Learn How to Season Brown Rice quickly and easily. There are so many ways to learn how to make brown rice taste good.
Brown rice is so good for you, but often people tend to stick with white rice. In fact, we have been guilty of it too. However, now that we know how to make brown rice taste good, we make it frequently.
With just a few ingredients, anyone can easily season brown rice for a flavor packed side dish. Rice is also a great filler in Fall Soup Recipes.
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Why We Love This
You won’t need to buy the boxed rice with so many tasty ideas. Just buy the brown rice in the bags and cook it from scratch. It is cheaper and healthier too.
The entire family will enjoy rice with so many tasty and delicious flavoring options. Plus, brown rice is packed with fiber, whole grains and nutrients for a healthy starch.
You won’t have bland bowls of rice with so many delicious seasoning ideas. It’s perfect for stir fries with its nutty flavor, side dishes and more. These seasoning ideas will work for any type of brown rice.
How to Season Brown Rice
- Add in Garlic salt (This is our all time favorite!) – So easy and really bumps up the flavor. You can use garlic powder if salt is an issue.
- Add in a bouillon cube or granules when you cook the rice for extra flavor.
- Mix in some salsa and some cumin for a tex-mex taste.
- Add an egg and fry it for a healthier fried rice.
- Add butter and lots of pepper – our neighbors make this pepper rice and it is GOOD!
- Mix some black beans with it (another family favorite)
- Mix in some pico or just plain chopped tomatoes and cilantro.
- A Dash of Soy sauce (don’t use too much)
- a Dash of Tabasco sauce or Taco sauce mixed in is good.
- Sprinkle with salt and Parmesan cheese. This is an odd combination but very good.
- Mix in some cheddar cheese for cheesy rice (not healthy but still good)
- After it is cooked sprinkle with apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweet taste.
- Add ground beef and make it a one pot meal.
- Mix in Sliced Sausage for another easy one pot meal.
- Mix in some cilantro and a splash of lime juice for a very fresh tasting rice.
- Parsley adds an earthy flavor to the rice. Oregano is tasty with parsley.
- Use broth instead of water to cook the rice on high heat and then turn the heat to low to finish cooking. Try chicken broth, beef broth or vegetable broth.
How to Cook Brown Rice
- Microwave. This is a quick way to microwave long grain brown rice. Stir and serve.
- Instant Pot. Learn how to pressure cook brown rice in minutes. This is my favorite brown rice recipe.
- Crock Pot. This slow cooker option is perfect if you need to set it and forget it. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
- Other options. You can also boil rice and simmer on the stove top using medium heat or use a rice cooker. Just note the cups of water ratio to rice ratio will depend on the cooking method.
Frequently Asked Questions
As you can see from the list above, there are lots of great spices and herbs to use in cooked rice. Depending on what mood you are in, you can use a variety of different spices.
Garlic is one of our favorites and so easy. We are always trying new things. You can also try cayenne pepper, black pepper, lemon juice, olive oil and more for the perfect side dish.
We like to use cumin or salsa for rice with a Mexican flare. It is easy to simmer in a saucepan.
If you try these various seasonings, the rice really becomes hearty and flavorful. Once it is seasoned, even those that are fans of white rice will love it! If you want a chewy texture, use long grain brown rice instead of short grain or basmati brown rice instead. You can also use brown jasmine rice if you do not care for brown basmati rice.
Yes, it is so easy to make rice ahead of time. I like to make a big batch to have leftovers or quick lunches. It is easy to portion into containers with vegetables and a protein for a quick meal or side dish ideas. Some ideas for protein include pork, chicken and shrimp.
Yes, brown rice is naturally gluten free.
You do not have to. However, if you want to wash away excess starches, rinse using a fine mesh strainer.
More Easy Recipes
Try some of these options for not only a healthy side dish idea but a really flavorful side dish as well. Please leave a comment and let me know which flavor you tried.
Saute onion, green pepper and celery with butter, salt. pepper
love your site, cooking made easy and delicious!
Great tip – Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much!
I love rice, there’s so many dishes you can do with rice. It’s a staple food here in my country.
Thanks for sharing your tips on making brown rice taste better.
How much garlic salt or powder do you add??
I love your post about seasoning rice! Thank you!!!
So glad you liked them!