Want to know the best way to cook rice without babysitting a pot? Try oven baked rice, this easy method for cooking rice in the oven that turns out fluffy grains every time, giving you a no-fuss, hands-off way to cook your favorite side. Pair this with any main dish as an easy oven baked rice every time.
Cooking rice in the oven has been my go-to method for as long as I can remember. At home, we always did it this way, and whenever friends did it any other way, I tried to convince them every single time. Once you try it, I promise you won’t go back to anything else.
Perfect Easy Side Dish
Oven-baked rice goes well with almost any meal. You can serve it with homemade sausage, vegetables, or saucy dishes. It’s light, filling, and easy to flavor with herbs or spices. This makes it a perfect side for busy days. And it comes out perfect every single time.
Easy Oven Baked Rice
With this method, you don’t need to worry about burning the rice. Just measure, cover, and bake until it’s done. It’s a good choice for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. The result is rice that’s fluffy and evenly cooked.
Importance of Cleaning the Rice
Rinsing rice before cooking is a must as it removes extra starch. This helps prevent it from becoming sticky or gummy. It also washes away any dust or dirt from packaging. Clean rice always cooks better and tastes fresher.
Your Easy-Peasy Guide to Cook Rice in the Oven
Cooking rice in the oven is simple and hands-off, giving you fluffy, perfectly cooked grains every time. It’s a great method when you want to free up space on the stove.
Kitchen Must-Haves
- Wooden Spatula: Ideal for stirring rice without scratching your pot.
- Cooking Pot: Your reliable choice for simmering rice evenly.
- Strainer: Perfect for rinsing off excess starch before cooking or draining after.
- Oven: Useful for gently finishing rice in baked dishes.
- Bowl: Handy for rinsing rice or serving it once cooked.
Grab these Ingredients
- EVO Oil: A splash adds flavor and prevents sticking.
- Salt: Improves the rice’s natural flavor as it cooks.
- Rice: Pick your favorite, long-grain, short-grain, or jasmine for different textures.
- Black Pepper: Adds a light kick and depth to your dish.
- Water: The key element for steaming and softening the rice.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Make Perfect Every Time Oven-Baked Rice
First: Gather and Preheat
Collect your ingredients: rice, water, oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure you have a Dutch oven or any oven-safe pot with a lid ready. Preheat your oven to 350°Fahrenheit (180°Celsius) so it’s hot and ready when the rice goes in.
Second: Wash the Rice
Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs almost clear to remove extra starch. Let it drain completely while you move on to the next step.
Third: Toast for Extra Flavor
Heat a little oil in your pot over medium heat, then add the drained rice. Stir for a few minutes until it turns slightly golden and smells toasty. This step helps give your rice a richer flavor and better texture once baked.
Fourth: Add Liquid and Cover
Pour in the water and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it one quick stir to mix, then place the lid on tightly. A snug lid traps steam so the rice cooks evenly and stays fluffy.
Fifth: Bake and Rest
Slide the pot into your preheated oven and bake for 17–20 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and enjoy perfectly baked rice with minimal effort.
Handy Tips for Tasty Wins:
- Use the Right Rice-to-Water Ratio: For most white rice, use 1 cup of rice to 1 ½ cups of water. This keeps the rice fluffy and not too dry or soggy.
- Cover Tightly While Baking: Use a lid or foil to trap the steam inside. This helps the rice cook evenly without drying out.
- Add Seasoning Before Cooking: Mix in a pinch of salt, butter, or spices before baking. This way, the flavors soak into every grain.
- Let It Rest After Baking: Leave the rice covered for 5–10 minutes once it’s out of the oven. This lets the steam finish the cooking and makes it fluffier.
Your Questions, My Answers
What are the Pairings to Try with Baked Way to Cook Rice?
Baked rice goes well with cheese-stuffed chicken breasts tomato basil, roasted vegetables, or stir-fried beef. You can also enjoy it with curries, stews, or saucy dishes that soak into the rice. For a lighter meal, pair it with a fresh salad or steamed greens.
How to Store Cooked Rice?
Let the rice cool before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a little splash of water to bring back its softness.
Spread the cooled rice on a tray to stop it from clumping, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen in the microwave or on the stove.
More Stress-Free Recipes You’ll Love
If you liked making oven baked rice, you’ll enjoy trying these easy recipes too. Crock pot rump roast is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for dinner. Tofu noodle soup is light but filling, great for a cozy lunch.
Sauteed kale with garlic is quick to make and adds a healthy side to any meal. These recipes are simple, tasty, and perfect for busy days.
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How To Cook Rice In The Oven Like a Pro
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons EVO Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 Cup Rice
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 1/2 Cups Water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°Fahrenheit (180°Celsius). Have a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with lid ready.
- Rinse rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until water runs clear. Drain completely.
- Heat oil in pot over medium heat, add rice, and toast for a few minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Add water, salt, and pepper, stir once, then cover tightly with lid.
- Bake for 17–20 minutes, let rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Notes
- Use the Right Rice-to-Water Ratio: For most white rice, use 1 cup of rice to 1 ½ cups of water. This keeps the rice fluffy and not too dry or soggy.
- Cover Tightly While Baking: Use a lid or foil to trap the steam inside. This helps the rice cook evenly without drying out.
- Add Seasoning Before Cooking: Mix in a pinch of salt, butter, or spices before baking. This way, the flavors soak into every grain.
- Let It Rest After Baking: Leave the rice covered for 5–10 minutes once it’s out of the oven. This lets the steam finish the cooking and makes it fluffier.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
Dishes you can try with rice
Main meals to serve with rice should be flavorful enough to complement its mild, neutral base. Try saucy dishes like stir-fries, curries, grilled meats, or hearty vegetable stews to make the meal satisfying and well-balanced.
