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    Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Oven Cooked Rice

    Published: Feb 7, 2022 by Dannii · This post may contain affiliate links · 13 Comments

    33 shares
    Jump to Recipe
    Diet: Gluten Free / Low Fat / Vegetarian
    Oven cooked rice with a text title overlay.
    Oven cooked rice with a text title overlay.

    Cooking rice in the oven is much more convenient and if you follow all our tips you will get perfect fluffy rice every time. Oven cooked rice is so easy to make and it doesn't take that much longer than other cooking methods. This is a foolproof recipe, with no fancy equipment. Just an ovenproof dish, water, salt, butter and rice mixed together and baked.

    A bowl of cooked white rice with chopped herbs sprinkled over it.

    This oven cooked rice recipe will give you perfect rice every time. Never have gluey and mushy, or undercooked rice again. Just perfect light and fluffy rice, and it is so easy to make. Perfect if you already have the oven on cooking something else too.

    If you want to try some other recipes that make rice a little more exciting, then why not try our Easy Coconut Rice, Easy Greek Rice, Cilantro Lime Rice, Turmeric Rice, The Best Spanish Rice or Mediterranean Rice Salad?

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love it
    • Ingredients needed
    • How to make Oven Cooked Rice - Step by step
    • Variations
    • What to serve with oven baked rice
    • Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Extra tips
    • More rice recipes
    • Recipe
    • Feedback

    Why you will love it

    • Easier - There is no "babysitting" needed for this recipe. Just mix it all together and put it in the oven. It's a totally hands off recipe.
    • Perfectly cooked - You won't risk burning this rice and it won't go all mushy. You get perfectly cooked rice every time as cooking it in the oven means the heat is distributed more evenly through cooking.
    • Saves energy - If you already have the oven on cooking the main meal, then put this in as well and there is not need to use extra energy having the hob on.

    Ingredients needed

    All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.
    • Rice - This recipe uses basmati rice. This is a long grain rice, so it doesn't get sticky when cooked and is perfect for serving with things like curry. If you wanted a stickier rice, then you a short grain and that is better for Chinese dishes as it's easier to eat with chopsticks.
    • Boiling water - Using boiling water gives the rice a head start and cuts down the cooking time by about half. It helps to cook the rice quicker and more evenly.
    • Salt - Season to taste.
    • Butter - This adds a lot of extra flavour and stops the grains from sticking.

    A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

    How to make Oven Cooked Rice - Step by step

    One: Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Put the water, butter and salt in an oven proof baking dish and stir until the butter has melted.

    An oval glass baking dish containing water and melted butter.

    Two: Add the rice and stir well.

    Two shot collage of rice added to the dish, then mixed in to the water.

    Three: Tightly cover with foil and put in the oven for 25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed. The rice should not be mushy, but have a little bite to it.

    Foil placed over the top of the dish.

    Four: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

    Two shot collage of cooked rice, then fluffed up wit ha fork.

    Variations

    This is a really simple recipe, which is what we love about it, so there are not too many ways you can adapt it. However, instead of adding boiling water, you could add stock. Vegetable, chicken or beef stock add lots of flavour to this rice and give it some extra richness.

    If you wanted to add some freshness, then a squeeze of lemon juice works well, and you can stir in some fresh chopped herbs at the same time as you fluff up the rice. You could also add some dried herbs at the same time as the rice.

    Add a teaspoon of turmeric for some turmeric rice, which goes really well with curry.

    A fork in a bowl of rice.

    What to serve with oven baked rice

    Rice is such a classic side dish and goes with so many things. Our easy method of cooking rice in the oven means you can focus on the main dish and make this easy side without having to do anything to it. We love serving rice with anything really saucy, as the rice soaks up all that incredible sauce. Here are our favourite recipes to serve with rice:

    Curry - Cauliflower and Potato Curry, 10 Minute Chickpea and Spinach Curry, Cod Curry or Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry.

    Chinese - Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken, 10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef or Sweet and Sour Kind Prawns.

    Stir Fry - Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry, Easy Vegetable Stir Fry, Lamb Stir Fry or Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry.

    Chilli - Easy Chilli Con Carne, Turkey Chilli or Bean Chilli with Avocado Salsa.

    Stews - Slow Cooker Honey and Garlic Chicken, Mushroom Stroganoff or Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.

    Mexican - Chipotle Black Bean Stew, Beef Burrito Bowl, Chicken Burrito Bowl, Vegan Burrito Bowl.

    Storage

    Store: If you are planning on storing rice, you first need to make sure that you cool it safely. Rice needs to be cooled as quickly as possible and we find that the easiest way to do that is to spread it out on a large plate or baking tray so it is in a single layer. It shouldn't take longer than an hour to cool down. Leftover rice can then be stored in an air tight container for up to 4 days.

    Freeze: Rice actually freezes really well. You can put it in to freezer bags and it will store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Defrost: You can defrost rice in the fridge overnight - it will take at least 12 hours. Don't leave it out on the counter to defrost, as it can grow harmful bacteria if left out at room temperature for more than an hour.

    Reheat: We find the best way to reheat rice is in the microwave. Put it in a microwavable bowl, with a couple of tablespoons of water, cover in cling film and microwave on high for 1 minute. The steam created is enough to heat the rice up and make it nice and moist and fluffy again. You could use it cold to make our Egg Fried Rice recipe.

    A bowl of cooked rice in front of a striped towel.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long do you cook rice in the oven for?

    Oven cooking temperatures can vary greatly, so there will be a little trial and error when you first make this, so you can find the exact cooking time using your oven. Perfect rice should be light and fluffy.
    In our oven it takes about 25 minutes total. But use that as a guide. It will depend on your oven is and the type of rice used.

    How do I know when the rice is cooked?

    The rice needs to be tender and then it is ready to serve. Check it after 25 minutes and then put it on for 3-4 minutes longer if needed.

    Can I use brown rice?

    Yes, you can cook brown rice in the oven, but you will need to add more water and the cooking time will be longer (about 20 minutes longer).

    Can I make more rice?

    Yes, as long as you use the same ratios and you have a big enough dish, you can cook more rice at a time. This makes 4 portions.

    Why is my rice still hard?

    If your rice isn't cooked all the way through, then make sure that you didn't stir it or take the foil off half way through. This will let all the steam escape and the rice won't cook as well. Your oven might not be as hot as the one we used for this recipe, and you might need to cook it for a couple of minutes longer.

    Is oven baked rice gluten free?

    As long as you make sure there is no cross contamination, this is a gluten free recipe.

    Is oven baked rice vegan?

    We used butter in ours, so it isn't vegan. But you can use a plant based alternative.

    What dish should I use?

    You need to use a big baking dish. It needs to be 4 times higher than the water level when the water and rice is added, as the rice does expand. 

    Do I need to rinse my rice first?

    Rice experts will tell you to always rinse your rice first as it removes the starch and helps to give fluffier rice. We have found with this cooking method that is doesn't make much of a difference. However, if you are going to rinse your rice, you will need to add less water (only about 2 tablespoons less) to the rice for cooking, as it will have already absorbed some of the water from rinsing. Too much water will make the rice mushy.

    heart icon

    Extra tips

    • Ignore the rations on the packet of rice and follow the instructions in this recipe.
    • Make sure you seal the rice with foil tightly. This makes sure the steam doesn't escape and the rice cooks properly. Don't forget to fluff up the rice before serving. It lets all the steam out and stops it from over cooking.
    • Do not be tempted to take the foil off to look at or stir the rice. It doesn't need it and it will mean the steam escapes and the rice won't cook as well.
    • Be careful when taking the foil off the dish as a lot of steam will escape.
    • Make sure you add the butter and salt to the boiling water first, as this will let the butter melt in the water.

    More rice recipes

    • Perfect Microwave Rice
    • Healthy Egg Fried Rice
    • Easy Greek Rice
    • Cilantro Lime Rice

    Now you know how to cook rice in the oven, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
    Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - You can use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

    Recipe

    Oven cooked rice in a round bowl.

    Oven Cooked Rice

    Oven cooked rice is so easy to make and it doesn't take that much longer than other cooking methods. This is a foolproof recipe.
    A circular logo saying GF.
    Gluten Free
    the words low fat in a white circle.
    Low Fat
    An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
    Vegetarian
    5 from 12 votes
    Author: Dannii
    Pin Print Save recipe Recipe saved!
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: British
    Prep Time: 1 minute
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 26 minutes
    Allergens:
    An illustration of a carton of milk.
    Dairy
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 189kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    UK Metric Measures - US Customary Measures
    • 190 g rice
    • 440 ml boiling water
    • 1 pinch Sea salt
    • 1 tablespoon Butter

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Put the water, butter and salt in an oven proof baking dish and stir until the butter has melted.
      440 ml boiling water, 1 tablespoon Butter, 1 pinch Sea salt
    • Add the rice and stir well.
      190 g rice
    • Tightly cover with foil and put in the oven for 25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed. The rice should not be mushy, but have a little bite to it.
    • Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

    Notes

    • Ignore the rations on the packet of rice and follow the instructions in this recipe.
    • Make sure you seal the rice with foil tightly. This makes sure the steam doesn't escape and the rice cooks properly. Don't forget to fluff up the rice before serving. It lets all the steam out and stops it from over cooking.
    • Do not be tempted to take the foil off to look at or stir the rice. It doesn't need it and it will mean the steam escapes and the rice won't cook as well.
    • Be careful when taking the foil off the dish as a lot of steam will escape.
    • Make sure you add the butter and salt to the boiling water first, as this will let the butter melt in the water.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1portion | Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 43mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 89IU | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
    DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. K O’Sullivan

      December 27, 2022 at 12:31 am

      5 stars
      Fail proof recipe, works every time, thank you!! Great to have option to increase/decrease the number of people you are cooking for and that measurements are in metric or cups! Do not be tempted to peek at rice until time is up ☺️

      Reply
    2. Kie

      February 22, 2022 at 2:17 pm

      Can you use this method with brown rice?

      Reply
      • Dannii

        February 22, 2022 at 3:15 pm

        Yes, you can but with some adjustments. If you take a look at the FAQ section of the post, we have answered that question there :)

        Reply
    3. Michelle

      February 10, 2022 at 5:37 pm

      5 stars
      Gave this a try last night and it surprisingly works! Game changer!

      Reply
    4. Gina

      February 08, 2022 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      I've never thought to cook rice in the oven but I can't wait to try this and avoid pots boiling over when I'm not looking. Genius!

      Reply
    5. Danielle

      February 08, 2022 at 11:47 am

      5 stars
      I never thought to cook rice in the oven, what a great idea! I will for sure be trying this in the next couple days (I eat rice all the time).

      Reply
    6. Claudia Lamascolo

      February 08, 2022 at 11:41 am

      5 stars
      WE are huge fans of rice and it was delicious the rice was tender and flavorful

      Reply
    7. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      February 08, 2022 at 11:30 am

      5 stars
      This is such a great idea. I am rubbish at rice boiling over on the hob, so this is a much better way of doing it.

      Reply
    8. Hayley Dhanecha

      February 08, 2022 at 9:23 am

      5 stars
      After coming from work, I like to make easy recipes. This oven cooked rice is just perfect,put in the oven and forget for 25 minutes.

      Reply
    9. Casey

      February 07, 2022 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect every time!!! Thank you!!!! So much easier than stovetop!!!

      Reply
    10. Cara

      February 07, 2022 at 8:09 pm

      5 stars
      Loved how easy and foolproof this was! The video really helped too :)

      Reply
    11. Jen

      February 07, 2022 at 8:05 pm

      5 stars
      I never thought to try rice in the oven before! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    12. Elaine

      February 07, 2022 at 7:48 pm

      5 stars
      I love making rice to accompany so many dishes. This recipe is absolutely amazing!

      Reply

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    My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.
    Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

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