Tomato Rice

//cookanyday.com/cdn/shop/files/Anyday_Photos_Recipes_TomatoRice_1024_360x.webp?v=1723233871 Tomato rice cooked in the microwave using the glass Anyday dish, blending perfectly cooked rice with rich, savory tomato flavors. Enjoy a quick and flavorful side dish, ready in minutes.
PT5M PT22M

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

22 mins

Free Time

to do a HIIT workout

Imagine a dish that's so easy to make, you only need three main ingredients and the touch of a button. That's exactly what you get with our Microwave Tomato Rice. This recipe can’t get any easier: just combine your ingredients in an Anyday dish, hit the Start button, and walk away. In no time, you'll have a bowl of perfectly cooked, flavorful rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this microwave tomato rice is a quick, healthy, and satisfying option that requires minimal effort and cleanup. It’s a go-to recipe for anyone looking to add a tasty side dish to their dinner routine without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the convenience and taste of this delightful dish, ready in just minutes!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

Rice & Grains, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Mexican, Deep Dish, Tomatoes, White Rice Rice & Grains

What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1-2

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

Microwave oven by power - 1000w
1000w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup (140g) long-grain white rice
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth or water
  • ½ cup (120g) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon shallot, finely chopped
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste

Preparation

  1. Add all the ingredients to the Anyday dish and mix well. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 4tooltip for 22 minutes. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes to finish steaming gently.
  3. Stir and fluff the rice before serving.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Persian flair: Add a pinch of cumin and a dash of cinnamon to your microwave tomato rice and cook as indicated.
  • Cilantro lime: Season the cooked rice with freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese.
  • Spicy jalapeño: Stir in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes before cooking. Once ready top with sour cream.
  • Discover more rice recipes by exploring our collection here.

Recipe notes

All You Need to Know About Making Tomato Rice in the Microwave

What is Tomato Rice?

Use canned tomatoes to infuse the rice with a rich, savory flavor, creating a deliciously aromatic side dish. This recipe is enhanced with shallots, garlic, and chicken stock (or vegetable stock), but you can customize it with additional vegetables or spices to suit different cuisines and preferences. Tomato rice is a popular dish in many cultures, enjoyed on its own or as a side to main courses such as grilled meats, stews, or vegetarian dishes.

Can I Make Tomato Rice in the Microwave?

Yes, you can make tomato rice in the microwave! Using an Anyday Deep Dish makes the process quick and easy. Simply combine rice, diced tomatoes, water or broth, and your preferred seasonings in the dish. Cover with the lid and microwave at a low power level for about 22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Microwaving delivers flavorful and perfectly cooked tomato rice with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or quick side dishes.

Why Do I Need to Lower the Power Level in This Recipe?

Lowering the power level in this microwave tomato rice recipe is essential for properly steaming the rice. Using full power can cause the rice and tomatoes to cook too quickly, leading to uneven texture, potentially burnt edges, and overflowing starchy water. By lowering your power level, the ingredients cook more gently and evenly, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors of the tomatoes and seasonings gradually. This method ensures that the rice remains fluffy and the tomatoes retain their juiciness, resulting in a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish.

Can I Use Brown Rice to Make Tomato Rice in the Microwave?

Yes, you can use brown rice to make tomato rice in the microwave although the cooking times will change. For cooking times and instructions, refer to our recipe for How to Cook Brown Rice in the Microwave.

How Do I Prevent Microwave Tomato Rice from Being Mushy?

To prevent mushy rice, ensure you use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid overcooking. Our ratios of water and rice are designed to yield the best possible results, mimicking those you would achieve using an electric rice cooker or a pot on the stove. Our recipes are created to maximize and optimize Anyday’s ability to produce the best possible results.

Can I Make Microwave Tomato Rice Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare microwave tomato rice ahead of time. Cook the rice as directed, cool it uncovered, and store it in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cooling the rice uncovered before storing helps prevent food poisoning.

Can I Freeze Tomato Rice?

Yes, you can freeze tomato rice! To make it easy to portion out and reheat later, use the Anytime Freezer Trays. Simply fill the trays with your cooked and cooled tomato rice and freeze. This way, you can conveniently reheat individual servings as needed.

What’s the Best Way to Reheat Tomato Rice?

To reheat tomato rice from the fridge, transfer the desired portion to an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, depending on serving size, or until heated through. If you're reheating from the freezer, pop the desired portion out of the Anytime Freezer Trays and place it in an Anyday dish. Cover with the lid and microwave on medium power for 1-3 minutes, depending on portion size, or until thoroughly heated. Stir halfway through for even heating. For detailed instructions, visit our blog post about how to freeze and reheat food using an Anyday dish.

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