Oven Baked Rice Recipe
Introduction
Oven baked rice is a simple, hands-off way to achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy rice. This method frees you from watching the stove and ensures even cooking every time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 ¾ cups boiling water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a 2-quart baking dish, combine the rice, boiling water, butter, and salt. Stir gently to mix.
- Step 3: Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the steam.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 27 minutes, until the water is fully absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Fluff the rice with a fork before serving for light, fluffy grains.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, substitute part of the water with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Add a bay leaf or a few whole spices like cloves or cardamom to the water for subtle aroma.
- If you prefer softer rice, increase baking time by a few minutes but check periodically to avoid burning.
Storage
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use this method with other types of rice?
Yes, but adjust the water amount and baking time depending on the rice variety. Brown rice will require more water and longer baking time.
Do I need to rinse the rice before baking?
Rinsing rice is optional but helps remove excess starch for less sticky results. If you rinse, drain well before adding to the baking dish.
PrintOven Baked Rice Recipe
This Oven Baked Rice recipe offers a simple, hands-off approach to cooking perfectly fluffy long grain white rice. By baking the rice in the oven with boiling water, butter, and salt, you get evenly cooked grains with minimal effort and no need for constant stirring or watching a pot on the stove.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22-27 minutes
- Total Time: 32-37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 ¾ cups boiling water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even cooking for the rice.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the rice, boiling water, butter, and salt into a 2-quart baking dish. Stir briefly to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Cover Tightly: Cover the baking dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to trap steam and allow the rice to cook properly.
- Bake the Rice: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 27 minutes, or until the water has been fully absorbed by the rice.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the rice rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains before serving.
Notes
- Use boiling water to help the rice start cooking immediately once in the oven.
- Covering the dish tightly is key to creating steam which cooks the rice evenly.
- Resting the rice after baking allows moisture to redistribute and results in fluffier rice.
- You can easily double the recipe but use a larger baking dish and maintain the same water to rice ratio.
- Butter adds moisture and flavor but can be substituted with oil or omitted for a dairy-free version.
Keywords: oven baked rice, baked white rice, easy rice recipe, long grain rice, side dish, simple rice
