10 Ways to Liven Up Plain Steamed Rice

Rice is a beloved and essential ingredient in cuisines from all around the world. While many of us tend to think of it as a simple side dish for a wide variety of meals, there are so many fun and exciting ways that you can turn your plain steamed rice into something even more delicious. So, to help inspire and motivate you to take your rice game to the next level, I’m sharing ideas for how to season rice, 10 recipes to liven up plain steamed rice, as well as tips how to make the best rice possible, and ideas for using up the leftovers.

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Rice: A Family Favorite

In our house, we eat rice at least once a week. Sometimes as part of a main dish, but more often as a side dish onto which we can ladle a stew, curry, or stir-fry.

While plain rice is a classic, it can also be fun to change up the flavor of steamed rice with different seasonings and add-ins, so I wanted to share seasoning recommendations, 10 recipes to liven up plain steamed rice, as well as ways tips on both cooking rice and using up the leftovers.

Before getting to the flavor options, though, it is important to talk preparation. Because rice is such a staple, it’s key that it be prepared properly (after all, unless you’re eating sticky rice, you don’t want it to be all gummy and stuck together).

Tips & Tricks for Cooking Rice

While cooking times for white, brown, and wild rice are all different (follow the package directions for cooking times and special instructions), the basic principals remain the same no matter what kind of rice you are making. Below you will find answers to many of the questions you might have about cooking, storing, and using rice!

Should I Rinse Rice Before Cooking It?

You may have noticed that rice packages will often recommend that you rinse your rice before you cook it. Ever wondered why that is and/or how to do it effectively? Here’s all you need to know…

Why Rinsing Your Rice is a Good Idea

There are two reasons why rinsing your rice is a good idea:

1. Rinsing the rice removes some of the starch from the outside of the grains, which means that it won’t clump together as much when cooking and you are more likely to have lovely fluffy rice.
2. Rinsing the rice also removes any dirt or debris that sometimes remains on the rice.

So, while rinsing your rice is not essential, I recommend taking that quick, extra step, if you’ve got time.

How to Rinse Rice

Rinsing rice is very simple. Just measure out the amount of rice you are going to make, place it in a fine mesh strainer, and then run it under cold water until the water coming out of the bottom of the strainer runs clear. Then, as your water comes to a boil, you can just leave the rice in the strainer to continue draining.

How Much Rice Should I Make?

I usually cook 1/4 – 1/2 cup dry rice per person per serving. For our family of four, that works out to 1 1/2 cups of dry rice, 2 cups if we want to have leftovers.

How Do I Make My Rice Fluffy?

After years of erratic results when cooking rice, I finally realized (in addition to rinsing the rice) an important piece of the cooking-rice-puzzle was the size of the pot. When I prepared my rice in a pot that was just big enough for the rice and water, the rice came out more stuck together and gummy. But, if I cooked the rice in a bigger pot, the rice came out perfectly fluffy and light! So, when choosing your pot, go big!

For example, when I make 2 cups of rice, I use a 3-Quart saucepan.

What is the Correct Rice to Water/Liquid Ratio?

For white, brown, and wild rice, the classic rice to water/liquid ratio is 1 part rice to 2 parts liquid for the perfect, fluffy rice. But make sure to check out my tips on the best way to cook brown rice below!

Note: These ratios are for cooking rice on the stovetop. If you choose to use a rice cooker or pressure cooker, make sure to read your appliance manual so that you get the correct ratios and cooking times for your specific tool.

What’s the Best Way to Cook Brown Rice?

While the 2:1 ratio works well for all three types of rice, years ago I learned a different approach for brown rice that resulted in absolutely awesome rice. After some playing around, I figured out an even quicker and simpler way to get the same results:

1. In a medium to large saucepan, bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add 1 cup of brown rice, and then cook uncovered, still boiling, for 30 minutes.
3. Strain any remaining water from the rice and then return the rice to the pot.

This method produces incredibly fluffy brown rice (note: keep the ratio 1:6 ratio if you need to make more rice).

Can I Season Rice in a Rice Cooker?

Absolutely! If you are using dried herbs or seasonings, you will want to add them before the Rice Cycle. Fresh herbs can be added at the end, when you let the rice rest, just as you would do if you were cooking your rice in a regular pot.

Do I Season Rice Before or After Cooking?

Mostly you want to add your seasonings before you begin cooking your rice as this will infuse the rice with more flavor. The one exception, though, is if you are adding fresh herbs, in which case adding them at the end is best because it will help to maintain their fresh flavor.

What Can I Do With Overcooked Rice?

While it can be really frustrating when your rice is overcooked and mushy, instead of throwing it away you can use the rice in soups (see ideas below in the section on using up leftover rice), as a replacement for the quinoa in these crispy cakes, or as a breakfast porridge (see directions below in the section on using up leftover rice).

What Can I Do with Undercooked Rice?

Usually undercooked rice can be saved by adding a little more liquid and continuing to cook the rice as you did before. I recommend starting with 1/2 cup of water and then simmering until it is absorbed. If your rice is still not done, just add a little more water and keep on cooking.

How Do I Store Cooked Rice?

To store, just cool your rice completely and then put it in an airtight container and then store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

What is the Best Way to Reheat Rice?

The easiest way to reheat rice is in the microwave. To reheat, just sprinkle the rice with 1-2 tablespoons of water for each cup of cooked rice and heat for 1-2 minutes, until it is warm throughout or until a food thermometer reads it at 165° Fahrenheit.

Seasonings You Can Add to Flavor Rice

Before I get to my favorite easy recipes to liven up steamed rice, I wanted to share some really quick and simple ideas to add flavor to rice.

Herbs and Spices

You can add herbs and spices to your water, as you are bringing it to a boil. This will infuse the water and the rice with the flavors of whatever you have added. Some fun options include:

• dried oregano
• dried basil
• dried thyme
• bay leaves
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• chili powder
• curry powder
• garam masala
• za’atar

Fresh Herbs

You can also add fresh herbs to your rice, although I prefer to mix these in after cooking. Some of my favorites include:

• parsley
• basil
• mint
• thyme

Change the cooking liquid

Another way to add flavor to rice is to swap out the water for another cooking liquid. You can either entirely replace the water or you can do a mixture of water and another liquid – you just want to make sure you keep your liquid to rice ratios the same. Some fun options include:

• chicken, vegetable, or beef broth
• coconut milk
• orange juice (replace only some of the water with OJ, I’d keep it 2/3 water, 1/3 juice)
• tomato sauce (again, only replace a portion of the water, 1/2 and 1/2 is good here)

Vegetables

There are also some vegetables that you can easily add to your rice to make it more flavorful. Some options include:

• onions or shallots (I recommend sautéeing these in a little bit of oil in the bottom of your rice pot, until they are translucent, before adding the water)
• scallions
• finely diced bell peppers

10 Recipes to Liven Up Plain Steamed Rice

One of my favorite ways to add flavor to rice is by either using a cooking liquid other than water (bouillon or broth is an easy alternative), or by stirring in some fresh herbs, dried fruit, peas, nuts, or other flavor and color boosters. Below are 10 of my favorite quick recipes to add flavor to rice.

1. Vegetable-Spiked Rice

Use half water and half salsa or carrot or tomato juice to cook the rice. This will add extra flavor, color, and nutrients!

2. Mediterranean Rice

Stir 1 – 2 Tbsp. toasted pine nuts and 1 – 2 Tbsp. dried currants or dried cranberries into the cooked rice. The textures and flavors contributed by these add-ons elevate the rice to a sophisticated side dish.

3. Indian Rice

Do you love the gently spiced rice at Indian restaurants? Now you can make it at home! Cook basmati rice with 1 cinnamon stick, 6 whole cloves, and 2 garlic cloves (use water or broth). Remove the cinnamon, cloves, and garlic before serving.

4. Japanese Rice

My family absolutely loves this rice dish with it’s varied textures and flavors. When the rice is cooked, stir in 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar, 1 cup shelled and steamed edamame, 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions, and 1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds or sesame oil (stir in a teaspoon of miso paste if you happen to have it.)

5. Herbed Rice

Stir into cooked rice, ¼ – ½ cup chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, scallions, basil, or cilantro. So simple and so delicious.

6. Rice with Peas and Onions

I love this one because it adds some extra vegetables into the meal without anyone even noticing. In a small skillet, sauté ½ diced yellow onion with 1 Tbsp. oil until it starts to brown. Mix in frozen or fresh peas and sauté the mixture for about 2 more minutes. Mix the onions and peas into already steamed rice. Season it with salt or soy sauce, if desired.

7. Cilantro Rice

This dish is perfect to go alongside any Latin American or Tex-Mex dish you are preparing. Cook the rice according to the package directions (cook it in light coconut milk, if desired). When cooked, stir in the juice of ½ lime, ½ cup fresh chopped cilantro, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, and 1/4 – 1/2 tsp. salt.

8. Caribbean Rice

You’ll practically feel the sand between your toes as you enjoy this rice that brings tropical flavors to your table with almost no effort. Cook the rice in light coconut milk with 1/2 tsp. ground allspice, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. dried thyme (or stir in 1 tsp. fresh thyme after cooking), and 1/8 tsp. ground cloves.

9. Curry Rice

This flavorful rice makes a lovely side dish for any roasted or grilled meat or tofu dish you might serve. In a heavy saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, sauté ½ finely diced yellow onion in 1 Tbsp. oil over medium heat until the onions are lightly browned. Add the rice, ¼ tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. curry powder and stir the rice to coat the grains with the oil. Add the water or broth, bring it to a boil, and cook as directed.

10. Festive Rice

Stir ¼ cup chopped pecans, ¼ cup dried cranberries or cherries, and 1/8 – ¼ cup vinaigrette dressing into the cooked rice. The crunch of the nuts, sweetness of the dried fruit, and zing of the salad dressing make this a winner every time.

What to Eat With Seasoned Rice

Plain steamed rice is still my favorite when I am serving a flavorful stew, curry, or saucy dish. After all, you don’t want your rice to compete with your main dish. But there are many, many dishes that work beautifully with a flavored rice. One tip: pick seasoning additions or one of the flavored rice recipes above that compliment the main dish’s flavor profile and seasonings. Here are some of my favorites:

• Chicken, such as roasted, grilled, or even chicken fingers
• Steak
• Pork tenderloin
• Seafood
• Tofu
• Beans

How to Use Up Leftover Rice

We are big fans of leftover rice in our house. So much so, that I often purposefully make extra rice to use in other meals throughout the week. Here are some of my favorite ways to use up leftover rice:

Fried Rice

We often use leftover protein, cooked vegetables, beans, and egg in a Brazilian-style fried rice called Mixidinho. In addition, we love this Scramble recipe for Crispy Tofu Triangles with Fried Rice.

Frittatas & Casseroles

Did you know you can incorporate rice into fritattas? It adds a wonderful texture and heft to make the frittata a full meal!

Similarly, you can add rice to casseroles, such as the Southwestern Egg and Rice Bake pictured above.

Soup Add-in

Whether it is a pureed vegetable soup like our Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Crispy Sage or a noodle soup where I swap out the noodles for rice, such as our No-Chicken Noodle Soup, my family is always excited to have rice-filled soup on the table.

Breakfast Porridge

For a simple 5-minute breakfast, warm up leftover rice with some milk (any variety, dairy or non), cinnamon, and maple syrup for a delicious morning porridge. Top it with fruit and/or nuts and you’ve got a hearty breakfast for all.

Flavored Rice Recipe to Get You Started: Steamed Rice with Caramelized Onions

If you are inspired, but aren’t sure where to start, this Steamed Rice with Caremelized Onions recipe is simple and pairs wonderfully with almost any dish!

Steamed Rice with Caramelized Onions

Jessica Braider

A fun, simple spin on rice that will make dinner just that much more exciting.

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Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1/4 yellow onion diced
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup white rice
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp. curry powder optional
• 2 cups water or use broth

Instructions

 

• In a heavy saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, sauté the onions in the oil over medium heat until the onions are lightly browned.
• Add the rice, salt, and curry powder (optional) and stir the rice to coat the grains with the oil.
• Add the water or broth, bring it to a boil, and simmer the rice, covered, for 15 – 20 minutes, or according to the package directions.

Notes

Nutritional Information Per Serving (% based upon daily values): Calories 200, Total Fat: 4g, 5%; Saturated Fat: 1g, 3%; Cholesterol: 0mg, 0%; Sodium: 150mg, 6%; Total Carbohydrate: 38g, 13%; Dietary Fiber: 1g, 4%; Sugar: 0g; Protein: 3g

Like this recipe? Check out The Scramble’s family-friendly meal plans to see just how simple getting dinner on the table can be!

Keyword All, Dairy-Free, Fall, Freezer-Friendly, Kid-Friendly, Kosher, Low Fat, Low Sodium, Make-Ahead, No Added Sugar, Nut-Free, Side Dish, Spring, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian, Winter

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What else do you do to spice up steamed rice? Please share in the comments below.

Want more dinnertime inspiration? Check out our post on the many delicious ways you can top baked potatoes!

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