Have you ever cooked seasoned rice? If not, this is what you need! Read this article of Apronese to see how to make seasoned rice.

 

Which Type of Rice to Use?

You can use any type of rice you like. But make sure to adjust the water ratio and cooking time to match the directions on the package for the rice you’re using.

I used long-grain brown rice for this recipe. Jasmine rice is another great option because it has even more flavor. It’s best to avoid medium or short grain rices for this recipe since those tend to be very sticky. 

Can I Use a Rice Maker?

Yes, you can. Just add the seasonings (garlic powder, thyme, crushed red pepper, and salt) to the rice maker along with the rice and water, then use the rice maker as you normally do.

How to Serve Seasoned Rice?

You can serve seasoned rice as a side dish to salisbury steak, turkey taco skillet, garlic butter baked chicken thighs, herb roasted pork tenderloin, or balsamic chicken and mushrooms.

You can also use the seasoned rice as a flavorful base for a bowl meal, like smoky roasted sausage and vegetables, BBQ beef and beans, or roasted brussels sprout bowls.

How Long Does Seasoned Rice Stay Good?

When the cooked rice is cooled and stored properly, it will stay good in your refrigerator for about four days, or you can freeze for about three months.

It’s really important to take the proper steps with your leftover rice since the cooked rice is one of the more common sources of food poisoning.

How to Store Leftover Rice?

Rice can contain a bacteria called Bacillus cereus, which has spores that are resistant to cooking.

Bacillus cereus contamination does not produce any visible signs or smells, so the most important thing is that the rice must be cooled properly immediately after cooking.

Transfer your cooked rice to a new container, divide the rice into smaller portions if cooked in a large batch, and then place it in the refrigerator to cool.

Do not let your rice sit out at room temperature. The goal is to cool the rice to below 40ºF in under two hours, so the sooner it gets in the fridge, the better.

Seasoned rice on a plate with vegetables and chicken

How to make Seasoned Rice?

Seasoned rice is an all-purpose side dish infused with garlic and herbs. You can serve it as a side dish or as the bed for your favorite bowl.

Author: Beth

Prep Time: 5 mins / Cook Time: 45 mins / Total Time: 50 mins

Servings: 6 (1 cup each)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups long grain brown rice ($0.80)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme ($0.05)
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional) ($0.02)
  • 3/4 tsp salt ($0.03)
  • 4 cups water ($0.00)

Instructions

  • Combine the rice, garlic powder, thyme, red pepper, salt, and water in a heavy bottomed pot. Give it a brief stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  • Place a lid on the pot and bring the water up to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a full boil, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, turn the heat off and let it rest with the lid in place for 5 minutes more.
  • After 5 minutes without heat, fluff the rice and serve, or refrigerate until it’s ready to eat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Cup ・ Calories: 227.75 kcal ・ Carbohydrates: 47.32 g ・ Protein: 4.72 g ・ Fat: 2 g ・ Sodium: 313.67 mg ・ Fiber: 2.3 g

The nutritional values shown here are only estimates. Please see our nutrition disclaimer.

How to Make Seasoned Rice – Step-by-step Photos

Rice and seasonings in a pot
Step 1: Combine 2 cups of rice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper, and 3/4 tsp salt in a heavy-bottomed pot.
Water being poured into the pot with rice and seasonings
Step 2: Add four cups of water to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid, then place it over high heat. Allow the pot to come to a full boil, then turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 40 minutes.

After 40 minutes, turn the heat off and allow it to rest and continue to steam in the residual heat for 5 minutes.
Brown rice being fluffed in the pot with a fork
Step 3: After 5 minutes, fluff the rice and serve.
Overhead view of a bowl full of seasoned brown riceYou can try more seasoned rice recipes here:

  • Tomato Rice
  • Coconut Rice
  • Mushroom Rice
  • Cilantro Lime Rice

This seasoned rice is one of the best way to reduce your meals’ budget. It may not seem very revolutionary, but it’s important to make sure every meal is as satisfying as possible.