6 Easy Rice Recipes for Dinner: Spanish, Cilantro Lime, Garlic Butter & More

Rice is the quiet hero of the dinner table. It soaks up sauce, fills out a plate and turns a simple piece of chicken or a pan of vegetables into a real meal. But plain white rice can get boring fast. These 6 easy rice recipes for dinner give you six completely different flavors, from tomato-red Spanish rice to fresh cilantro lime rice, buttery garlic rice, creamy coconut rice, golden yellow rice and cheesy parmesan rice.

Every recipe uses simple ingredients, one pot and about 25 to 40 minutes, and each one comes with its own ingredient list, step-by-step instructions and serving ideas. Pick the one that matches tonight’s dinner, or make a few and mix and match them all week. Below you will also find rice basics, tips for fluffy rice every time, common mistakes to avoid and plenty of ideas for what to serve with each rice.

Six easy rice recipes for dinner: Spanish, cilantro lime, garlic butter, coconut, yellow and parmesan.

Why You’ll Love These Rice Recipes

• They are easy. Each recipe is made in one pot with simple ingredients, and no special skills are needed.
• They are full of flavor. Each rice has its own personality, so dinner never feels repetitive.
• They go with almost anything. Serve them with chicken, beef, pork, seafood, beans or vegetables.
• They are budget friendly. A bag of rice and a few pantry staples are all you need.
• They are great for meal prep. Rice keeps well in the fridge and reheats easily, so you can make a big batch for the week.
• They are kid friendly. The flavors are mild and familiar, and kids love them.

Which Rice Should You Make? A Quick Comparison

Rice Basics: How to Cook Perfect Rice Every Time

All six recipes follow the same simple method, so a few basics will help you succeed with every one of them. Good rice is not about fancy ingredients. It is about technique.

Choose the Right Rice

Long grain white rice, such as basmati, gives light, fluffy, separate grains and works well for Spanish, garlic butter, yellow and parmesan rice. Jasmine rice is a little softer and more fragrant, which makes it perfect for cilantro lime and coconut rice. Avoid short grain, sushi or arborio rice for these recipes, since they cook up sticky and creamy.

Rinse the Rice

Rinsing removes the extra starch on the surface of the grains, which is what makes cooked rice gummy and clumpy. Put the rice in a fine strainer and rinse it under cool running water for about 30 seconds, swishing it with your hand, until the water runs mostly clear. Drain it well so it does not add extra water to the pot.

Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear.

Measure the Liquid Carefully

For long grain white rice, use about 1¾ cups of liquid per 1 cup of rice. For jasmine rice, use about 1½ cups of liquid per 1 cup. If your rice comes out too soft, use a little less next time. If it is too firm, add a splash more.

Keep the Lid On and Do Not Stir

Once the rice comes to a boil, lower the heat, cover with a tight-fitting lid and leave it alone. Lifting the lid lets the steam escape, and stirring releases starch, which makes the rice sticky. Trust the timer.

Let It Rest, Then Fluff

When the time is up, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This lets the moisture spread evenly through the grains. Then fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains and let the steam out.

Fluff the rice with a fork after it rests.

Equipment You’ll Need

• A medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid (2 to 3 quarts), or a large skillet with a lid for Spanish rice
• A fine mesh strainer for rinsing
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A fork for fluffing
• A wooden spoon for sautéing

The 6 Easy Rice Recipes

Here are all six recipes. Each makes 4 servings from 1 cup of dry rice, and you can double any of them for a crowd.

1. Spanish Rice

Spanish rice: tomato-red, fluffy and full of flavor.

Spanish rice, also called Mexican red rice, is the colorful side that makes any dinner feel complete. The rice is toasted in oil until lightly golden, then simmered in a savory tomato and broth mixture with onion, garlic and a pinch of cumin. The result is fluffy, separate grains with a rich tomato flavor that is mild enough for kids and tasty enough to eat on its own.

It is the classic partner for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, grilled chicken and fajitas. It also makes a great base for a burrito bowl, and the leftovers are even better the next day.

⏱ Prep: 10 min🔥 Cook: 30 min⏳ Total: 40 min🍽 Serves: 4

Spanish Rice Ingredients

• 1 cup (190 g) long grain white rice
• 2 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
• ½ small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¾ cup (180 ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

How to Make Spanish Rice

Toast the rice, then stir in the tomato sauce.

1. Rinse the rice in a fine strainer until the water runs mostly clear, then drain well.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or saucepan with a lid over medium heat. Add the rice and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until it turns lightly golden and smells nutty.
3. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes, then stir in the garlic, cumin and chili powder for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and broth, add the salt and stir once. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
6. Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in the cilantro.

Tip: Toasting the rice before adding the liquid is the secret to separate, fluffy grains and a deeper flavor. Do not skip it, and do not stir the rice while it simmers.

Serve it with: tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, grilled chicken and black beans.

2. Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice: fresh, zesty and bright.

If you have ever had a burrito bowl at a restaurant, you know this rice. Cilantro lime rice is simple, fluffy white rice tossed with fresh lime juice, zest and a generous handful of chopped cilantro. It is light, bright and a little tangy, and it wakes up anything it is served with.

The trick is to add the lime and cilantro after the rice is cooked. Heat dulls their flavor, so folding them in at the end keeps the rice fresh and green.

⏱ Prep: 5 min🔥 Cook: 20 min⏳ Total: 25 min🍽 Serves: 4

Cilantro Lime Rice Ingredients

• 1 cup (190 g) jasmine or long grain white rice
• 1½ cups (360 ml) water (use 1¾ cups for long grain)
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime)
• 1 tsp lime zest
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Squeeze the lime and add the cilantro after cooking.

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear and drain well.
2. Add the rice, water, butter and salt to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
4. Remove from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently fold in the lime juice, zest and cilantro. Taste and add more salt or lime if you like.

Tip: Use a fork, not a spoon, to fold in the lime and cilantro. A fork keeps the grains light and separate instead of mashing them.

Serve it with: grilled chicken, shrimp, fish tacos, burrito bowls, carnitas and black beans.

3. Garlic Butter Rice

Garlic butter rice: golden, buttery and full of garlic.

Garlic butter rice is comfort in a bowl. Long grain rice is toasted in melted butter with plenty of garlic, then simmered in chicken broth until tender and fragrant. The butter coats every grain, the garlic turns sweet and golden, and a little parsley at the end keeps it fresh.

It is one of the easiest ways to upgrade plain rice, and it pairs beautifully with steak, roast chicken, salmon and shrimp. It also tastes great with a simple fried egg on top for a quick weeknight dinner.

⏱ Prep: 5 min🔥 Cook: 25 min⏳ Total: 30 min🍽 Serves: 4

Garlic Butter Rice Ingredients

• 1 cup (190 g) long grain white rice
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1¾ cups (420 ml) chicken broth
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Garlic Butter Rice

Sizzle the garlic in butter and toast the rice.

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear and drain well.
2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 to 45 seconds, until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
3. Add the rice and stir for 2 to 3 minutes, until the grains look slightly translucent at the edges and smell nutty.
4. Pour in the broth, add the salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 16 to 18 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
6. Fluff with a fork and stir in the parsley. Finish with another small pat of butter if you like.

Tip: Keep the heat at medium when you cook the garlic. It goes from golden to bitter in seconds, so pull the pan off the burner if it browns too fast.

Serve it with: steak, roast chicken, pan-seared salmon, garlic shrimp and roasted vegetables.

4. Coconut Rice

Coconut rice: creamy, lightly sweet and fragrant.

Coconut rice is creamy, fragrant and just slightly sweet. Jasmine rice is simmered in a mix of coconut milk and water so every grain soaks up that rich, tropical flavor, then topped with crunchy toasted coconut. It tastes like a restaurant side but takes only a few ingredients.

It is the perfect partner for anything spicy or savory, such as curry, teriyaki chicken, grilled shrimp or a chicken stir-fry, because the creamy sweetness balances the heat and the salt.

⏱ Prep: 5 min🔥 Cook: 20 min⏳ Total: 25 min🍽 Serves: 4

Coconut Rice Ingredients

• 1 cup (190 g) jasmine rice
• 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat canned coconut milk
• ¾ cup (180 ml) water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted, for serving

How to Make Coconut Rice

Pour in the coconut milk and simmer.

1. Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs mostly clear and drain well.
2. Shake the can of coconut milk well, then add it to a medium saucepan with the water, sugar and salt. Stir in the rice.
3. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring once.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
5. Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
6. Toast the coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until golden, then sprinkle over the rice.

Tip: Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest rice, and watch the heat. Coconut milk can scorch on the bottom of the pan, so keep the flame low once it simmers.

Serve it with: curry, teriyaki chicken, stir-fry, grilled shrimp, jerk chicken and mango salsa.

5. Yellow Rice

Yellow rice: golden, fluffy and lightly spiced.

Yellow rice gets its sunny color from turmeric, a warm, earthy spice that is also known for its health benefits. Onion and garlic are cooked in a little oil first, then the rice simmers in chicken or vegetable broth with turmeric until each grain is golden and fluffy.

It is a staple in many cuisines, and it goes well with almost any main dish. It looks beautiful on the plate, and it is a lovely way to bring color to a simple dinner of chicken, fish or beans.

⏱ Prep: 5 min🔥 Cook: 25 min⏳ Total: 30 min🍽 Serves: 4

Yellow Rice Ingredients

• 1 cup (190 g) long grain white rice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ small onion, finely diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1¾ cups (420 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for serving

How to Make Yellow Rice

Turmeric turns the broth and the rice golden.

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear and drain well.
2. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion for 2 to 3 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and turmeric and stir for 30 seconds.
3. Add the rice and stir for 1 to 2 minutes so every grain is coated and golden.
4. Pour in the broth, add the salt and bay leaf and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 16 to 18 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
6. Remove the bay leaf, fluff with a fork and sprinkle with parsley.

Tip: Cook the turmeric in the oil for 30 seconds before adding liquid. It blooms the flavor and gives you a deeper color and a less raw, earthy taste.

Serve it with: grilled chicken, fish, black beans, curry, roasted vegetables and rotisserie chicken.

6. Parmesan Rice

Parmesan rice: creamy, cheesy and savory.

Parmesan rice tastes like a shortcut to risotto without the constant stirring. Rice is simmered in broth with garlic and butter, then stirred with freshly grated parmesan until it turns creamy and savory. A little black pepper and parsley finish it.

It is rich, comforting and a great match for chicken, pork chops, meatballs and roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with creamy dishes like our Marry Me Chicken.

⏱ Prep: 5 min🔥 Cook: 25 min⏳ Total: 30 min🍽 Serves: 4

Parmesan Rice Ingredients

• 1 cup (190 g) long grain white rice
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1¾ cups (420 ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan, plus extra for serving
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste (broth and cheese are already salty)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Parmesan Rice

Stir the parmesan in while the rice is hot.

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear and drain well.
2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add the rice and stir for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 16 to 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
5. Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice, then stir in the parmesan and pepper until creamy. Taste, add salt only if needed, and top with parsley and more parmesan.

Tip: Grate your own parmesan from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that keep it from melting into the rice, and the flavor is not as good.

Serve it with: roast chicken, pork chops, meatballs, steak and roasted vegetables.

Tips for Fluffy Rice Every Time

• Rinse the rice. This is the number one tip for fluffy, non-sticky rice.
• Toast the rice. A couple of minutes in butter or oil adds a nutty flavor and helps the grains stay separate.
• Use a tight lid. If your lid is loose, place a clean kitchen towel or a sheet of foil under it to trap the steam.
• Use the right size pan. A pan that is too big makes the liquid evaporate before the rice cooks, and one that is too small can boil over.
• Use broth instead of water. Chicken or vegetable broth adds a lot of flavor with no extra work.
• Season the liquid. Rice needs salt. Taste the cooking liquid, since it should taste lightly salty.
• Add fresh herbs and acid at the end. Lime juice, cilantro and parsley taste brightest when they are folded in after cooking.
• Fluff with a fork. A spoon can crush the grains and make them mushy.

Common Rice Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the rinse. Unrinsed rice is starchy and clumps together.
• Too much liquid. It is the most common cause of mushy rice, so measure carefully.
• Lifting the lid. Peeking lets the steam out and can leave the rice undercooked on top.
• Stirring while it cooks. It breaks the grains and makes the rice gummy.
• Cooking on high heat. Once the rice boils, turn it down to low, or the bottom will scorch before the top cooks.
• Skipping the rest. The 5 minutes off the heat is what makes the texture even.
• Burning the garlic. It becomes bitter in seconds, so keep the heat at medium.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Add vegetables: Stir in peas, corn, diced carrots or chopped bell peppers to the Spanish or yellow rice.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne, a diced jalapeño or a spoonful of chipotle in adobo.
• Add beans: Stir black beans into the cilantro lime rice for an easy burrito bowl base.
• Turn it into a meal: Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp or sausage to make any of these a one-pot dinner.
• Brown rice version: Use brown rice, add about ½ cup more liquid and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes.
• Lighter version: Use olive oil instead of butter and low-sodium broth.
• Vegan version: Use vegetable broth and olive oil, and swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast.

Easy Substitutions

What to Serve With Rice for Dinner

Rice is the base, so what goes on top is up to you. Here are some of the best dinner ideas to go with these recipes.

• Grilled or roasted chicken: Cilantro lime, garlic butter and yellow rice all pair well.
• Creamy chicken dishes: Try parmesan or garlic butter rice with our Marry Me Chicken to soak up every drop of sauce.
• Stir-fry: Coconut rice or plain jasmine rice is wonderful with our Chicken Stir-Fry.
• Tacos, fajitas and enchiladas: Serve with Spanish rice and a side of beans.
• Steak or salmon: Garlic butter or parmesan rice with roasted broccoli or asparagus.
• Shrimp: Cilantro lime or coconut rice with grilled or sautéed shrimp.
• Curry: Coconut or yellow rice balances the spice.

A simple dinner: grilled chicken, cilantro lime rice and broccoli.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating Rice

Rice is perfect for meal prep, but it needs to be stored properly. Cool the cooked rice quickly, ideally within 1 hour, by spreading it out on a baking sheet or in a wide, shallow container. Then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the rice, cover it and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or warm it in a covered skillet over low heat, until it is steaming hot all the way through. Do not reheat rice more than once. To freeze, spread the cooled rice in flat freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Cooking for a Crowd

All of these recipes can be doubled. Use a larger pot with a tight lid and keep the same liquid ratio, but add 2 to 3 minutes to the cooking time. For a party, set up a rice bar with two or three flavors, such as cilantro lime, Spanish and coconut rice, and let everyone mix and match with chicken, beans, salsa and toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Rice does not have to be boring. With a few simple ingredients and the same easy method, you can turn a humble pot of rice into a side dish that steals the show. Whether you are in the mood for tomato-red Spanish rice, fresh cilantro lime rice, buttery garlic rice, creamy coconut rice, golden yellow rice or cheesy parmesan rice, these dinner recipes are quick, budget friendly and endlessly useful. Rinse your rice, keep the lid on and let it rest, and you will have fluffy, flavorful rice every single time.