Rice Seasoning Recipe

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Last Updated on October 19, 2023 by Toya

My go-to everyday rice seasoning recipe that is quick and easy to make, full of amazing flavors, and versatile enough to use in any rice dish!

Rice is a blank canvas. One simple way to transform ordinary rice into a dish you’ll want to make over and over again is to use your very own rice seasoning. In this article, I’ll show you how to make the easiest homemade rice seasoning to enhance the flavor of your rice dishes like never before!

What Is Rice Seasoning?

Rice seasoning is a mix of herbs and spices used to make recipes like seasoned rice. Typically, rice seasoning contains a mix of ingredients such as dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, chicken seasoning, and various other seasonings found in the kitchen.

Each ingredient is important in this recipe:

1. Onion Powder: Onion powder adds a sweet and savory onion flavor to the rice seasoning mix. It enhances the overall depth of flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
2. Garlic Powder: Garlic powder imparts a robust, aromatic garlic flavor to this this rice seasoning blend.
3. Dried Parsley: Dried parsley adds a touch of green and a mild, fresh flavor to the blend.
4. Bouillon: Bouillon adds rich umami and savory notes to our seasoning mix. Don’t skip it!
5. Paprika: Paprika adds a mild, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor with a rich red color. I recommend using regular sweet paprika, but you can also used smoked if that is all you have.
6. Dried Thyme: Dried thyme adds a nice pungent and earthy flavor with hints of citrus and mint. Don’t skip the thyme!
7. Dried Oregano: Sometimes if I’ve ran out, I make this recipe without dried oregano. But I can tell you that the dried oregano provides a robust, slightly peppery, and aromatic flavor that really enhances my rice seasoning. I can definitely tell when it’s missing.
8. Salt: Salt amplifies and balances the overall flavor of the seasoning mix.
9. Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds pungent and spicy kick to the spice blend. You can add a little more if you prefer. Also, I sometimes use red pepper flakes as a substitute.

This blend is seriously flavorful and will make your rice taste so good! Let’s make a quick batch!

How to Make Rice Seasoning:

Making your homemade rice seasoning is a straightforward process. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon bouillon
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the spices and herbs
2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
3. Store the homemade rice seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Flavor variations

This basic rice seasoning recipe is incredibly versatile, so please feel free to play around with different ingredients to suit your own needs. For example, you could…

1. Use an alternative for dried basil: A good example would be dried chervil or dried tarragon to provide a similar flavor.
2. Use a paprika substitute: You can use cayenne pepper for heat, smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or even ground red pepper flakes for some spice. Sometimes, when I feel like it, I even like to swap of the paprika for chipotle powder for that lovely smokiness.
3. Use a herb other than oregano: For a substitute with a similar flavor, try marjoram or basil.
4. Substitute freshly ground black pepper: If you don’t have freshly ground black pepper, you can use pre-ground black pepper. White pepper can also be a substitute with a milder, slightly different flavor.

Remember that these substitutes may slightly alter the flavor and character of your seasoning mix, so it’s a good idea to taste and adjust as needed to achieve the desired results in your recipes

How to Use Rice Seasoning

Rice seasoning is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy its flavors:

• Add a teaspoon (or more if you prefer) to a pot of boiling rice for the best results.
• I typically use 1 teaspoon of rice seasoning for every cup of uncooked rice.

How to Store Rice Seasoning:

To keep your rice seasoning fresh and full of flavor, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, homemade rice seasoning can last for several months.

You don’t have to settle for boring, flavorless rice. This DIY rice seasoning gives you the opportunity to make rice that actually tastes good. And its made using kitchen staples, so you can easily whip this up anytime!