This simply seasoned rice recipe that has great flavor and pairs with almost any meal!

This foolproof recipe ensures every grain is infused with lots of savory flavor, it’s so much better than packaged rice and doesn’t take much longer!

Seasoned rice being served

An Easy Rice Side Dish

I’d have to say rice is one of my favorite side dishes, regardless of how it’s prepared.  We especially love this rice recipe because it’s versatile and this basic recipe pairs well with almost any cuisine or even just grilled meats or baked chicken.

  • Rice is a budget-friendly side dish, perfect for a big family or to feed a crowd.
  • It uses a handful of ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • We love that we know exactly what is in this homemade version and can control the ingredients.
  • Homemade seasoned rice is so versatile. Stick to this easy recipe or make your own creation!

Seasoned Rice ingredients with labels

Ingredients & Variations

RICE: One cup of uncooked white rice will yield 3 cups of cooked. Brown rice, wild rice, basmati, or jasmine rice will all work in this recipe, cooking time and liquid may need to be altered.

SEASONINGS: Rice absorbs the flavors of anything it’s cooked with and the recipe below includes our favorite rice seasoning! A bit of soy sauce adds salt while Worcestershire adds great flavor.

Experiment outside the box and try homemade lemon pepper seasoning, Greek seasoning, or add in fresh herbs right before serving! Try garlic powder, paprika, thyme or oregano. Stir in finely chopped vegetables like celery, carrots or bell pepper for additional color and flavor.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with sauces and dressings, either!

process of adding broth and seasoning to rice to make Seasoned Rice

How to Season Rice

Seasoned rice tastes best when the seasoning is cooked into the grains instead of mixed with them.

  1. Cook the rice in a little bit of butter until slightly browned. Add onion & garlic, cook until softened.
  2. Add remaining ingredients, cover, & cook (per recipe below).
  3. Remove from heat & let rice rest for about 5 minutes.

Once the rice has cooked and rested, gently fluff up the grains with a fork. Season with additional salt & pepper to taste.

a pot of seasoned rice topped with a pat of butter and parsley

Tips for Perfectly Seasoned Rice

  • Lightly browning the rice before cooking adds flavor (and also helps keep the grains separated).
  • Keep the lid on the rice while the rice is simmering and resting to keep the steam in (this helps it to cook and avoids it getting sticky).
  • The recipe below is for long grain white rice. If you use a different variety of rice, cooking time (and the liquid ratio) may change. If you’re uncertain, check the package of rice for this information.
  • Double the batch and freeze half for a ready-to-eat side dish when time is tight!
  • Keep leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge or store in the freezer.

More Rice Favorites

Did your family love this Seasoned Rice? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

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Seasoned rice being served
5 from 96 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Seasoned Rice

With savory flavor in every bite, this Seasoned Rice is an easy go-to recipe the whole family will love!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
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Ingredients  

  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 2 tablespoons butter divided
  • ¼ cup finely diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions 

  • Place rice and 1 tablespoon butter in a saucepan with a lid. Heat over medium high heat until the rice starts to slightly brown.
  • Add onion and garlic, cook 2-3 minutes or until slightly softened.
  • Add remaining ingredients (except butter) and stir. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Cook 20 minutes, do not open the lid.
  • Remove from the heat (without opening the lid) and let rest 5 minutes.
  • Open the lid, add the remaining butter, and stir. Fluff with a fork, taste, and season with additional salt & pepper if desired.

Notes

For a little bit of a bolder flavor, one bouillon cube (any flavor) can be added.
Do not open the lid to 'peek' or the rice won't steam properly.
If desired, add additional fresh herbs, diced bell pepper, or fried mushrooms.
The seasonings can be used with any kind of rice, the ratio of rice to liquid and the cooking time may need to be adjusted. 
5 from 96 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 121 | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 1004mg | Potassium: 89mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 179IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
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Seasoned Rice in the pot and plated with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. this is perfect. it’s our go-to recipe and we make it almost weekly. it’s just like steakhouse rice5 stars

  2. I added carrots and celery with no extra seasoning as the men add salt before they taste anything first. Will have a little sausage with it for tonight’s meal. Thanks!!5 stars

  3. Followed the recipe and this was very good. My husband normally eats plain white rice with butter salt and pepper. He told me to make this again5 stars

  4. Made this for my family. It turned out perfect and was delicious. Followed exactly and was perfect! Oh and there are two things you should know:
    1. I have never been able to cook rice. It always comes out, mushy or undercooked.

    2. My daughter is a very picky eater, she loves rice, except when I make it.

    This was a huge hit, and I would definitely make it again!5 stars