Buttery Herbed Rice
Prep Time
5 minsCook Time
23 minsFree Time
to do some pushups
This dish is exactly as buttery as it sounds—and that's what makes it so delicious! We start with fluffy rice cooked to perfection, infused with the rich flavors of onions, garlic, and chicken stock. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a delightful touch, making this rice the perfect sidekick for any meal. Plus, cooking it in the microwave with your Anyday dish means you’ll have a tasty, home-cooked dish in no time. Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want something quick yet satisfying!
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.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (30g) medium size onion, diced small
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup (145g) basmati rice
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (parsley, tarragon, and chives), chopped
- salt, to taste
Preparation
- Place the rice in an Anyday dish and rinse thoroughly under cold tap water, swirling the rice around gently until the water becomes cloudy. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.
- After straining, the onion, garlic, rice, salt, and water to the Anyday dish. Stir and spread rice in an even layer. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave at Power Level 2tooltip for 22 minutes, or until rice is cooked through and tender. Once cooked, let the rice rest for 5 minutes with the lid still on.
- Add the butter and the herbs and mix to combine. Season with salt to taste.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Brown butter boost: Stir in some brown butter after cooking for an extra layer of rich, nutty flavor.
- Egg and chili crisp: Top the rice with a poached egg and a spoonful of chili crisp for a simple, satisfying lunch with a bit of heat.
- Nuts and cranberries: Toss in toasted nuts and dried cranberries for a sweet and crunchy contrast.
- Lemon zest and Parmesan: Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a touch of lemon zest for a bright, savory twist.
Recipe notes
- For brown rice follow the recipe as is, then use the cooking times suggested in this recipe How to Microwave Brown Rice.
- Rinsing the rice is important to achieve tender, fluffy rice. Do not skip this step!
- If it’s taking longer than expected, increase the power level by 1. If it’s bubbling over or the lid is lifting, decrease the power level by 1.
- Make a large batch and portion it in our Anytime Freezer Trays. Once ready freeze for up to 1 month and reheat as needed.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Buttery Herbed Rice
Can I make herbed rice in the microwave?
Yes, you can easily make herbed rice in the microwave using an Anyday dish. It’s quick, convenient, and results in perfectly steamed rice. The Anyday dish’s vented lid ensures that the steam is retained properly, cooking the rice evenly without it becoming mushy.
Why do I need to reduce the power level when microwaving rice?
Reducing the power level helps to cook the rice evenly without burning, overflowing or overcooking it. Microwaves can vary in power, so adjusting the level ensures that the rice cooks slowly and retains its moisture. For more detailed information, check out our blog on adjusting power levels.
Why do I need to rinse the rice? How many times should I rinse it?
Rinsing rice is essential to remove excess starch, which can cause the grains to become sticky and clump together during cooking. Thoroughly rinsing the rice helps it cook up light and fluffy, with each grain staying perfectly separate. Use the Anyday Strainer to make the process quick and easy. Using an Anyday Strainer, rinse and drain the rice repeatedly until the water runs clear—this usually takes about 3 to 4 rinses. Properly rinsing the rice also improves its texture and overall quality in the finished dish.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock to make the dish vegetarian-friendly without compromising on flavor. Vegetable stock adds a rich, savory taste to the rice, making it a perfect base for the buttery herbs. [link to bone broth rice]
How should I store and freeze leftover herbed rice?
Once cool, store leftover herbed rice in the Anyday dish with the lid on and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To freeze, let the rice cool completely, then transfer it to an Anytime Freezer Tray and cover with the lid. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How should I reheat buttery herbed rice?
Reheat leftover herbed rice in the Anyday dish with the vented lid in the microwave. Microwave for about 1-2 minute, stirring in between, until the rice is heated through. For reheating frozen rice check out our blog on reheating food in the microwave.
Can I add vegetables to the herbed rice?
Absolutely! You can add diced vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the rice before microwaving for added nutrition and flavor. The vegetables will cook along with the rice, making it a convenient and healthy one-dish meal.
