In SoutheastAsia, rice is integral. Day after day, the need to incorporate rice with meals is a very Asian habit.
The plain rice gets dull and boring after a few days. Seasoned rice is an excellent way to transform it from dull to delightful!
In this guide, you’ll learn different ways to make seasoned rice, from classic and buttery to global variations.
Also, if you’re looking for professionally seasoned halal rice, there’s a place to recommend in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Adding seasoning to rice is not just adding salt. It’s a balance of several ingredients, including salt, herbs, and spices.
If you’re a beginner, try adjusting the flavor of white rice first with simple ingredients like garlic, onions, or broth. These recipes are not only great for dinner but are also great for adapting to rice cookers for more automated and relaxed cooking.
Classic Seasoned Rice Recipe
Let’s start with the basic seasoned rice that’s easy and quick to prepare. This particular recipe includes onion and garlic that are common in almost every household. It easily adapts to many bold flavors.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 bay leaf or a pinch of dried thyme for herbal notes
Instructions:
- Wash the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Heat the oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the rice and lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the broth, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Let the rice sit, covered, for another 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.
This easy rice recipe for dinner goes well with grilled vegetables and meats. You can also try adding seasoned rice vinegar (about 1 tablespoon) for a twist. It adds subtle acidity, which brightens the dish.
Buttery Seasoned Rice: Indulgent and Comforting
Buttery seasoned rice is prepared for those who enjoy rich and melt-in-your-mouth flavors. This dish offers the classic buttery seasoned rice an extra portion of butter to enhance the creamy texture.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 cup jasmine rice (for a fragrant base)
- 1 3/4 cups water or broth
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice.
- In a medium pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the rice and stir until it is fully coated.
- Add water or broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 15 minutes.
Once done, stir in the remaining butter until melted and incorporated with the rice. Add parsley to garnish.
This comforting dish enhances plain rice significantly. It is perfect for weekday meals and can be made halal-friendly by switching to vegetable broth and ensuring all other ingredients comply.
Read about more other menu recipes by Shawarma Kebab, like:
Global Styles: Exploring Flavors from Around the World
There are exciting different variations of seasoned rice around the world. Let’s learn a few, starting with Jamaican seasoned rice for that Caribbean flair, along with a version from the Middle East that is halal and packed with spices.
Jamaican Seasoned Rice Recipe
Jamaican rice and peas (which is usually made with kidney beans) is a spicy, coconut-infused treat.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (whole, for mild heat)
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Sauté garlic in oil in a pot.
- Stir in the rice, beans, coconut milk, water, spices, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove pepper before serving.
- This is an excellent method of adding hearty spices such as allspice for that authentic touch when cooking rice.
Middle Eastern Seasoned Rice
Check out this pilaf-style rice, popular in Mediterranean and Egyptian cooking, for a halal-friendly option.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 cup of basmati rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (must be halal certified)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- Pine nuts or some almonds for garnishing
Instructions:
- Sauté onion and olive oil until it turns golden brown in color.
- Briefly toast rice and spices.
- Simmer for 15-18 minutes after adding broth.
- Add toasted nuts.
Seasoned Rice in a Rice Cooker: Effortless Perfection
The rice cooker is a huge convenience for busy cooks. Customize any recipe by putting all ingredients (minus post-cook butter or vinegar in the cooker).
For the basic setting, use the rice setting. For broth-flavored rice, replace water with broth. For the Jamaican version, mix in coconut milk and spices. Dinner-ready simple rice recipes are a breeze.
Pro tip: Pre- or post-cook rice seasoning blends like paprika, cumin, or herbs are great for experimentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you season rice with?
Usually, you can season rice with broth, salt, pepper, and herbs.
What does it mean to season rice?
Seasoning means adding flavor and aroma to the traditional plain white rice.
Is seasoned rice good?
It depends on preference. In restaurants, patrons love to order aromatic rice, jasmine rice, and herbs rice with their meals.
Wrapping Up: Try It at Home or Dine Out
Every seasoned style of rice has its fans, be it the Japanese or Jamaican version. The rice lovers find it particularly joyful to make it at home.
These recipes are easy to follow and pleasant to taste, making them ideal for any time of the day.
For those not inclined in the kitchen or looking for the best seasoned rice grill in West Chester, Shawarma Kebab in PA is the place to be.
This family-owned concession is famed for its Mediterranean platters, which come with seasoned rice served with cubed halal beef, marinated chicken, and split lentils, all generously seasoned with fresh herbs and spices.
Visit shawarma-kebab.com to view their menu, and you’ll agree with me that it is the best halal seasoned rice spot in PA.
