Savory Brown Rice

Prep: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Savory brown rice with onions, soy sauce, and herbs offers a flavorful, aromatic side perfect for vegetable dishes or as a wholesome accompaniment.

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Ingredients

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon marjoram

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine onion and 1/4 cup water.
  2. Cook on medium heat until onion is tender.
  3. Add rice, 2 cups water, and soy sauce. Stir well.
  4. Bring to a boil.
  5. Add remaining ingredients; stir well.
  6. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes.
  7. Let rest in covered pan for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider sautéing garlic along with the onion. You can substitute long grain rice with jasmine or basmati rice for a different aroma. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish can also be made with brown rice; just adjust the cooking time and water accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Savory brown rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile side dish. Consider serving it alongside Orange Roughy With Vegetables for a complete meal. You can also add steamed vegetables on the side or mix in some sautéed greens for added nutrition.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and cover the container to steam the rice, ensuring it stays moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Savory Brown Rice contains roughly 675 calories, with 16g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2112mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).

675 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.8g 32% DV
Total Fat 14.8g 19% DV
Carbs 123.2g 45% DV
Fiber 14.3g 51% DV
Sugar 4.7g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2112.4mg 92% DV
Potassium 694.1mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 2.3mg 3% DV
Calcium 139.9mg 11% DV
Iron 6.4mg 35% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Soy

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 make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.

What can I add to customize this rice dish?

You can add cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. For a protein boost, consider mixing in cooked beans or tofu, making it suitable for vegan recipes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check the labels to ensure that your ingredients meet gluten-free standards.

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).

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