Oven Steamed Rice
Oven steamed rice offers a fluffy, perfectly cooked side dish with subtle flavors of butter, green onion, and seasoning. Its hands-off baking method makes it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining, pairing well with a variety of main courses and adding a comforting touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a 2-quart ungreased casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid, mix rice, salt, and pepper.
- Dot with butter.
- Pour boiling water over the rice mixture.
- Stir to melt the butter, then cover and bake for 45 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Add sliced green onions and mix lightly.
- To serve, fluff the rice lightly with a fork.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a fluffier texture. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider substituting the butter with olive oil or coconut oil. You can also add spices like garlic powder or herbs for extra flavor. This recipe can be doubled if you're serving a larger crowd.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this oven steamed rice as a base for stir-fries, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with English Pea Salad as a refreshing side. You can also incorporate it into a rice bowl topped with your favorite protein and vegetables for a satisfying dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the rice to help it steam and regain moisture, then cover and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Steamed Rice contains roughly 561 calories, with 16g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2409mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires about 60 minutes in the oven instead of 45 minutes, so keep an eye on it to ensure it's cooked through.
What can I do if I don’t have a casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid?
If you don't have a casserole dish with a tight lid, you can cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam during baking. This will help the rice cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.
Can I add vegetables directly to the rice before baking?
Yes, you can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the rice mixture before baking. Just make sure to chop them finely to ensure they cook through in the same timeframe as the rice.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).