When it comes to weeknight meals, there’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting bowl of steamed rice. It’s a staple in many cuisines around the world, from Asian dishes to Latin American favorites. But sometimes, the same old recipe can get a bit repetitive. That’s why we’ve compiled 18 delicious and varied steamed rice recipes to spice up your meal routine.
From classic jasmine and garlic butter flavors to more exotic options like coconut milk and pandan leaf infused, there’s something for every taste bud on this list. Whether you’re in the mood for a flavorful and aromatic side dish or a main course that’s both comforting and nutritious, these fluffy steamed rice recipes are sure to hit the spot.
Classic Jasmine Steamed Rice
A staple in many Asian cuisines, this fragrant and fluffy rice dish is a perfect accompaniment to your favorite stir-fries and curries. With its delicate jasmine flavor and soft texture, it’s a comforting side dish that pairs well with most meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup jasmine rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Add the vegetable oil and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and steam for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
5. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Steamed Rice
Elevate your meal with this simple and aromatic garlic butter steamed rice recipe that pairs perfectly with any main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups water
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, softened butter, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the butter has melted and the rice is lightly toasted.
3. Add the water to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and steam for 15-20 minutes or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Coconut Milk Steamed Rice
Elevate your meal with this creamy and aromatic rice dish infused with the richness of coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
4. Stir in the coconut milk and vegetable oil until well combined.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pandan Leaf Infused Steamed Rice
Experience the unique aroma and flavor of pandan leaves infused into a flavorful steamed rice dish, perfect for accompanying your favorite Southeast Asian dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 4-6 fresh pandan leaves
– Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the soaked rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
4. While the rice cooks, prepare the pandan leaves by cutting off the tough ends and tearing them into small pieces.
5. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
6. Add the pandan leaf pieces to the cooked rice and stir well to combine.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your fragrant and flavorful Pandan Leaf Infused Steamed Rice!
Lemon Herb Steamed Rice
Brighten up your meals with this flavorful and aromatic rice dish, infused with the zest of lemons and the freshness of herbs. Perfect as a side or used as a base for various main courses.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, thyme, and salt to taste.
5. Let it sit for 5 minutes with the lid still on to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Turmeric and Pea Steamed Rice
This flavorful and aromatic rice dish is a perfect accompaniment to any meal, with the warmth of turmeric and the sweetness of peas.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1/2 cup frozen peas
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water.
3. Add the ground turmeric and stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
6. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the saucepan.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork to combine with the peas.
8. Season with salt to taste.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ginger Scallion Steamed Rice
Elevate your meal with this flavorful side dish that combines the warmth of ginger and scallions with fluffy steamed rice. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, seafood, or as a base for other dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated (about 2 tablespoons)
– 4 scallions, thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
4. While the rice cooks, heat oil in a small skillet over medium-low. Add grated ginger and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add sliced scallions to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes or until softened.
6. Once rice is cooked, fluff with a fork. Stir in ginger-scallion mixture and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Kimchi Fried Rice with Steamed Base
Transform leftover kimchi and rice into a flavorful and spicy dish with this simple recipe. This kimchi fried rice is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and can be customized to your taste.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 eggs, beaten (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the chopped kimchi and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
5. Push the kimchi mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs (if using) and scramble them until cooked through.
6. Mix the eggs with the kimchi mixture.
7. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
8. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Steamed Sticky Rice with Mango
This classic Southeast Asian dessert is a perfect blend of sticky rice, sweet mango, and subtle coconut flavors. With just a few ingredients, you can create this delightful treat in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sticky rice (also known as glutinous or sweet rice)
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions:
1. Rinse the sticky rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the water and combine the rice with 2 cups of fresh water in a medium saucepan.
3. Add sugar, salt, and coconut oil to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and steam for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
5. Fluff the sticky rice with a fork to separate the grains.
6. Serve the steamed sticky rice with diced mango on top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chinese Clay Pot Steamed Rice
This classic Chinese recipe yields a fragrant and fluffy rice dish cooked to perfection in a clay pot, infused with the savory flavors of soy sauce and scallions. With this simple recipe, you’ll be enjoying a delicious and authentic Chinese meal in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon chopped scallions (green onions)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Drain the rice and mix with vegetable oil, garlic, soy sauce, and salt.
3. Place a clay pot or a heatproof bowl on high heat. Add the rice mixture and 2 cups of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
5. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Japanese Takikomi Gohan (Mixed Steamed Rice)
A classic Japanese side dish, Takikomi Gohan is a flavorful and nutritious combination of steamed rice and various ingredients. This simple recipe is a great way to add some variety to your meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice (Koshihikari or Akita Komachi)
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup sake (Japanese rice wine) or mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, corn)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Drain the rice and combine with sake or mirin, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger in a medium saucepan.
3. Add 2 cups of water to the saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork and mix in the mixed vegetables.
7. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Pineapple Steamed Rice
This recipe combines the classic Thai flavor of jasmine rice with the sweetness of pineapple, creating a unique and delicious side dish that pairs well with various Thai main courses.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked Thai jasmine rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 ripe pineapple, diced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt to taste
– Optional: 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and combine it with water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
2. In a separate pan, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until translucent.
3. Add diced pineapple, grated ginger, and salt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and stir in the pineapple mixture.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Steamed Brown Rice with Mushrooms
This classic combination of earthy mushrooms and nutty brown rice is a staple in many cuisines. With just a few ingredients and simple preparation, you can elevate any meal with this comforting side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the brown rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
3. While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in the mushroom mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite main course.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Mexican Cilantro Lime Steamed Rice
Brighten up your meal with this flavorful and aromatic Mexican-inspired rice dish. The combination of fresh cilantro, lime juice, and spices adds a burst of citrusy freshness to every bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems, chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add rice, chopped cilantro, cumin, salt, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
4. Add water to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Indian Jeera (Cumin) Steamed Rice
This classic recipe is a staple in many Indian households, where the warm aroma of cumin (jeera) fills the air, signaling a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (jeera)
– 1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat.
3. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 10-15 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat with the cumin-infused oil.
5. Add the water to the pan and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Mediterranean Olive and Herb Steamed Rice
Mediterranean Olive and Herb Steamed Rice: A flavorful and aromatic side dish that combines the richness of olives with the brightness of herbs, perfect for accompanying a variety of Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
– 2 tablespoons pitted and chopped green olives
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
3. While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the chopped parsley, oregano, and green olives. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the herbs are fragrant and the olives are slightly softened (about 2-3 minutes).
5. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in the olive and herb mixture. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vietnamese Broken Rice (Com Tam)
A popular Vietnamese dish, Com Tam is a simple yet flavorful meal made with broken rice, grilled pork or chicken, and a savory sauce. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of broken rice
– 1 cup of water
– 1/4 cup of fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of sugar
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 pound of grilled pork or chicken (your choice), sliced
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the broken rice and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Drain the rice and cook it with 2 cups of fresh water according to package instructions.
3. In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add the sauce mixture. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Serve the cooked broken rice with sliced grilled pork or chicken, and drizzle with the savory sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Steamed Wild Rice with Cranberries
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the tartness of cranberries, creating a sweet and savory side dish perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon butter or oil
Instructions:
1. Rinse the wild rice and combine it with the water or broth in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
3. Simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Fluff the cooked wild rice with a fork.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the cranberries and honey.
6. Add the cranberry mixture to the wild rice and toss to combine.
7. Season with salt to taste. If desired, add butter or oil for extra flavor.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Summary
Looking for quick and delicious steamed rice recipes to spice up your weeknights? You’re in luck! This article features 18 mouth-watering recipes that are sure to please. From classic jasmine steamed rice to flavorful twists like garlic butter, coconut milk, and kimchi fried rice, there’s something for every taste. Plus, international flavors like pandan leaf, lemon herb, and turmeric and pea add a fun twist. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting or adventurous, these fluffy steamed rice recipes are sure to become weeknight staples.
