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/4 cup grape tomatoes chopped
• 1.5 cups uncooked white jasmine rice
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce

Cajun Seasoning Rice

• 1 Tbsp salted butter
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1.5 cups uncooked white jasmine rice
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cajun seasoning
• 1 bay leaf

Taco Seasoning Rice

• 1 Tbsp salted butter
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1.5 cups uncooked white jasmine rice
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 4 oz chopped green chilies 118 ml
• 1 Tbsp taco seasoning

Cilantro Lime Rice

• 1 Tbsp salted butter
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1.5 cups uncooked white jasmine rice
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 2 limes juiced
• 1 lime zested
• 1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped

Broccoli Cheddar Rice

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp salted butter
• 1.5 cups uncooked white jasmine rice
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups frozen chopped broccoli bite-size pieces or smaller
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Pineapple Coconut Rice

• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1.5 cups uncooked white jasmine rice
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 cup diced pineapple or crushed pineapple
• 1/4 cup green onion chopped

Method

 

Instructions

1. **Garlic Butter Rice:** Heat a pan over medium-high heat with butter and olive oil. Add the garlic and onion. Cook until the onion turns translucent. Add in the rice and lightly toast for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and stir ingredients together. Cover the pot with a lid and turn heat to low. Let simmer until all liquid has disappeared (do not stir during this step). Remove from heat and let sit 5-10 minutes covered to steam rice. After that, fluff the rice with a fork and then serve.
2. **Turmeric Rice:** Heat a pan over medium-high heat with butter and olive oil. Add the garlic and onion. Cook until the onion turns translucent. Add in the rice and turmeric powder and stir together. Lightly toast the rice for 1-2 minutes. Add in the chicken broth and bay leaf. Cover the pot with a lid and turn the heat to low. Let simmer until all liquid has disappeared (do not stir during this step). Remove from heat and let sit for 5-10 minutes covered to steam rice. After that, fluff the rice with a fork and then serve.
3. **Tomato Flavored Rice:** Heat a pan over medium-high heat with butter and olive oil. Add the garlic, onion and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the onion turns translucent. Add in the rice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and dried thyme and lightly toast for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, tomato sauce and stir ingredients together, scraping the bottom of the pot while you do this. Cover the pot with a lid and turn heat to low (a high setting will burn because of the tomato sauce). Let simmer until all liquid has disappeared – gently scrape the bottom of the pot with a flat silicone or wood spatula, but don’t overstir the rice as you do this. Once liquid has cooked, remove from heat and let sit 5-10 minutes covered to steam rice. After that, fluff the rice with a fork and then serve.
4. **Cajun Seasoning Rice:** Heat a pan over medium-high heat with butter and olive oil. Add the garlic, onion, and chopped bell pepper. Cook until onion turns translucent and bell pepper softens. Add in the rice, chicken broth, cajun seasoning, and bay leaf and stir ingredients together. Cover the pot with a lid and turn heat to low. Let simmer until all liquid has disappeared (do not stir during this step). Remove from heat and let sit 5-10 minutes covered to steam rice. After that, fluff the rice with a fork and then serve.
5. **Taco Seasoning Rice:** Heat a pan over medium-high heat with butter and olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until the onion turns translucent. Add in the rice and lightly toast for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and tomato sauce and stir ingredients together, gently scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any rice. Cover the pot with a lid and turn heat to low. Let simmer until all liquid has disappeared, but gently scrape along the bottom of the pan with a silicone or wood spatula once or twice during the process. Remove from heat and let sit 5-10 minutes covered to steam rice. After that, add the chopped green chilies and fluff the rice with a fork and then serve.
6. **Cilantro Lime Rice:** Heat a pan over medium-high heat with butter and olive oil. Add the garlic and onion. Cook until onion turns translucent. Add in the rice and lightly toast for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and lime zest and stir the ingredients together. Cover the pot with a lid and turn heat to low. Let simmer until all liquid has disappeared (do not stir during this step). Remove from heat and let sit 5-10 minutes covered to steam rice. After that, add the lime juice, and chopped cilantro and mix into the rice, then serve.
7. **Broccoli Cheddar Rice:** Heat a pan over medium-high heat with butter and olive oil. Add the frozen broccoli and cook 2 minutes. Add in the rice and lightly toast for 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and stir ingredients together. Cover the pot with a lid and turn heat to low. Let simmer until all liquid has disappeared (do not stir during this step). Remove from heat and let sit 5-10 minutes covered to steam rice. After that, sprinkle the cheese on top and mix with the rice then serve.
8. **Pineapple Coconut Rice:** Add the broth and coconut milk to a pot and bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and add the rice. Give it a stir, then cover the pot with a lid and let simmer until all liquid has disappeared. Remove from heat and let sit 5-10 minutes covered to steam rice. After that, stir in the soy sauce and diced pineapple, fluffing the rice with a fork as you go, then serve.

Notes

These recipes are designed for stovetop cooking. For multicooker instructions, please refer to the original source. Always rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch. Avoid stirring rice while it’s boiling to prevent mushiness. Cook on low heat after bringing liquid to a boil. Nutritional information is an approximation and will vary based on the specific rice recipe chosen.