This Easy Italian Herb Rice is a simple side dish recipe ready in just 20 minutes. Made with onion, garlic, sun-dried butter, and Italian Seasoning, this easy dish is loaded with flavor and perfect to accompany any meal!
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What is Italian Herb Rice?
Ingredients
- Jasmine rice: This type of long-grain rice is known for its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture.
- Boiling water: This water has been heated to the boiling point of 100°C (212°F).
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These have been dried in the sun to remove most of their moisture, resulting in a chewy texture and concentrated flavor.
- Knorr chicken flavor bouillon: This is a powdered chicken-flavored seasoning used to add flavor to soups, stews, and other dishes.
- Ground black pepper: This is a common spice that adds flavor and heat to dishes.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of dried herbs is typically used in Italian cuisines, such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Butter or extra virgin olive oil: These are two options for cooking the rice and adding richness and flavor.
- Cilantro: This herb with a fresh and citrusy flavor is commonly used in Latin American and Asian cuisines.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Italian Herb Rice
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Melt the butter in a 3-quart saucier over medium heat. Stir in the onion, decrease the heat to low, and sweat until the onion is translucent and aromatic for 3 to 4 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and add the rice. Cook, frequently stirring, for another 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the knorr chicken flavor bouillon and pepper to taste, and add the warm water. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 7 to 12 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove the Italian Herb Rice from the heat and cover the pan for 5 minutes. Uncover the pan, fluff with a fork, and add fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy! Pair with our Homemade Chinese BBQ “Cha Siu Style Kebab”.
Substitutions
- Jasmine rice: You could use any long-grain rice, such as basmati or brown rice.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you could use canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, or tomato paste.
- Knorr chicken flavor bouillon: You could use vegetable or chicken stock instead of bouillon powder.
- Italian seasoning: If you don't have Italian seasoning, you could use a mix of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Butter or olive oil: You could use cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, instead of butter or olive oil.
- Cilantro: If you dislike cilantro, use parsley or basil, or omit the herb altogether.
Variations
- Add vegetables: You could add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the rice for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use different herbs: Instead of Italian seasoning, you could use other herb blends, such as Herbes de Provence or za'atar, to change up the flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the rice for some heat.
- Use different liquids: Instead of water, you could use chicken or vegetable stock, coconut milk, or tomato sauce to cook the rice and add more flavor.
- Add protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the rice to make it a more substantial main dish.
- Use different rice: Instead of jasmine rice, you could use basmati rice, brown rice, or quinoa to change the texture and flavor.
- Add nuts: Toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or chopped walnuts would add some crunch and flavor to the rice.
How to Serve
- As a side dish: Serve Italian Herb Rice alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
- As a main dish: Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu to the rice to make it a more substantial meal. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- In a bowl: Serve Italian Herb Rice with some cooked vegetables, protein of your choice, and a drizzle of sauce, such as tahini or lemon garlic sauce.
- In a wrap: Use Italian Herb Rice as a filling for a wrap or burrito, along with some cooked vegetables, cheese, and a sauce you choose.
- As a meal prep: Portion Italian Herb Rice into meal prep containers and add some cooked protein, vegetables, and a sauce of your choice for a quick and easy meal on the go.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Let the Italian Herb Rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat:
- Reheating in the microwave: To reheat the rice, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated.
- Reheating on the stovetop: To reheat the rice, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Heat the rice over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it is heated.
Make-Ahead
Cook the rice according to the recipe instructions and let it cool to room temperature. Portion the rice into airtight containers or freezer bags and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Follow the instructions in the previous answer to reheat the rice.
Add fresh ingredients: Add chopped cilantro or other herbs, lemon juice, or other fresh ingredients right before serving to add brightness and flavor to the dish.
Making Italian Herb Rice ahead of time can save you time and stress when it comes to meal prep or hosting a dinner party. Just store it properly and reheat it thoroughly to ensure it is safe to eat.
How to Freeze
Cook the rice according to the recipe instructions and let it cool to room temperature—portion the rice into freezer-safe containers or plastic bags, leaving some room for expansion. Label the containers with the date and contents.
Place the containers in the freezer and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw the rice, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can microwave it on a defrost setting until it is thawed. Once the rice is thawed, reheat it using one of the earlier methods.
Frozen Italian Herb Rice can be a convenient way to have a side dish or a meal component ready when needed. Label and date the containers and reheat the rice to a safe temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) before eating.
Tips for Making The Best Italian Herb Rice
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and improve the texture of the rice.
- Toast the rice: Toasting the rice in butter or oil before adding the liquid can enhance the rice's nutty flavor.
- Use quality ingredients: Use good quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, to ensure the best flavor.
- Use chicken bouillon: Knorr chicken flavor bouillon is a great shortcut to add flavor to the rice, but if you have time, you can also make your chicken stock and use it instead.
- Use the right amount of liquid: Use the right amount of liquid (in this case, boiling water) to rice ratio to ensure the rice is cooked properly and not too dry or too wet.
- Let it rest: Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking and before fluffing it with a fork. This allows the grains to absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffy.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to balance the flavors.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
You can use any long-grain rice, such as brown rice, but remember that the cooking time may be longer.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon?
You can use vegetable broth or chicken stock instead of chicken bouillon to add flavor to the rice.
Can I omit the sun-dried tomatoes?
You can omit the sun-dried tomatoes or replace them with canned or fresh diced tomatoes.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
You can use dried cilantro instead of fresh, but remember that the flavor may not be as fresh and vibrant.
Can I make Italian Herb Rice in a rice cooker?
You can make Italian Herb Rice in a rice cooker by following the manufacturer's instructions for cooking long-grain rice.
Can I make Italian Herb Rice in advance and reheat it?
You can make Italian Herb Rice in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just store it properly and reheat it to a safe temperature before eating.
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Recipe
Easy Italian Herb Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups Jasmine rice
- 3-½ cups boiling water
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes , chopped
- 1 tablespoon knorr chicken flavor bouillon
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small bunch of cilantro , chopped
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a 3-quart saucier over medium heat. Stir in the onion, decrease the heat to low, and sweat until the onion is translucent and aromatic for 3 to 4 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and add the rice.
- Cook, frequently stirring, for another 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the knorr chicken flavor bouillon and pepper to taste, and add the warm water. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 7 to 12 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove the Italian Herb Rice from heat and leave the pan covered for 5 minutes. Uncover the pan and fluff with a fork, and add fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy! Pair with our Homemade Chinese BBQ “Cha Siu Style Kebab”
Notes
- Storage: Let the Italian Herb Rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheating in the microwave: To reheat the rice, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
- Reheating on the stovetop: To reheat the rice, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Heat the rice over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it is heated through.
- Freeze: You can also freeze Italian Herb Rice for up to 2 months. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it using one of the methods above.
- Cook the rice: Cook the rice according to the recipe instructions and let it cool to room temperature.
- Portion and store: Portion the rice into airtight containers or freezer bags and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Follow the instructions in the previous answer to reheat the rice.
- Add fresh ingredients: Add chopped cilantro or other herbs, lemon juice, or other fresh ingredients right before serving to add brightness and flavor to the dish.
- Cook the rice: Cook the rice according to the recipe instructions and let it cool to room temperature.
- Portion and store: Portion the rice into freezer-safe containers or plastic bags, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date and contents.
- Freeze: Place the containers in the freezer and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw: To thaw the rice, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can microwave it on a defrost setting until it is thawed.
- Reheat: Once the rice is thawed, reheat it using one of the earlier methods.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.