Rice is a versatile ingredient that can be seasoned and flavored in many ways. White rice on its own has a relatively mild flavor, so it benefits from adding herbs, spices, vegetables, proteins and sauces. With the right seasonings, plain white rice can be transformed into a delicious side dish or entree.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to what you can use to add flavor to white rice:
- Herbs – Basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, parsley
- Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, chili powder
- Oils/Vinegars – Olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, rice vinegar
- Vegetables – Onions, garlic, carrots, peas, corn, peppers, mushrooms
- Proteins – Chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, beans, eggs, nuts
- Sauces/Condiments – Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha, ketchup
- Dairy – Butter, cheese, plain yogurt
- Acids – Lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice
Herbs
Fresh or dried herbs are an easy way to add flavor to plain white rice. Herbs provide aromatic flavors that can complement many rice dishes. Here are some examples of herbs that pair well with white rice:
- Basil – The sweet flavor of basil goes well with rice. Try stirring chopped fresh basil into rice for a simple flavor boost or pesto rice made with basil.
- Oregano – Earthy oregano can provide a Mediterranean flair. It’s perfect with lemon and olive oil seasoned rice.
- Thyme – Savory thyme works nicely with white rice. Toss it in rice pilaf or risotto.
- Rosemary – The pine-like taste of rosemary stands up to hearty rice dishes. Use it in rice cooked with beans or mushrooms.
- Cilantro – Bright, citrusy cilantro is a staple in Latin rice dishes like cilantro lime rice. Add chopped cilantro just before serving.
- Parsley – Fresh parsley can add a pop of green color and flavor. Sprinkle chopped parsley over simple garlic rice.
Spices
Spices are great for transforming the flavor of plain rice. They add warmth, complexity and can make rice more savory, sweet or spicy. Here are some spices to consider using with white rice:
- Garlic powder – An easy way to add garlicky flavor without chopping fresh garlic.
- Onion powder – Provides the taste of onions without the strong aroma.
- Cumin – Earthy, nutty cumin complements rice well, especially in Mexican or Indian-style rice.
- Curry powder – Give rice a taste of India with this blend of spices like coriander, turmeric, ginger.
- Turmeric – Adds an aromatic, slightly bitter flavor and golden yellow color.
- Chili powder – Depending on the type of chili powder, can provide anything from mild to spicy heat.
- Paprika – Sweet or smoked paprika will provide a touch of umami savoriness.
- Cinnamon – A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness to rice pudding or pilaf.
Try making flavored salt, oil or butter blends with your favorite spices to toss with hot rice for instant seasoned rice.
Oils and Vinegars
Oils and vinegars can really make the flavors in rice pop. Drizzle them over cooked rice or incorporate into the cooking liquid. Some tasty options include:
- Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil gives rice a fruity, peppery flavor. Toss with rice and fresh herbs.
- Sesame oil – A little sesame oil goes a long way to provide nutty flavor.
- Coconut oil – Subtle coconut flavor works nicely in coconut rice.
- Rice vinegar – Mild acidity brightens up fried rice or sushi rice.
- Balsamic vinegar – For more robust flavor, drizzle aged balsamic over roasted veggies and rice.
Vegetables
Adding vegetables to rice bumps up the nutrition while also enhancing the flavor. Try stirring in any of these veggies:
- Onions – Sautéed onions add savory flavor to rice.
- Garlic – Garlic rice is simple and tasty.
- Carrots – Shredded carrots cook up nicely in rice pilaf.
- Peas – A staple in rice dishes like peas and rice or fried rice.
- Corn – Kernels add pops of sweetness and color.
- Peppers – Diced bell peppers provide texture.
- Mushrooms – Meaty mushrooms add richness when sautéed with rice.
- Spinach or kale – Sturdy greens wilt into rice for a side dish with built-in vegetables.
Roast vegetables like cauliflower, brussels sprouts, butternut squash or sweet potatoes and serve over rice for a hearty meal.
Proteins
Protein foods blend beautifully with rice to create a well-rounded dish. Here are some proteins to mix into rice or serve alongside:
- Chicken – Shredded chicken thighs or breasts work well in rice bowls and casseroles.
- Beef – Ground beef or steak pairs nicely with rice and gravy.
- Pork – Try rice with pork chops, sausage or pulled pork.
- Shrimp – Cooked shrimp adds lots of flavor to seafood fried rice.
- Beans – Beans provide plant-based protein and texture.
- Eggs – Scrambled or fried eggs served over rice make a fast meal.
- Nuts – Toasted nuts like almonds, cashews or peanuts add crunch.
Aim for a good balance of rice and protein in each serving. Rice works well when it’s about 1/4 to 1/3 of the dish.
Sauces and Condiments
Sauces are an easy shortcut for adding lots of flavor to plain rice. Condiments like salsa also jazz up boring rice. Give rice extra flavor with:
- Soy sauce – A must for fried rice. Also good drizzled over rice bowls.
- Teriyaki sauce – Sweet and salty teriyaki chicken or beef over rice is a classic.
- Hoisin sauce – Tangy, slightly spicy flavor complements rice.
- Sriracha – Add as much or as little heat as you want.
- Ketchup – Ketchup rice is big comfort food. A little goes a long way.
- Salsa – Fresh pico de gallo or tomatillo salsa really brighten up rice.
- Hot sauce – dashes of Tabasco, Cholula or other vinegary hot sauces can liven up rice.
Mix up a batch of sauce or dressing to toss with rice for an instant flavor boost. For example, stir together soy sauce, lime, ginger, garlic and brown sugar for a quick teriyaki sauce.
Dairy
Dairy products help make rice creamy and rich. Incorporate them into rice dishes or serve rice with a pat of butter or scoop of yogurt.
- Butter – A pat of butter melted over hot rice is so comforting.
- Cheese – Melted cheese takes rice to the next level. Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, parmesan.
- Plain yogurt – Stirred into rice along with herbs and spices, yogurt adds tang.
- Milk – For super creamy rice pudding, arroz con leche or risotto, stir in milk or cream.
For an easy cheesy rice side, combine rice with butter, milk, cheese and baked until bubbly and lightly browned.
Acids
A splash of citrus juice or vinegar brightens up the flavor of rice. The acidity helps balance out the starchiness of the rice. Some good options are:
- Lemon juice – Bright, tart lemon juice complements so many seasonings.
- Lime juice – Lime adds similar citrus flavor, essential for dishes like Mexican rice.
- Orange juice – For a sweeter, tropical twist, use fresh orange juice.
- Rice vinegar – Mild and not too sour, rice vinegar is perfect with Asian rice dishes.
- Apple cider vinegar – Fruity apple cider vinegar adds subtle acidity.
For an easy weeknight side, squeeze fresh lemon over rice along with olive oil, garlic powder, parsley and salt and pepper.
Recipe Inspiration
Here is a table with some recipe ideas for seasoned white rice using a variety of herbs, spices, vegetables and more:
| Recipe | Main Seasonings |
|---|---|
| Lemon Pepper Rice | Lemon juice, garlic, parsley, black pepper |
| Coconut Lime Rice | Lime zest and juice, coconut milk |
| Cilantro Lime Rice | Cilantro, lime juice, garlic |
| Mexican Rice | Onion, garlic, tomato, cumin, chili powder |
| Italian Rice | Onion, garlic, basil, parsley, parmesan |
| Curried Rice | Curry powder, garlic, onion, carrots |
| Vegetable Fried Rice | Peas, carrots, onion, soy sauce, sesame oil |
| Chicken & Rice Casserole | Chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cheese |
| Shrimp Creole Rice | Shrimp, tomatoes, onion, celery, creole seasoning |
The possibilities are endless when it comes to seasoning rice! Use your favorite herbs, spices, vegetables and sauces to give plain rice an extra flavor boost.
Tips for Cooking Seasoned Rice
Here are some tips for successfully cooking flavorful, seasoned rice:
- Season to taste – Start with small amounts of seasonings and adjust to your preferences.
- Bloom spices – Briefly cook spices like cumin, curry powder, or garlic in oil to intensify their flavors.
- Fresh vs. dried herbs – Use less dried herbs, about 1/3 of the amount of fresh.
- Add liquids – Incorporate flavorful liquids like broth, coconut milk, or tomato juice.
- Layer flavors – Combine multiple seasonings for more complex flavor.
- Season after cooking – Delicate herbs and lemon juice taste best applied right before serving.
- Use seasoned oils – Infuse oils with herbs, garlic, or chili flakes before sautéing rice.
- Check seasoning – Taste and adjust seasoning just before serving the rice.
Storage
Properly stored, seasoned rice can last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Here are some storage tips:
- Let rice cool completely before storage.
- Store rice in an airtight container.
- Add a paper towel to the container to absorb moisture.
- Keep rice refrigerated at 40°F or less.
- Avoid frequent temperature changes by not repeatedly removing from fridge.
- Use cooked rice within 3-5 days.
- Reheat leftover seasoned rice thoroughly.
- Add a splash of water when reheating to restore moisture.
Cooked rice can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow rice to cool completely, then freeze in air-tight containers for 2-3 months.
Conclusion
White rice may seem plain and uninspired on its own, but with the right mix of herbs, spices, vegetables, proteins and other flavor-boosting ingredients, it can be incredibly delicious and versatile. Get creative with your rice seasonings and before you know it, you’ll have a perfect side or one-dish meal packed with flavor. With a little finesse, plain old rice can really become something special.