Tomato Rice
Prep Time
5 minsCook Time
22 minsFree 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.
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
- 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
- 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, add all remaining ingredients and mix well. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave at Power Level 5tooltip for 22 minutes. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes to finish steaming gently.
- 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.
- Pesto drizzle: Drizzle some basil pesto over the rice after cooking for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Discover more rice recipes by exploring our collection here.
Recipe notes
- Rinsing the rice is important to achieve tender, fluffy rice. Do not skip this step!
- Freeze the tomato rice in 1/2 Cup Anytime Freezer Trays and reheat as needed.
- You can also use brown rice; for brown rice cook times, see our recipe for How to Cook Brown Rice in the Microwave.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
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 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. By rinsing the rice thoroughly, you ensure it cooks up fluffy, with each grain remaining separate. Use cold tap water and the Anyday Strainer to make the process quick and easy. Simply rinse and drain the rice, repeating the process until the water runs clear — this typically takes about 3-4 rinses. Properly rinsing the rice also improves its texture and overall quality in the finished dish.
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 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.
