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15 Flavored Rice Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

15 Flavored Rice Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

Looking to spice up your side dishes or bring something new to your dinner table? Flavored rice recipes are the perfect way to transform plain rice into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you want something quick for a weeknight dinner or a show-stopping side dish for a party, there’s a flavored rice dish to match your craving.

From garlic butter rice to tropical coconut rice, this collection of flavored rice recipes is packed with variety, simple steps, and unforgettable taste.

Flavored Rice Recipes

1. Garlic Butter Rice

Garlic Butter Rice

Flavor Profile: Savory, buttery, and aromatic.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until golden.
  2. Stir in rice and toast for 2–3 minutes.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, season, and bring to a boil.
  4. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender.
  5. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

Perfect Pairing: Grilled chicken or pan-seared steak.

2. Coconut Lime Rice

Coconut Lime Rice

Flavor Profile: Creamy, zesty, and slightly sweet.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • ¾ cup water
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Rinse rice and drain.
  2. Add rice, coconut milk, water, and salt to a pot and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
  4. Stir in lime juice and zest before serving.

Perfect Pairing: Thai curry, grilled shrimp, or tropical chicken dishes.

3. Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Style)

Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle Style)

Flavor Profile: Fresh, tangy, and bright.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook rice in water and oil until tender.
  2. Stir in lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Fluff and enjoy.

Perfect Pairing: Tacos, burrito bowls, or grilled veggies.

4. Spanish Rice (Mexican Rice)

Spanish Rice (Mexican Rice)

Flavor Profile: Bold, tomato-rich, and slightly spicy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

  1. Sauté rice in oil until golden.
  2. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, spices, and broth.
  4. Cover and simmer until rice is done, about 18–20 minutes.

Perfect Pairing: Fajitas, enchiladas, or grilled steak.

5. Turmeric Rice

Turmeric Rice

Flavor Profile: Earthy, warm, and slightly nutty.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Sauté rice with oil and turmeric for a minute.
  2. Add water or broth, season, and bring to a boil.
  3. Simmer covered for 15 minutes or until done.

Perfect Pairing: Grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or lentils.

6. Lemon Herb Rice

Lemon Herb Rice

Flavor Profile: Light, citrusy, and refreshing.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white rice
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley or dill
  • 2 cups broth
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook rice in broth until fluffy.
  2. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and herbs.
  3. Serve with a lemon wedge.

Perfect Pairing: Grilled fish, roasted chicken, or steamed vegetables.

7. Mushroom and Thyme Rice

Mushroom and Thyme Rice

Flavor Profile: Rich, earthy, and comforting.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup chopped mushrooms
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
  • 1 tbsp butter

Instructions:

  1. Sauté mushrooms in butter until browned.
  2. Add rice and toast slightly.
  3. Add broth, thyme, and bring to a simmer.
  4. Cook until rice is tender.

Perfect Pairing: Pork chops, baked tofu, or a hearty stew.

8. Indian-Style Spiced Rice (Jeera Rice)

Indian-Style Spiced Rice (Jeera Rice)

Flavor Profile: Warm, nutty, and fragrant.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 tbsp ghee or oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 cups water
  • Salt

Instructions:

  1. Heat ghee in a pot and add cumin seeds until they sizzle.
  2. Add rinsed rice and stir for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Add water and salt, cook until rice is soft and fluffy.

Perfect Pairing: Butter chicken, dal, or curry dishes.

9. Tomato Basil Rice

Tomato Basil Rice

Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, and herby.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1½ cups broth
  • ½ cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

  1. Sauté garlic in a bit of oil.
  2. Add rice, crushed tomatoes, and broth.
  3. Cook covered until rice is done.
  4. Stir in basil before serving.

Perfect Pairing: Meatballs, sausage, or grilled zucchini.

10. Pineapple Fried Rice

Pineapple Fried Rice

Flavor Profile: Sweet, savory, and exotic.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (cold)
  • ½ cup diced pineapple
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 garlic clove
  • ¼ cup diced bell pepper
  • 1 egg (optional)
  • Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Scramble egg in a pan (if using), remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté garlic and peppers in oil.
  3. Add rice and pineapple, stir-fry with soy sauce.
  4. Add scrambled egg and green onions before serving.

Perfect Pairing: Thai chicken, spring rolls, or teriyaki tofu.

11. Herb Butter Rice

Herb Butter Rice

Flavor Profile: Rich, aromatic, and buttery.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, parsley)
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook rice in salted water until fluffy.
  2. Stir in butter and herbs while warm.
  3. Serve as a classic side dish.

Perfect Pairing: Baked chicken, steak, or roast turkey.

12. Caribbean Rice and Peas

Caribbean Rice and Peas

Flavor Profile: Spicy, coconutty, and vibrant.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 can kidney beans (drained)
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 scallion, chopped
  • 1 thyme sprig
  • 1 garlic clove

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered until rice is tender.
  3. Remove thyme and serve.

Perfect Pairing: Jerk chicken, grilled plantains, or curry goat.

Tips for Cooking the Best Flavored Rice

  • Rinse Your Rice: Always rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
  • Use Broth Instead of Water: Swapping water for chicken, vegetable, or beef broth adds depth.
  • Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Toss in herbs like cilantro, basil, or dill at the end for a fresh flavor boost.
  • Let It Rest: After cooking, let rice sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing to lock in moisture.

Final Thoughts

Flavored rice is more than just a side dish—it’s a simple way to bring global flavors into your home without the need for complicated ingredients. Whether you’re craving something buttery and rich or bright and zesty, there’s a flavored rice recipe on this list to suit every taste.

So grab a pot, pick your favorite recipe, and turn plain rice into something truly unforgettable. Don’t forget to bookmark this list for your next meal plan!