Title: 18 Simple Easy White Rice Recipes Delicious
Are you looking for some new ideas to spice up your meals? Do you want a side dish that pairs well with any protein or vegetable? Then look no further! In this article, we’ll be exploring the world of simple and delicious white rice recipes. With just a few basic ingredients and some creativity, you can elevate your meal game and impress your family and friends.
From classic garlic butter to creamy coconut milk, tangy lemon herb, and savory tomato basil, we’ve got 18 mouth-watering recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and easy or rich and indulgent, we’ve got a white rice recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at each of these recipes, highlighting their unique flavors, textures, and cooking methods. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore the world of simple easy white rice recipes!
Garlic Butter White Rice
Elevate your rice game with this simple yet flavorful recipe! Garlic butter white rice is a classic combination that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. While the rice cooks, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
5. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the garlic butter mixture and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Coconut Milk White Rice
Transform plain white rice into a rich and creamy side dish with the addition of coconut milk. This recipe is perfect for pairing with your favorite stir-fry, curry, or as a base for a flavorful bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– Salt to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Stir in the unsweetened shredded coconut, coconut milk, and salt.
5. If using ginger, stir it in at this point.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the coconut milk has been fully incorporated into the rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Herb White Rice
Brighten up your meals with this refreshing and flavorful Lemon Herb White Rice recipe. This simple side dish is perfect for accompanying grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, and salt.
6. Pour the lemon mixture over the cooked rice and stir gently to combine.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Easy Fried Rice with Vegetables
A simple and flavorful dish that can be prepared in no time! This recipe combines cooked rice, vegetables, and a hint of soy sauce to create a delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add mixed vegetables; cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
4. Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the pan.
5. Pour beaten eggs into the empty side of the pan; scramble until cooked through.
6. Mix eggs with the vegetable mixture.
7. Add cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until combined and heated through.
8. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
White Rice with Black Beans
This classic Latin-inspired dish is a staple in many cuisines, providing a flavorful and filling base for any meal. This easy-to-make recipe combines the simplicity of white rice with the fiber-rich goodness of black beans.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 can black beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
4. While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the black beans and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or until they’re slightly browned and fragrant.
6. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in the black beans. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Tomato Basil White Rice
This simple yet flavorful side dish combines the sweetness of tomatoes, the brightness of basil, and the creaminess of white rice. Perfect for accompanying your favorite grilled meats or as a base for a Mediterranean-inspired salad.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook white rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they release their juices and start to soften, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in chopped basil leaves and cooked white rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy White Rice Casserole
This classic casserole is a staple for any comfort food lover. With its creamy cheese sauce and fluffy white rice, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, milk, butter, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
White Rice Pilaf with Peas
This classic pilaf recipe is a staple in many cuisines, and our version combines tender white rice with sweet and crunchy peas for a delightful side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with oil and mix with the onion. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the water to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Stir in the peas during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Sautéed White Rice
Elevate your meal with this flavorful and aromatic rice dish. This spicy sautéed white rice is perfect for accompanying grilled meats, seafood, or as a side dish on its own.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat with oil and mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add water to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
5. Fluff rice with a fork and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
White Rice with Mushrooms and Thyme
This classic side dish is a staple in many cuisines. With the earthy flavor of mushrooms and the brightness of thyme, it’s a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the thyme sprigs and stir to combine.
6. Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with oil and mix with onion and mushroom mixture.
7. Add the water and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Easy White Rice and Egg Stir-Fry
A simple and satisfying meal that can be prepared in just a few minutes, this recipe combines cooked white rice with scrambled eggs, onions, and your choice of vegetables for a nutritious and filling option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 medium onion, diced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: add your favorite vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots) and seasonings
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Pour in the eggs and scramble until cooked through, breaking into small pieces as they set.
3. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
4. Stir in the cooked white rice and combine with the egg and onion mixture.
5. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is heated through.
6. Serve hot and add your choice of vegetables and seasonings as desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
White Rice with Cilantro and Lime
This simple yet flavorful recipe is a perfect side dish to complement any meal. With the brightness of lime and the freshness of cilantro, this white rice dish is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
4. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
5. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
6. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Garlic Parmesan White Rice
Elevate your mealtime with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of parmesan cheese with the pungency of garlic. Perfect as a side dish or base for your favorite entrees.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the rice and stir to coat with oil and mix with garlic.
4. Add the water and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
White Rice with Sweet Corn and Butter
This comforting side dish is a classic combination of fluffy white rice, sweet corn, and rich butter that pairs well with many main courses. It’s a simple yet satisfying accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup frozen sweet corn kernels, thawed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and combine it with water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
2. In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sweet corn kernels and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and lightly caramelized.
3. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Add the melted butter and sweet corn mixture to the rice. Stir well to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Simple White Rice Salad with Cucumbers
A refreshing and light salad perfect for hot summer days, this simple white rice salad with cucumbers is a great side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice (cooled)
– 2 cups diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled white rice and diced cucumber.
2. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top of the rice mixture.
3. Squeeze the lemon juice over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time)
White Rice with Soy Sauce and Green Onions
This simple and flavorful dish is a staple in many Asian cuisines. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, stir-fries, or as a base for various bowls.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (about 4-6 sprigs)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Remove from heat and stir in soy sauce.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle chopped green onions on top.
6. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
White Rice and Blackened Shrimp
This recipe combines the simplicity of white rice with the bold flavor of blackened shrimp. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water. Set aside.
2. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and blackened.
3. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the shrimp and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve the blackened shrimp on top of the cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Rice: 18-20 minutes
– Shrimp: 6-8 minutes
White Rice with Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil
Elevate your rice game with this simple yet aromatic recipe that combines the richness of roasted garlic with the subtlety of olive oil. Perfect as a side dish or base for various meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white rice
– 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the chopped garlic on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and fold into a small packet.
3. Roast the garlic in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and mashed.
4. Cook the white rice according to package instructions using a medium saucepan with a lid.
5. Once cooked, stir in the roasted garlic, remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your meal game with these 18 simple and delicious white rice recipes! From classic garlic butter to more adventurous flavors like coconut milk, lemon herb, and spicy sautéed, there’s something for every taste bud. Try pairing white rice with black beans, mushrooms and thyme, or even roasted garlic and olive oil. Or go bold with cheesy casserole, tomato basil, or white rice pilaf with peas. With these easy recipes, you’ll never get bored of the same old plain white rice again!
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
