Flavored Rice Recipes
Discover easy and tasty flavored rice recipes bursting with bold spices, fresh herbs, and vibrant ingredients. These recipes transform ordinary rice into a fragrant and colorful dish perfect as a side or a comforting main. Made with simple pantry staples, aromatic spices, and fresh produce, they are versatile, quick to prepare, and ideal for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Rice and Base Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (can substitute water)
Fresh Herbs and Extras
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, parsley, or mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup peas, carrots, or other vegetables (optional)
- 2 tablespoons toasted nuts (almonds or cashews), optional
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Chop the onion, garlic, and any vegetables or herbs you plan to use.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to develop the base flavors.
- Toast Spices and Rice: Add the cumin, turmeric, coriander, and paprika to the pan and stir for about 30 seconds to release their oils and aroma. Mix in the rinsed rice and toast gently for about one minute, coating the grains evenly with the spices.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the broth or water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then stir in fresh chopped herbs, toasted nuts, and any tender vegetables to add layers of texture and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Always rinse rice well to prevent clumping and ensure fluffy texture.
- Sauté aromatics first to deepen flavor before adding rice.
- Toast spices briefly in oil to awaken their essential oils for maximum taste.
- Use broth or stock instead of water to enhance richness effortlessly.
- Fluff rice gently with a fork after cooking to maintain grain integrity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked rice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: flavored rice, spiced rice, herbed rice, easy rice recipe, meal prep rice, vibrant rice dish, side dish, gluten free rice