What Can I Add to Minute Rice for Flavor? (15 Additions)

Minute rice is a staple in many households because it’s so quick and easy to make.

But sometimes, it can be a little bland.

If you’re looking for ways to add some flavor to your minute rice, you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve rounded up 15 of my favorite ideas for what to add to minute rice for flavor.

From simple seasonings like salt and pepper to more complex additions like sauteed vegetables or shredded chicken, there’s something here for everyone.

So, let’s get started!

What Can I Add to Minute Rice for Flavor?

There are many ways to add flavor to minute rice. One way is to cook the rice in broth instead of water. You can also add spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cumin. Another way to add flavor is to stir in some salsa, cheese, or other condiments after the rice is cooked.

Still looking for more ideas?

Well, here are 15 things you can add to minute rice for flavor:

1. Sautéed Onions and Mushrooms

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If you’ve got a pan that’s just begging to be used, sautéing onions and mushrooms is a great way to add some flavor to your minute rice.

Sautéing onions and mushrooms brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, and it also caramelizes them which gives them a nice umami flavor.

In addition, sautéing onions and mushrooms can help to thicken your rice.

1. Simply add them to the pan along with a bit of vegetable broth or water, and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
2. Serve your sautéed onions and mushrooms over a mound of cooked white rice for a delicious, nutritious side dish.

2. Soy Sauce or Braggs Liquid Aminos

I usually just go for soy sauce or Braggs Liquid Aminos when I need to add some flavor to my Minute Rice.

Soy sauce and Braggs Liquid Aminos both have a great umami flavor, which is the depth of flavor that comes from amino acids.

This depth of flavor can be really helpful when you’re trying to add some complexity to your rice dish.

In addition, soy sauce and Braggs Liquid Aminos are both very versatile.

You can use them as a marinade, dipping sauce, or seasoning for your rice.

They’re also both gluten-free, so they’re perfect for people with food allergies.

3. Fresh Herbs, Such as Thyme, Rosemary, or Parsley

Do you have some favorite herbs you like to add to your rice for flavor?

Fresh herbs are a great way to add some extra zing to your rice.

They work well with a variety of dishes, and they can be a nice change of pace from the usual flavors of rice.

If you don’t have any fresh herbs on hand, you can also try using dried herbs.

But be sure to check the label to make sure they’re low in salt, because salty herbs can easily overpower the other flavors in your rice.

4. Garlic Cloves, Minced

Garlic is one of the best ways to add flavor to anything.

I like to add about a half a teaspoon of minced garlic to my minute rice every time I cook it.

It helps to add a little bit of depth of flavor, and it also gives the rice a slightly crispy texture.

If you don’t have any minced garlic on hand, you can also try adding a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or a pinch of ground cloves.

All three of those spices are great for adding flavor to your rice, and they all work well in different ways.

For example, ginger is especially good at bringing out the sweetness in food, while cloves bring out the bitterness.

Experiment with different combinations and find what works best for you.

5. Diced Tomatoes

Now, you can either use canned diced tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes.

If you’re using canned tomatoes, be sure to drain them well before adding them to the recipe.

Add them in at the very end so that they don’t turn into a sauce.

If you’re using fresh diced tomatoes, add them towards the end of cooking the rice so that they don’t turn to mush.

Finally, if you want to add some extra flavor to your minute rice, try adding in diced onion or garlic.

Both of these ingredients will give your rice a nice boost in flavor.

6. Black Beans

Black beans are super popular in Mexican food, and for good reason: They’re flavorful, nutritious, and versatile.

They can be used in a variety of recipes, from simple to elaborate.

If you’re looking for something special to add to your Minute Rice, black beans are a great option.

They add a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.

Plus, they’re high in fiber and protein, which make them an ideal food for weight loss and overall health.

Try mixing them into the rice right before you serve it, or stir them into the soup or chili later on.

Either way, they’ll add tons of flavor and texture to your meal.

7. Crumbled Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is known for its use in Greek salad and as a topping for many types of Greek dishes.

However, you can also use it as a flavor enhancer in other recipes.

For example, try adding crumbled feta cheese to minute rice for a unique and tasty side dish.

The cheese will add a salty flavor that will complement the sweetness of the rice.

Additionally, the cheese will help to bind the grains together, resulting in a softer texture.

If you’re looking for an interesting and unusual side dish, try incorporating crumbled feta cheese into your next meal.

8. Chopped Green Onions

What can be easier than chopping up some green onions and adding them to your rice?

They add a lot of flavor, and they’re also a healthy option.

A small amount of chopped green onions can go a long way in terms of flavor.

Not only do they add a nice sweetness, but they also provide a sharpness that pairs well with other ingredients.

Try adding them to your rice before you add any other spices.

That way, you’ll get the most benefit from their unique flavor profile.

9. Chopped Red Bell Peppers

Chop away at the blandness of Minute Rice with a sprinkle of diced red bell peppers.

The peppers add a burst of flavor, and they also provide a host of health benefits.

In addition, the peppers help to thicken the rice, so it’s perfect for dishes like stir-fries or soups.

Just be sure to adjust the amount you add depending on the heat level you desire.

A little goes a long way!

10. Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower

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Which one of these two vegetables do you prefer?

I’d say both!

Both roasted broccoli and cauliflower are great additions to Minute Rice, and they both add a delicious dimension of flavor.

Broccoli is especially good when roasted with a little olive oil and salt, and cauliflower can be roasted in the same way or drizzled with a bit of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and thyme.

Not only do these vegetables add flavor, but they’re also high in fiber and vitamins, which can help to make your rice more filling.

So why not try adding some of these vegetables to your next batch of Minute Rice?

11. Grated Parmesan Cheese

I love grating some Parmesan cheese on top of my rice for a little extra flavor.

It really doesn’t take much, and the cheese really brings out the nutty flavor of the rice.

Plus, it just looks really pretty when it’s sprinkled on top.

If you don’t have any Parmesan cheese on hand, you can also try using some crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese.

They both work well in this recipe, and they both have a slightly tangy flavor that goes great with the rice.

12. Sriracha Sauce

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Here’s something for the spicy food lovers out there!

Sriracha sauce is a perfect way to add flavor to your Minute Rice.

It’s a Thai hot chili pepper sauce that can be found in most grocery stores.

Simply mix a tablespoon or two into your rice, and you’ll get the perfect level of heat.

You can also use it as a dipping sauce for your favorite Asian dishes.

Or just pour a little on top of your rice and enjoy it plain.

Sriracha sauce is versatile and easy to use, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for something special to serve with your rice.

13. Hummus

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Hummus is readily available in most grocery stores, and it can be a great way to add flavor to your rice without adding any extra calories or fat.

You can make your own hummus at home, or you can buy it pre-made.

If you prefer to make your own, start by blending together some chickpeas, tahini (a type of sesame seed paste), garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

You can also add in other ingredients like diced tomatoes, finely chopped parsley, or dried fruit for a bit of sweetness and flavor.

Once you have the basic ingredients blended together, you can start to dress it up however you like.

Hummus is great as a dipping sauce for rice balls or as a spread on toast.

Make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for best results.

14. Guacamole

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Guacamole is also available in most grocery stores as a pre-made condiment, but if you want to make your own, it’s really easy.

All you need is some ripe avocados, diced onion, lime juice, cilantro leaves, salt, and pepper.

Once you’ve got the ingredients assembled, just blend everything together until smooth.

You can use guacamole as a dip for tortilla chips or as a dressing for salads.

It’s also great on sandwiches or as a topping for rice.

15. Pesto

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Lastly on this list, why not add some delicious basil pesto to your minute rice?

Pesto is a classic Italian seasoning that can add an amazing flavor to just about anything.

You can make your own or buy it pre-made, but either way, it’s a great way to add complexity and depth of flavor to your rice.

Just mix together some chopped basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, and you’re ready to go.

If you want to take things a step further, try stirring in diced tomatoes or cooked chicken for added protein and texture.

Want to make pesto even more versatile?

Try adding it to quinoa or couscous for a healthy and satisfying meal.

How Do I Spice up Plain Minute Rice?

There are many ways to spice up plain minute rice. One way is to add sauteed vegetables, such as onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Another way is to add a protein, such as chicken, beef, or shrimp. You can also add spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Finally, you can add a sauce, such as tomato sauce, Alfredo sauce, or soy sauce.

How Do I Make Minute White Rice Better?

To make your minute white rice better, try adding in some sautéed vegetables, such as onions, peppers, and mushrooms. You can also add in some protein, such as chicken, beef, or shrimp. Finally, try flavoring your rice with some seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.