8 Ways to Make Rice More Interesting

Rice is one of those pantry staples that most of us have in our kitchen pretty much all the time. It is also a very healthy, low-calorie, grain which makes it ideal for forming the carb base of many meals. But, if we’re being totally honest about it, rice can be, well it can be just a little bit … boring, right? It doesn’t have much flavor of its own, and that means that you can end up finding your meals a little dull if you eat rice very often.

The good news? If you like to eat rice because it is cheap, healthy and filling, but you’re getting bored with it, there are tons of things you can do to make this staple grain much more interesting. Here are a few of our favorite ways.

1. Toast Your Rice Before Cooking

One of the simplest ways to make rice a bit more interesting is to simply toast it before adding the water. Simply add a little oil, or butter, to a pan and then sauté your rice until it is a light golden color and begins to smell slightly nutty. Then go ahead and proceed to cook it as you normally would. This will result in rice that tastes nutty and savory and delicious instead of just meh.

Oh, and bonus points if you add aromatics such as garlic, onion, ginger or shallots into the pan before toasting as their flavor will infuse the rice for a much more fragrant and delicious end dish.

2. Replace Water With Something More Flavorful

When it comes to cooking rice, water gets the job done for sure, but it doesn’t exactly bring anything exciting to the party. So, why not swap it out for:
 

         · Vegetable or chicken broth

         · Coconut milk

         · Tomato juice mixed with water

         · Miso-infused stock

         · Tea (jasmine, green, or chai for something different)

Cooking your rice in flavored liquid transforms the final dish without adding extra prep time, so you really can't lose. My favorite is broth. If you choose coconut milk to cook your rice in, it results in a creamy, rich finish that is totally irresistible. Broth, on the other hand, makes everything savory and comforting, and tea gives a very subtle floral flavor that is definitely worth trying!

3. Stir In Fresh Herbs at the End

Herbs make pretty much any dish more exciting and rice is no exception. If you are looking for a quick, effective way to give your rice a punch of flavor, then adding fresh herbs just before serving is an excellent way to do so.

Try adding:

        · Cilantro and lime

        · Parsley and lemon zest

        · Dill and scallions

        · Basil and chili flakes

        · Mint and toasted sesame

And remember that the possibilities with herbs and their many combinations are quite literally endless, so don't be afraid to experiment with any of your favorites or some new ideas.

4. Add Aromatic Spices

Spices can also turn a simple rice dish into something global and exciting. Try flavoring the rice as it cooks with:

        · Turmeric and cumin

        · Cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods

        · Star anise and cloves

        · Smoked paprika and garlic powder

        · Curry powder or garam masala

Again, do not be afraid to experiment with a wide variety of spices and their various combinations. Remember that rice is a great absorber of spices and seasoning, so even just a tiny bit can go a long way to transforming your dish.

5. Mix In Veggies for Color and Texture

A bowl of rice becomes instantly more interesting, and more nutritious, when you fold in vegetables. You can use fresh, roasted, frozen, or even pickled veggies depending on your mood. If using frozen, you can choose to cook it in the boiling water with the rice, or cook it separately and stir into the rice when done.

Consider these options and combinations:

        · Peas and carrots

        · Roasted bell peppers

        · Sautéed mushrooms

        · Shredded cabbage

        · Corn, edamame, or zucchini

· Spinach wilted right into the pot

Vegetables are great because they add texture and visual appeal, while also adding tons more nutrients while building out your rice dish. In fact they can turn a pan of rice into a complete meal, which is great!

6. Drizzle With a Flavorful Sauce

A bold sauce can completely transform bland rice in seconds. Some effortless but delicious options include:

        · Soy sauce and sesame oil

        · Sriracha and mayo for a spicy drizzle

       · Coconut aminos for sweetness

       · Chimichurri

        · Lemon tahini

        · Peanut sauce

        · Butter mixed with garlic and herbs

You can go spicy, tangy, creamy, herby depending on what your tastebuds crave at any given moment, and a flavorful sauce will make your rice more exciting than it has ever been before.

7. Try Different Rice Cooking Methods

You know what? You actually don't always have to steam your rice. There are several different ways to cook it, and each method will release different flavor profiles of its own. So, why not try:

• Crispy rice (pan-fried until golden and crunchy)
   
• Baked rice (hands-off and perfect for soaking up flavor)
   
• Rice pilaf (sautéed with aromatics before simmering)
   
• Risotto (creamy, cozy, and surprisingly simple with practice)
   
• Fried rice (a classic way to revive leftovers)

Different textures created by the various cooking methods create new eating experiences even when using the same type of rice, and that makes things much more fun and interesting.

8. Turn Your Rice Into a Bowl Meal

Rice bowls are having a moment and for good reason. They’re customizable, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable. One standout idea not to pass up is the sweet green crispy rice bowl recipe found on EntirelyEmmy. This recipe is so good because it combines crunchy pan-fried rice, fresh greens, herbs, and a sweet-savory dressing that instantly turns your everyday rice into something restaurant-quality.

Rice bowls give you freedom. Top rice with veggies, protein, a drizzle of sauce, and maybe a crunchy element like roasted chickpeas or nuts - whatever you like really. It’s simple and fun and offers lots of variety and options for any day of the week.
 

Here's to Better Rice

As you can see, rice really has the potential to be a much more exciting part of your everyday diet, which is good news since it’s also cheap and healthy and almost always available, right? Now, all that remains is to try out some of these eight ideas and soon be enjoying rice more than ever before.