Description
This Easy Peanut Butter Rice is a flavorful, creamy, and comforting dish made by cooking long grain rice with aromatic spices and vegetable stock, then finishing it off with rich peanut butter for a deliciously nutty twist. It’s simple to prepare, perfect as a side or a light main, and packs a savory punch with hints of smokiness and spice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked long grain rice
- ½ Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cups vegetable stock
- 3 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 5 Tablespoons peanut butter (preferably high-quality, natural with oil on top)
- Salt to taste (about ¼ teaspoon recommended)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Thoroughly rinse the long grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to prevent mushiness and ensure fluffy grains.
- Combine rice and spices: Add the rinsed rice to a medium-sized saucepan, then sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir to evenly coat the rice with the spices.
- Add liquids and mix: Pour in the vegetable stock and soy sauce, stirring gently to combine all ingredients well. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cook the rice: Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a lively simmer. Once simmering, immediately reduce the heat to low and let it cook undisturbed for 13 minutes with the lid on to allow the rice to absorb the liquid.
- Steam the rice: Remove the pan from the heat and keep it covered, letting the rice steam for an additional 10 minutes to become tender and fluffy.
- Fluff and add peanut butter: Take off the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Add the peanut butter and stir thoroughly so every grain is coated evenly with the creamy peanut flavor.
- Season and serve: Taste the rice and add salt as needed, typically around a quarter teaspoon depending on the saltiness of your stock and soy sauce. Serve immediately, or let it cool to warm or room temperature for later enjoyment. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Notes
- Use high-quality peanut butter made purely from peanuts with oil on top to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Do not skip rinsing the rice as it prevents the rice from turning mushy and helps it cook evenly.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level according to your preference.
- This rice can be served as a side dish or a vegetarian main, versatile enough to pair with various cuisines.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within five days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
